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Compare Keychron Q1 Pro vs WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a premium 75% and an 80% TKL wireless mechanical keyboard. Both offer aluminum cases, gasket mounts, and QMK/VIA programmability, making the choice difficult. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize a smaller footprint with more layout choices or a larger board with a focus on battery life and unique lighting.

95
Keychron Q1 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
89
PMO Aurora 80 TKL Aluminum Mechanical Keyboard

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5.0 (41)
0.0 (0)
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, ANSI layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • 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
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
  • Released in 2025
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 2300 g
  • Sized at 36 x 360 x 140 mm
Scores
  • Performance: 82.5
  • Build Quality: 89.2
  • Productivity: 97.5
  • Customizability: 99.9
  • Portability: 81.8
Scores
  • Performance: 81
  • Build Quality: 85.5
  • Productivity: 94.8
  • Customizability: 90.4
  • Portability: 88
Name
Keychron Q1 Pro
Name
WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80
Release year
2023
Release year
2025
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
-
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
80%
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
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
8000 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
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Keycaps Material
-
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Dimensions
36 x 360 x 140 mm
Weight
1825g
Weight
2300g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. The Keychron Q1 Pro is the more versatile and portable option, especially for users outside North America or those who want to build their own keyboard from a kit. The WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80 is a compelling TKL alternative if you prioritize battery life, reactive lighting effects, and a standard larger layout, provided you can find it in stock.

Keychron Q1 Pro

  • +Extensive ISO layout support for UK, German, Nordic, French, Spanish, and Swiss users.
  • +Available as a barebones DIY kit for custom builds.
  • +Includes a programmable aluminum knob for volume or macro control.
  • +Features a double-gasket design with a polycarbonate plate for a softer typing feel.
  • +Lighter weight and more compact 75% form factor.
  • −Smaller 4000mAh battery compared to the Aurora 80.
  • −The 75% layout lacks dedicated function row and navigation cluster for some users.
  • −Wireless polling rate is lower at 90 Hz compared to its 1000 Hz wired mode.

WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80

  • +Larger 8000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
  • +Unique music rhythm lighting system that reacts to audio.
  • +Features a five-layer acoustic filling structure and IXPE foam for sound dampening.
  • +Includes a brushed stainless steel top plate and a glitter-infused epoxy resin coating.
  • +Standard TKL layout with dedicated navigation keys.
  • −Heavier at 2300g and larger footprint.
  • −Only available in ANSI layout, limiting international users.
  • −No mention of a barebones kit or knob option for customization.
  • −Product is listed as out of stock with no vendor availability.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron Q1 Pro wins in scenarios demanding portability, international layout support, and deep customization via its barebones kit option. The WhatGeek Aurora 80 takes the lead for content creators drawn to its reactive lighting features. For general office use and wireless flexibility, both keyboards are equally capable, leaving the choice to size preference.

GamingKeychron Q1 Pro
  • •The Q1 Pro has a confirmed 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode.
  • •Its 75% layout saves desk space for larger mouse movements.
  • •The product listing mentions a 90 Hz wireless polling rate for low-latency wireless play.
OfficeTie
  • •Both support multi-device Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless for seamless switching.
  • •Both are listed as compatible with macOS and Windows.
  • •The Aurora 80's larger layout may be preferred for dedicated number pad users, while the Q1 Pro's compact size is better for cluttered desks.
ProgrammingKeychron Q1 Pro
  • •The Q1 Pro offers extensive ISO layout support (UK, German, Nordic, Swiss, French, Spanish).
  • •It includes a programmable aluminum knob for workflow macros.
  • •Its QMK and VIA support allows for deep key remapping and layer customization.
TravelKeychron Q1 Pro
  • •The Q1 Pro is significantly lighter at 1825g compared to the Aurora 80's 2300g.
  • •It has a more compact 75% footprint (328mm length) versus the Aurora 80's 360mm TKL length.
  • •Both offer wireless connectivity, but the Q1 Pro's lower weight is an advantage for portability.
ModdingKeychron Q1 Pro
  • •The Q1 Pro is explicitly offered in a DIY barebones kit version.
  • •Its vendor description details a double-gasket design with a polycarbonate plate for sound customization.
  • •It supports a wide variety of switch types (linear, tactile, clicky) and its hot-swap socket is listed as compatible with most 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches.
Content CreationWhatGeek PMO Aurora 80
  • •The Aurora 80's vendor page highlights a dedicated music rhythm lighting engine that syncs with audio.
  • •It features a unique 270-degree side halo RGB and underglow lighting for visual appeal.
  • •The larger TKL layout provides dedicated function and navigation keys for editing shortcuts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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