Keychron Q1 V2 vs Q1ISO Layout vs Keycap Compatibility
Choose the original Q1 for ISO layout support, or the Q1 V2 for better compatibility with third-party keycaps.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron Q1 V2
ISO Layout
- 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.
- 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.
Get the
Keychron Q1
Keycap Compatibility
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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 V2
Keychron Q1
Layout standard
ANSI
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, JIS
Plate material
Steel
Aluminum, Polycarbonate, Steel
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
22 x 145 x 328 mm
- Keychron Q1 V2
- Keychron Q1
- Performance
- 7272
- Build quality
- 8989
- Productivity
- 9897
- Customizability
- 9898
- Portability
- 6265
- Layout size: 75%
- Connection: Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Case material: Aluminum
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
What will you mostly use it for?
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.
It's a tie
- 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.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron Q1 V2
318 owner reviews
“Exactly what I wanted. Swapped out the switches for some Gateron Zero degree fully silent switches. Mechanical but almost completely silent, works a dream!”
Keychron Q1
10 owner reviews
“Very pretty and good quality, only con is it's kind of pingy but it's easy to mod and fix with some tape, force break mod.”
Keychron Q1 V2 vs Q1 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
3 of 25 specs differ
Keychron Q1 V2
Keychron Q1
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
Mac & Windows
Released
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Keychron Q1 V2 vs Q1: your questions
The primary difference is layout support and case design. The original Q1 offers multiple ISO layouts for international users. The Q1 V2 is focused on ANSI and features a redesigned top case with sharper corners for better compatibility with third-party keycap sets.
The provided metadata for the Q1 V2 only lists ANSI as its layout standard. The vendor description for the Q1 V2 mentions an ISO collection exists, but the core product data does not include the specific ISO variants listed for the original Q1.
According to vendor descriptions, the original Q1 ISO version comes with OSA profile ABS backlight shine-through keycaps. The Q1 V2's vendor page describes its fully assembled version as having double-shot PBT keycaps that are not shine-through.
Yes, both the Keychron Q1 and Q1 V2 feature hot-swappable sockets that support 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches, allowing you to change switches without soldering.
Yes, both keyboards have full support for open-source QMK firmware and VIA software for real-time key remapping, macro programming, and knob customization.
The Keychron Q1 V2 is specifically noted by its manufacturer as having a top case with sharper corners to make it much more compatible with third-party keycaps such as MT3 and SA profiles.
Both share a full CNC machined aluminum body, gasket mount design, screw-in stabilizers, and sound dampening. The Q1 V2's metadata specifies a steel plate, while the original Q1 lists polycarbonate, steel, and aluminum as plate material options.
No. Both the Keychron Q1 and Q1 V2, as per their metadata, are wired-only keyboards with a USB Type-C connection.
Yes, both the Q1 and Q1 V2 are available as DIY barebone kits, which include the case, PCB, and plate but exclude switches and keycaps.
Both models offer versions with a programmable rotary encoder (knob). The knob can be customized via VIA software for functions like volume control, scrolling, or macro commands.
The Q1 V2 vendor page lists options including Gateron G Pro, Gateron Phantom, and Keychron K Pro switches. The original Q1 ISO vendor page lists Gateron G Pro Red and Brown switches for its fully assembled models.
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