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Compare Keychron Q1 Max vs V1 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Keychron's two flagship 75% wireless keyboards. Both share core features like triple-mode connectivity, QMK/VIA support, gasket mounts, and hot-swappable sockets, making the choice difficult. The primary trade-off is the Q1 Max's CNC aluminum construction and enhanced sound profile against the V1 Max's significantly lighter weight and lower cost. Your budget and preference for material feel will be the deciding factors.

98
Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
98
Keychron V1 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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3.9 (96)
4.3 (32)
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-CH, JIS layout standard
  • Weighs about 1724 g
  • Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-PT, ISO, ANSI layout standard
  • Weighs about 770 g
  • Sized at 22 x 149 x 329 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Plastic case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
Scores
  • Performance: 82
  • Build Quality: 89.1
  • Productivity: 96.9
  • Customizability: 99.5
  • Portability: 81.2
Scores
  • Performance: 83.2
  • Build Quality: 86.3
  • Productivity: 97.3
  • Customizability: 99.4
  • Portability: 79.2
Name
Keychron Q1 Max
Name
Keychron V1 Max
Release year
2023
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-CH, JIS
Layout Standard
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-PT, ISO, ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
ABS, Plastic
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Dimensions
22 x 149 x 329 mm
Weight
1724g
Weight
770g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

The Keychron Q1 Max and V1 Max are remarkably similar in function. Your choice hinges on material preference and budget. Invest in the Q1 Max for its superior aluminum build quality, sophisticated sound-dampening materials, and the tangible premium feel. Opt for the V1 Max to get the core wireless custom keyboard experience—including programmability, hot-swap, and gasket mount—in a much lighter and more cost-effective plastic package.

Keychron Q1 Max

  • +CNC-machined 6063 aluminum case for a premium, solid feel and reduced vibration.
  • +Enhanced acoustic package with multiple foam layers (IXPE, PET, Latex) for a refined sound.
  • +Double-gasket design with silicone pads between cases to reduce metal resonance.
  • +Offers two PBT keycap profiles: KSA and OSA side-printed.
  • +Includes Hall Effect as a listed switch type option for advanced customization.
  • −Substantially heavier at 1724g, making it less portable.
  • −Higher price point compared to the V1 Max.
  • −The aluminum construction contributes to the increased cost and weight.

Keychron V1 Max

  • +Significantly lighter weight (770g) for better portability.
  • +More affordable price while retaining high-end features like QMK and triple-mode connectivity.
  • +Offers a wider range of ISO layout language support, including Spanish, French, and Italian.
  • +Includes three adjustable typing angles (3.5°, 7.1°, 9.5°) for ergonomics.
  • +Comes with a Type-C cable and a Type-A to Type-C adapter in the box.
  • −ABS plastic case lacks the premium heft and acoustic properties of metal.
  • −Vendor description mentions ABS keycaps in the metadata, which may be less durable than PBT, though PBT keycaps are also listed and included in the assembled version.
  • −Does not feature the same multi-layered foam suite or double-gasket design with silicone pads as the Q1 Max.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The V1 Max wins for travel due to its substantial weight advantage. The Q1 Max is the better choice for modding enthusiasts seeking a premium acoustic foundation with its layered foams and aluminum case. For gaming, office work, programming, and content creation, the keyboards are effectively tied, offering identical core functional specs. The decision in these categories comes down to budget and desired material feel rather than performance differences.

GamingTie
  • •Both offer a 1000 Hz polling rate in 2.4 GHz and wired modes for low latency.
  • •Both feature N-key rollover in wireless and wired modes.
  • •Their identical 75% layouts save desk space for mouse movement.
OfficeTie
  • •Both support Bluetooth 5.1 for connecting to multiple devices, including computers and tablets.
  • •Each includes Mac and Windows keycaps and a system toggle for cross-platform use.
  • •They offer similar battery life, with the V1 Max listing up to 190 hours and the Q1 Max up to 180 hours with backlighting off.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both are fully programmable via open-source QMK firmware and the Keychron Launcher web app.
  • •Their 75% layouts retain arrow and navigation keys while being compact.
  • •Hot-swappable PCBs allow for easy switch customization to suit typing preferences.
TravelKeychron V1 Max
  • •The V1 Max is significantly lighter at 770g compared to the Q1 Max's 1724g.
  • •Both have the same compact 75% form factor for easier packing.
  • •Both offer wireless operation with a 4000mAh battery.
ModdingKeychron Q1 Max
  • •The Q1 Max features a more extensive suite of acoustic foams, including IXPE, PET, and Latex layers according to its listing.
  • •Its CNC aluminum case provides a more solid foundation for mods and a premium sound profile.
  • •Both share the same core modding features: hot-swap sockets, screw-in stabilizers, and a gasket-mounted PC plate.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both include a knob for media control and shortcut programming.
  • •Programmable macros via QMK/VIA are supported on both models.
  • •South-facing RGB lighting on both ensures compatibility with Cherry-profile keycaps for aesthetic customization.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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