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Compare Keychron Q1 V2 vs Q1 HE Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Keychron's two flagship 75% keyboards. The choice hinges on whether you prioritize cutting-edge gaming performance and wireless connectivity or a more traditional, cost-effective custom mechanical experience. Both share a premium aluminum build, gasket mount, and extensive programmability, making the decision difficult for enthusiasts who value quality but have different primary use cases.

96
Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard - Version 2
100
Keychron Q1 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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4.9 (616)
4.0 (34)
  • Released in 2022
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 1825 g
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-DE, ANSI, JIS layout standard
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Enables rapid trigger functionality
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only connectivity
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 4000 g
  • Features PBT, ABS, keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 71.7
  • Build Quality: 89.3
  • Productivity: 97.5
  • Customizability: 99.6
  • Portability: 62.1
Scores
  • Performance: 100
  • Build Quality: 90
  • Productivity: 96.8
  • Customizability: 99.4
  • Portability: 81.2
Name
Keychron Q1 V2
Name
Keychron Q1 HE
Release year
2022
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-DE, ANSI, 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
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz;8000 Hz
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
4000 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, White, White South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS,
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Weight
1825g
Weight
4000g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your budget and primary activity should guide this decision. Invest in the Keychron Q1 HE if you are a competitive gamer who will utilize its magnetic switch features, or if wireless connectivity for a clean, multi-device desk is a priority. Opt for the Keychron Q1 V2 if you want a superb, wired custom keyboard foundation for a lower cost and plan to experiment with a wide array of standard mechanical switches.

Keychron Q1 V2

  • +Hot-swappable for a wide variety of standard 3-pin and 5-pin MX mechanical switches.
  • +Features a steel plate, which can offer a distinct sound and typing feel.
  • +Generally available at a more affordable price point for a fully-featured custom keyboard.
  • +Includes a double-gasket design and screw-in stabilizers for a premium typing experience.
  • +High user review score based on a large number of customer reviews.
  • −Wired-only connectivity (Type-C).
  • −Limited to standard mechanical switches, lacking magnetic switch technology.
  • −Heavier weight (1825g) without the benefit of a battery for portability.

Keychron Q1 HE

  • +Equipped with Gateron double-rail magnetic switches featuring adjustable actuation points (0.2-3.8mm) and rapid trigger.
  • +Offers triple-mode connectivity: 2.4 GHz wireless (1000Hz), Bluetooth 5.2, and wired.
  • +Includes a 4000mAh rechargeable battery for cordless operation.
  • +Uses advanced TMR sensors for precise keypress detection.
  • +Supports dynamic keystrokes, allowing multiple actions on a single key.
  • −Hot-swap sockets are compatible only with specific Gateron double-rail magnetic switches, limiting switch choices.
  • −Significantly higher price range.
  • −Much heavier weight (4000g) due to the battery and additional internal components.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Q1 HE is the clear choice for gaming and mobile or multi-device office work due to its magnetic switches, rapid trigger, and wireless versatility. For dedicated typists and modders who prefer a vast selection of traditional switches and a lower entry cost, the Q1 V2 holds a strong advantage. Programmers will find both keyboards equally capable due to their shared programmability and compact layout.

GamingKeychron Q1 HE
  • •The Q1 HE features magnetic switches with adjustable actuation points from 0.2 to 3.8 mm and rapid trigger functionality.
  • •It offers a 1000 Hz polling rate over a 2.4 GHz wireless connection in addition to wired mode.
  • •Its listing mentions dynamic keystrokes allowing for four actions on a single key based on press depth.
OfficeKeychron Q1 HE
  • •The Q1 HE provides Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity for switching between multiple devices like a computer, phone, and tablet.
  • •It includes a 4000mAh battery for cord-free use.
  • •Both keyboards offer Mac and Windows support with included keycaps for each system.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both keyboards support QMK and VIA for deep key remapping and macro programming.
  • •Both feature a 75% layout with a knob for productivity shortcuts.
  • •Both use south-facing RGB LEDs, which avoid interference with Cherry-profile keycaps often preferred by typists.
TravelKeychron Q1 HE
  • •The Q1 HE is wireless, eliminating the need to manage a cable when moving.
  • •Its Bluetooth mode allows connection to devices without occupying a USB port.
ModdingKeychron Q1 V2
  • •The Q1 V2's hot-swap PCB supports a wide range of 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches.
  • •It uses a steel plate, which is a common modding preference for a different typing feel compared to aluminum.
  • •It is generally available at a lower price point, making it a more accessible platform for experimentation.
Content CreationKeychron Q1 HE
  • •The programmable knob on both can be mapped to creative software controls, but the Q1 HE's wireless operation reduces desk clutter.
  • •The ability to connect via Bluetooth to a tablet or secondary device adds workflow flexibility.
  • •The adjustable actuation points on the Q1 HE could be configured for pressure-sensitive inputs in art applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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