Compare Keychron Q1 V2 vs Q1 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two generations of Keychron's premium 75% aluminum keyboards. The decision is difficult because both share a core feature set, including a gasket mount, hot-swap PCB, and QMK/VIA programmability. The choice ultimately hinges on whether you need specific international ISO layouts or plan to use a wide range of aftermarket keycap sets.

Model
	96	95	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	4.9 stars (618 reviews)	4.9 stars (42 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Built with the ANSI layout standard Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm Features PBT, ABS keycaps	Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW layout standard Sized at 22 x 145 x 328 mm Features ABS, PBT keycaps
Score	Scores Performance: 72.1 Build Quality: 89.3 Productivity: 97.6 Customizability: 99.7 Portability: 62.4	Scores Performance: 72.5 Build Quality: 89.3 Productivity: 97.3 Customizability: 99.8 Portability: 65.3
Name	Name Keychron Q1 V2	Name Keychron Q1
Release year	Release year 2022	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 ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
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 Wired, Wired only	Connection Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	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 Gasket 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
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum	Case Material Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT, ABS	Keycaps Material ABS, PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 23 x 145 x 328 mm	Dimensions 22 x 145 x 328 mm
Weight	Weight 1825g	Weight 1825g

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Pros and Trade-offs

Your region and keycap plans dictate the choice. If you require a UK, German, French, Spanish, Nordic, or Swiss ISO layout, the original Keychron Q1 is the necessary option. If you use a standard ANSI layout and intend to swap keycaps frequently, the Q1 V2's improved case compatibility makes it the more future-proof board. For all other uses, they are effectively the same high-quality keyboard.

Keychron Q1 V2

+Top case redesigned with sharper corners for better compatibility with third-party keycap profiles like MT3 and SA.
+Available with double-shot PBT keycaps in the fully assembled version, according to its vendor page.
+Offers a wide selection of switch options including Gateron Phantom and Keychron K Pro series.
+Includes a double-gasket design with silicone pads for sound dampening.

−Only lists ANSI layout support in its metadata, lacking the specific ISO layouts of the original Q1.
−Vendor description for some configurations mentions non-shine-through keycaps, which may limit backlight visibility.
−No evidence of shine-through keycaps being included in standard configurations.

Keychron Q1

+Explicitly supports JIS, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, and ISO-SW layouts per its metadata.
+Vendor description confirms inclusion of OSA profile ABS backlight shine-through keycaps for its ISO models.
+Available as a dedicated ISO layout collection for UK, German, Nordic, Swiss, French, and Spanish users.
+Shares the same premium features: aluminum case, gasket mount, hot-swap, and QMK/VIA.

−Lacks the Q1 V2's specific case redesign for improved third-party keycap compatibility.
−Vendor page indicates its fully assembled ISO version uses ABS keycaps, not PBT.
−Plate material options include polycarbonate and aluminum, but the steel plate may be a specific configuration.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The keyboards are functionally identical for gaming, programming, travel, and content creation. The original Q1 is the clear pick for office users in Europe and other regions requiring specific ISO layouts. For modders, the Q1 V2 offers a tangible advantage with its redesigned case for broader keycap compatibility, making it the better choice for enthusiasts planning extensive customization.

GamingTie

•Both have a 1000 Hz polling rate.
•Both offer hot-swappable sockets for switch preference.
•Both share the same 75% layout and wired-only connectivity.

OfficeKeychron Q1

•The original Q1 offers specific ISO layouts for UK, German, French, Spanish, Nordic, and Swiss regions.
•Its vendor description mentions OSA profile ABS shine-through keycaps for backlight visibility.
•Both support Mac and Windows layouts.

ProgrammingTie

•Both have full QMK and VIA support for extensive key remapping.
•Both feature a programmable knob for macros or volume control.
•Both use a 75% layout that retains dedicated arrow and navigation keys.

TravelTie

•Both are wired-only and share identical weight (1825g) and dimensions.
•Both have a 5-degree typing angle.
•Neither is designed for portability due to their heavy aluminum construction.

ModdingKeychron Q1 V2

•The Q1 V2's vendor page states its top case has sharper corners for better compatibility with third-party keycaps like MT3, SA, and XDA.
•Both are equally moddable with hot-swap sockets, gasket mount, screw-in stabilizers, and sound dampening foam.
•Both are available in barebone kits.

Content CreationTie

•Both include a programmable knob for controlling parameters like brush size or volume.
•Both support extensive macro programming via QMK/VIA.
•Both share the same core aluminum construction and typing experience.