Keychron Q1 Pro vs Q2 HELayout or Magnetic Switches
Choose the Q1 Pro for a versatile typing layout and wireless freedom, or the Q2 HE for cutting-edge magnetic switch performance.
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5.0 (15)5.0 · 15 reviews
from$149at Keychron
5.0 (4)5.0 · 4 reviews
from$229at MK
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron Q1 Pro
Build quality in the top 5% of 75% boards under $150.
- 75% layout includes F-row, navigation keys, and a knob for productive workflows
- Double-gasket design with a polycarbonate plate provides flexible and damped typing
- Offers ISO layout options including DE, UK, FR, and other regional standards from the vendor
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- No numpad.
Get the
Keychron Q2 HE
Hall effect
Build quality in the top 10% of 65% boards under $300.
- Hall Effect magnetic switches offer adjustable actuation points from 0.2 to 3.8 mm
- Supports 8000 Hz polling rate in wired mode for extremely low latency
- Rapid Trigger and 4-in-1 action keys allow advanced keystroke customization for gaming
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
- 65% layout. No function row and no numpad.
For gamers seeking a competitive edge with Hall Effect switches, the Q2 HE is the obvious choice with adjustable actuation and rapid trigger. For users who prioritize productivity or modding flexibility, the Q1 Pro provides a more versatile 75% layout, compatibility with standard MX switches, and both ANSI and ISO options. Consider your primary use case: gaming performance versus layout versatility and customization freedom.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Keychron Q1 Pro
Keychron Q2 HE
Layout size
75%
65%
Hall effect (magnetic)
No
Yes
Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing
Rapid trigger
No
Yes
Faster resets help in games and not in normal typing
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired, 2.4 GHz
Wired, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Max polling rate
1,000 Hz
8,000 Hz
Higher polling helps competitive FPS and does nothing for typing
- Keychron Q1 Pro
- Keychron Q2 HE
- Performance
- 8298
- Build quality
- 9087
- Productivity
- 9894
- Customizability
- 9896
- Portability
- 8290
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 4,000 mAh
- Knob
- QMK
- VIA
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Q2 HE wins in gaming due to its Hall Effect magnetic switches with adjustable actuation and rapid trigger, while the Q1 Pro takes office and content creation use cases thanks to its 75% layout and dedicated function keys. Both keyboards tie for programming since each supports extensive QMK/VIA customization and hot-swappable switches. The Q2 HE is more portable with a smaller footprint and lighter weight. For modding, the Q1 Pro wins because it accepts standard MX switches and offers a barebone option.
Pick the Keychron Q2 HE
- Offers Hall Effect Gateron double-rail magnetic switches with adjustable actuation points from 0.2 to 3.8 mm
- Features Dynamic Rapid Trigger and 4-in-1 action keys for advanced gaming input
- Supports 2.4 GHz wireless with 1000 Hz polling rate for lower latency
- Includes Analog Mode for variable pressure sensitivity in games
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron Q1 Pro
15 owner reviews
“The Q1 Pro is the second keyboard I bought from Keychron. The basic materials are very good and she looks amazing. The only thing that is not perfect is the sound. I think she will be perfect with a simple adaption of foam and lubed switches. But the Q1 is…”
Keychron Q2 HE
4 owner reviews
“This thing is pure quality from the software all the way to the build itself. It's got a lot of heft to it and the material is very nice. The Keychron software is amazing too, there is no app or anything you just go to the Keychron launcher on your browser…”
Keychron Q1 Pro vs Q2 HE specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
16 of 29 specs differ
Keychron Q1 Pro
Keychron Q2 HE
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Rapid trigger
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Keychron Q1 Pro
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
In stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
Out of stockDoes not ship to you
Keychron Q2 HE
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Keychron Q1 Pro vs Q2 HE: your questions
No, the Q2 HE is only compatible with Gateron double-rail magnetic switches sold on the Keychron website. The vendor specifies that it does not support other magnetic switches like Gateron Magnetic Jade or KS-20 models.
The vendor states that the Q1 Pro offers up to 300 hours of Bluetooth working time with backlight off and up to 100 hours with RGB on lowest brightness. The Q2 HE is rated for up to 115 hours wireless working time with backlight off. Both have 4000mAh batteries.
The metadata lists connectivity options for Q1 Pro as Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless, and 2.4 GHz, but the vendor description specifies only Bluetooth and Type-C wired connectivity. It is best to verify with Keychron whether the Q1 Pro includes 2.4 GHz support.
Yes, both keyboards come with a system toggle and an additional set of customized keycaps for both macOS and Windows. The vendor confirms that you can save two different layouts on the keyboard, one for each operating system.
Yes, it supports QMK and VIA for extensive key remapping and macros. However, its 65% layout lacks a function row, so programmers who use F-keys for debugging or navigation keys may find the Q1 Pro's 75% layout more convenient.
The Q1 Pro comes with KSA double-shot PBT keycaps that are non-shine-through. The Q2 HE comes with OSA (OEM spherical angled) double-shot PBT keycaps that are also non-shine-through. Both are oil-resistant and durable.
Neither the Keychron Q1 Pro nor the Keychron Q2 HE product descriptions mention including a carrying case. The Q2 HE is more compact and lighter at 1650g versus 1825g, making it more portable but you would need a separate case.
The Q2 HE has a 65% layout without a function row, which may limit shortcuts in editing software. It lacks a knob that could be programmed for timeline control. The Q1 Pro is better for content creation due to its knob and dedicated function keys.
The Q1 Pro has a 5.2 degree typing angle as stated in its vendor specifications. The Q2 HE has a 7 degree typing angle. The Q2 HE offers a slightly steeper slope, though both are comfortable for most users.
The Q2 HE is better for gaming due to its Hall Effect switches with adjustable actuation points, Rapid Trigger, 4-in-1 action keys, and Analog Mode. The Q1 Pro uses standard mechanical switches and lacks these advanced gaming features.
Yes, both are hot-swappable. The Q1 Pro is compatible with most 3-pin and 5-pin MX style mechanical switches like Gateron and Cherry MX. The Q2 HE is also hot-swappable but only with Gateron double-rail magnetic switches.
Not sold on either?
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