Compare Keychron Q1 Pro vs V1 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Keychron's premium and budget-friendly 75% custom mechanical keyboards. The choice is difficult because both share core features like hot-swappable PCBs, QMK/VIA programmability, and a knob option, but differ fundamentally in construction, connectivity, and price. Your decision hinges on how much you value wireless freedom and a metal chassis versus a lower-cost, wired-only solution.

Model
	95	98	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	5.0 stars (41 reviews)	2.4 stars (63 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2023 Built with the ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, ANSI layout standard Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless, 2.4 GHz connectivity Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery Weighs about 1825 g Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm Made with a Aluminum case Features ABS, PBT keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting	Released in 2022 Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK layout standard Uses a Tray Mount mounting style Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity Weighs about 995 g Sized at 18 x 149 x 329 mm Made with a Plastic, ABS case Features PBT, ABS keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 82 Build Quality: 89.4 Productivity: 97.4 Customizability: 99.8 Portability: 81.7	Scores Performance: 91.3 Build Quality: 89.2 Productivity: 97.9 Customizability: 99.5 Portability: 64.9
Name	Name Keychron Q1 Pro	Name Keychron V1
Release year	Release year 2023	Release year 2022
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 75%	Layout Size 75%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless, 2.4 GHz	Connection Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz;8000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 4000 mAh	Battery capacity -
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Gasket Mount	Mount Style Tray Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum	Case Material Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material ABS, PBT	Keycaps Material PBT, ABS
Dimensions	Dimensions 23 x 145 x 328 mm	Dimensions 18 x 149 x 329 mm
Weight	Weight 1825g	Weight 995g

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Pros and Trade-offs

Your budget and need for wireless operation are the primary deciding factors. The Keychron Q1 Pro justifies its higher cost with a premium aluminum build, multi-device wireless connectivity, and a sophisticated gasket-mount design. The Keychron V1 delivers nearly all the same core customizability and programmability in a lighter, wired-only plastic package at a much more accessible price point.

Keychron Q1 Pro

+Offers Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connectivity for maximum flexibility.
+Constructed from a CNC-machined aluminum case for a premium feel and durability.
+Includes a 4000mAh rechargeable battery for extended wireless use.
+Features a double-gasket mount design with a polycarbonate plate for a specific typing feel.
+Comes with KSA profile double-shot PBT keycaps in the fully assembled version.

−Substantially heavier at 1825g, making it less portable.
−More expensive than the V1, representing a higher initial investment.
−Wireless polling rate is listed at 90 Hz, which is lower than its wired mode.

Keychron V1

+Significantly more affordable, offering a lower cost of entry.
+Much lighter at 995g, easier to move or transport.
+Lists an 8000 Hz polling rate option for potentially ultra-low latency.
+Available in a frosted translucent plastic case variant.
+Comes with OSA profile double-shot PBT keycaps.

−Wired-only connectivity, lacking wireless options.
−Case is made of ABS plastic, which may feel less premium than metal.
−Uses a tray mount design instead of a gasket mount.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Q1 Pro is the clear choice for office and content creation users who need wireless connectivity and a premium build. The V1 wins for gaming due to its high polling rate option and for travel because of its lighter weight. For programming and modding, both keyboards are equally capable, sharing extensive programmability and customization features.

GamingKeychron V1

•The V1 lists an 8000 Hz polling rate option, potentially offering lower latency.
•Its lighter weight (995g) may allow for easier repositioning on a desk.
•The wired-only connection ensures a consistent, lag-free signal.

OfficeKeychron Q1 Pro

•The Q1 Pro offers Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless for connecting to multiple devices.
•Its aluminum case may provide a more premium, professional aesthetic.
•A 4000mAh battery supports extended wireless use between charges.

ProgrammingTie

•Both keyboards support QMK and VIA for deep key remapping and macros.
•Both are available in a 75% layout, preserving arrow and function keys.
•Each offers a programmable knob for workflow customization.

TravelKeychron V1

•The V1 is significantly lighter at 995g compared to the Q1 Pro's 1825g.
•Its plastic case may be more resistant to minor impacts during transport.
•The lack of a battery simplifies travel, as it requires no charging.

ModdingTie

•Both are hot-swappable, supporting 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches.
•Both feature screw-in PCB stabilizers for easy customization.
•Each is available as a barebones kit, allowing for complete personalization.

Content CreationKeychron Q1 Pro

•Wireless connectivity allows for a cleaner desk setup for filming or photography.
•The manufacturer describes the aluminum rotary encoder as enhancing creative workflow.
•The ability to switch between multiple devices wirelessly can streamline a multi-computer workflow.