KeebFinder
Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

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.

96
Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard - Version 2
95
Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard - Version 1

Select a keyboard to compare

4.9 (616)
4.9 (42)
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear switch options
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, JIS layout standard
  • Supports Wired, Wired only, connectivity
  • Sized at 22 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
Scores
  • Performance: 71.8
  • Build Quality: 89.3
  • Productivity: 97.4
  • Customizability: 99.6
  • Portability: 62.2
Scores
  • Performance: 72.1
  • Build Quality: 89.5
  • Productivity: 97.6
  • Customizability: 99.8
  • Portability: 62.8
Name
Keychron Q1 V2
Name
Keychron Q1
Release year
2022
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, JIS
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
Wired, Wired only
Connection
Wired, Wired only,
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
-
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
PBT, ABS
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Dimensions
22 x 145 x 328 mm
Weight
1825g
Weight
1825g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

98
$186
Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q1 Max
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

95
$149
Keychron Q1 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q1 Pro
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

95
$79
Keychron Q10 (Alice Layout) QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q10
75%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

98
$94
Keychron V1 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V1 Max
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

97
$59
Keychron Q3 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q3
80%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

94
$94
Keychron V3 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3 Max
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

96
$54
Keychron V3 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3
80%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

93
$59
Keychron Q2 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q2
65%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

96
$89
Keychron V6 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V6 Max
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

92
$59
Keychron Q4 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q4
60%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount