KeebFinder
Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare Keychron Q1 Pro vs Q1 Ultra Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two premium 75% aluminum wireless keyboards from Keychron. The choice is difficult because both share a gasket-mounted aluminum build, hot-swap sockets, and a knob. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize the Q1 Pro's broader layout compatibility and open-source firmware, or the Q1 Ultra's cutting-edge wireless performance and updated internal design.

95
Keychron Q1 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
81
Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard

Select a keyboard to compare

5.0 (41)
5.0 (1)
  • Released in 2023
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, ANSI layout standard
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless, 2.4 GHz connectivity
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Weighs about 1825 g
  • Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2026
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Runs at a 8000 Hz polling rate
  • Weighs about 1724 g
  • Sized at 32 x 328 x 145 mm
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, South-face, Rgb South-face, White South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 82.5
  • Build Quality: 89.2
  • Productivity: 97.5
  • Customizability: 99.9
  • Portability: 81.8
Scores
  • Performance: 88.5
  • Build Quality: 73.8
  • Productivity: 90.3
  • Customizability: 76.7
  • Portability: 83.4
Name
Keychron Q1 Pro
Name
Keychron Q1 Ultra
Release year
2023
Release year
2026
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, ANSI
Layout Standard
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, Wired, Wireless, 2.4 GHz
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
8000 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, White, South-face, White South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Dimensions
32 x 328 x 145 mm
Weight
1825g
Weight
1724g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require specific ISO layouts, prefer the established QMK/VIA firmware ecosystem, or want a barebones kit, the Keychron Q1 Pro is the clear option. If your priority is maximizing wireless performance for gaming with an 8000 Hz polling rate, and you value extremely long battery life with a more refined acoustic package, the Keychron Q1 Ultra is the better investment.

Keychron Q1 Pro

  • +Supports multiple ISO layouts (UK, German, Nordic, French, Spanish, Swiss) in addition to ANSI.
  • +Offers QMK and VIA firmware for deep, community-supported programmability.
  • +Available as a barebones DIY kit, lowering the cost for a custom build.
  • +Includes sound dampening foam and screw-in stabilizers in its construction.
  • −Lower 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode (90 Hz wireless) compared to the Ultra.
  • −Shorter claimed battery life of up to 300 hours with backlight off.
  • −Uses an older Bluetooth 5.1 chip according to its product page.

Keychron Q1 Ultra

  • +Features an 8000 Hz polling rate in both 2.4 GHz wireless and wired modes for low latency.
  • +Boasts a significantly longer claimed battery life of up to 660 hours with backlight off.
  • +Includes multiple acoustic foam layers (IXPE, PET film, latex pad, bottom case foam) for sound tuning.
  • +Utilizes a newer Bluetooth 5.3 connection and ZMK firmware.
  • −Only available in ANSI layout, with no ISO options listed.
  • −Lacks explicit support for QMK/VIA firmware, using ZMK and a web launcher instead.
  • −Appears to be more expensive based on its listed starting price.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Q1 Ultra takes the lead for gaming and travel due to its high polling rate and battery efficiency. The Q1 Pro is the stronger choice for programming and modding, thanks to its firmware and barebones availability. For office use and content creation, the keyboards are closely matched, with trade-offs between battery life and layout support.

GamingKeychron Q1 Ultra
  • •The Q1 Ultra offers an 8000 Hz polling rate in both its 2.4 GHz wireless and wired modes, which the manufacturer states reduces input lag.
  • •Its wireless working time is listed as up to 660 hours with backlight off, potentially reducing charging interruptions during long sessions.
OfficeTie
  • •Both support multi-device Bluetooth connectivity and include Mac/Windows keycaps.
  • •The Q1 Pro supports a wider range of ISO layouts, which may be crucial for international offices.
  • •The Q1 Ultra's significantly longer claimed battery life (660 vs 300 hours) is an advantage for cord-free use.
ProgrammingKeychron Q1 Pro
  • •The Q1 Pro supports QMK and VIA firmware, which are widely used in the custom keyboard community for deep, offline key remapping and macro programming.
  • •It offers ISO layout support, including UK, German, Nordic, and others, which can be important for programmers using non-ANSI key legends.
TravelKeychron Q1 Ultra
  • •The Q1 Ultra is slightly lighter at 1724g compared to the Q1 Pro's 1825g.
  • •Its much longer claimed battery life reduces the need to carry a charging cable.
ModdingKeychron Q1 Pro
  • •The Q1 Pro is explicitly listed as having a DIY Kit/Barebones option, providing a cheaper entry point for custom builds.
  • •QMK/VIA firmware support allows for extensive community-driven firmware modifications and keymap sharing.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both feature a programmable aluminum knob for controlling parameters like volume or brush size.
  • •Both have south-facing RGB lighting and hot-swap sockets for personalizing the typing feel.
  • •The Q1 Ultra's per-key and mix RGB controls, as mentioned in its description, offer more granular lighting customization.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

95
$86
Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard - Version 1
Keychron Q1
75%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

98
$186
Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q1 Max
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

100
$160
Keychron Q1 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q1 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

96
$149
Keychron Q3 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q3 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

98
$219
Keychron Q3 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q3 HE
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Metal case,
Gasket Mount

93
$149
Keychron Q2 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard (US Layout)
Keychron Q2 Pro
65%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

99
$129
Keychron K2 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard
Keychron K2 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

80
$229
Keychron Q3 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q3 Ultra
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

97
$239
Keychron Q10 Max (Alice Layout) QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q10 Max
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

97
$44
Keychron V1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron V1
75%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount