Compare Keychron Q1 Pro vs V1 Max Differences Side by Side

The primary difference is build material: the Q1 Pro has a full CNC machined 6063 aluminum case, weighing 1825g, while the V1 Max uses ABS plastic, weighing 770g. Both share the same 75% layout, Bluetooth 5.1 and 2.4 GHz connectivity, 4000mAh battery, and QMK/VIA support. The Q1 Pro also includes a double-gasket design and an aluminum knob, whereas the V1 Max has a plastic case and a standard knob.

Both keyboards are evenly matched for gaming. Each offers a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired and 2.4 GHz modes, N-key rollover, and south-facing RGB lighting. Neither includes software-based gaming features beyond the standard QMK/VIA remapping, making them equivalent for competitive play. Your choice will depend more on whether you prefer a heavy aluminum frame or a lighter plastic build.

Yes, both keyboards fully support QMK open-source firmware and VIA configuration software, as confirmed by their vendor descriptions. You can remap keys, create macros, and adjust lighting using the Keychron Launcher web app on Chrome, Edge, or Opera browsers. The Q1 Pro uses an STM32L432 chip with 128KB Flash, while the V1 Max uses an STM32F402 chip with 256KB Flash.

The Q1 Pro is significantly heavier at 1825g (fully assembled) due to its CNC aluminum case, while the V1 Max weighs only 770g (fully assembled) thanks to its ABS plastic housing. This makes the V1 Max a much better option for travel or carrying between locations, while the Q1 Pro provides a heavier, more desk-stable typing platform.

Yes, they use different keycap profiles. The Q1 Pro comes with KSA (Keychron Spherical Angle) double-shot PBT keycaps, which are not shine-through and have a unique spherical profile. The V1 Max includes OSA (OEM Spherical Angled) double-shot PBT keycaps, which combine OEM height with an SA-like shape. Both are made of durable, oil-resistant PBT material.

Yes, both the Q1 Pro and V1 Max feature hot-swappable PCBs that are compatible with most 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches, including Gateron, Cherry MX, and Kailh. This allows you to change switches without soldering, which is ideal for customization and modding.

Both keyboards use the same 4000mAh rechargeable lithium-polymer battery, as stated in their specs. The Q1 Pro is rated for up to 300 hours without backlighting and up to 100 hours with RGB at lowest brightness. The V1 Max is rated for up to 190 hours without backlighting and up to 100 hours with RGB. Battery life may vary based on actual usage.

Yes, the V1 Max is much more portable due to its lighter weight (770g vs 1825g) and ABS plastic case, which is less prone to damage during transport. Both keyboards have similar dimensions (around 145-149mm x 328-329mm) and a 75% layout, but the V1 Max's lower weight makes it easier to carry in a backpack.

Yes, both the Q1 Pro and V1 Max include a system toggle and additional keycaps for both macOS and Windows, as noted in their vendor descriptions. They also have built-in compatibility for Linux. You can save two different layouts on the keyboard, one for each operating system, for seamless switching.

The Q1 Pro has a more premium build quality due to its full CNC machined 6063 aluminum case, which undergoes processes like polishing, anodizing, and sandblasting. The V1 Max uses ABS plastic, which is lighter but less premium. Both feature gasket mount designs, but the Q1 Pro adds a double-gasket system with silicone pads for reduced acoustic resonance.