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

Compare Keychron Q1 V2 vs Q1 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Keychron's two flagship 75% aluminum keyboards. The choice hinges on whether you prioritize wireless connectivity and a refined out-of-box sound or seek a lower-cost entry into high-end custom keyboards. Both share a gasket-mounted aluminum case, QMK/VIA programmability, and hot-swap sockets, making the decision a matter of connectivity, included features, and budget.

96
Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard - Version 2
98
Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard

Select a keyboard to compare

4.9 (616)
3.9 (94)
  • Released in 2022
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 1825 g
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Released in 2023
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-CH, JIS layout standard
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1724 g
  • Features PBT keycaps
Scores
  • Performance: 71.7
  • Build Quality: 89.3
  • Productivity: 97.5
  • Customizability: 99.7
  • Portability: 62.2
Scores
  • Performance: 81.9
  • Build Quality: 89
  • Productivity: 96.9
  • Customizability: 99.5
  • Portability: 81.4
Name
Keychron Q1 V2
Name
Keychron Q1 Max
Release year
2022
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
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-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-CH, 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
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 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
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Weight
1825g
Weight
1724g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If wireless freedom, a polished acoustic experience, and multi-device workflow are essential, the Keychron Q1 Max is worth the investment. If you plan to use the keyboard in a single, wired setup and want to allocate more of your budget to aftermarket mods, the Keychron Q1 V2 remains an excellent and highly customizable foundation.

Keychron Q1 V2

  • +Generally available at a lower price point, offering strong value for a custom aluminum keyboard.
  • +Includes a steel plate option, which can appeal to users seeking a firmer, more resonant typing feel.
  • +Vendor page notes top case design for better compatibility with third-party keycap profiles like MT3 and SA.
  • +Offers a wide selection of switch options from Gateron G Pro, Phantom, and Keychron K Pro series.
  • +Maintains high customizability with QMK/VIA, hot-swap sockets, and screw-in stabilizers.
  • −Wired-only connectivity limits placement and creates cable clutter.
  • −Lacks the enhanced acoustic foam package (IXPE, PET, Latex) found in the Q1 Max.
  • −Does not have a built-in battery or any wireless capabilities.

Keychron Q1 Max

  • +Offers triple-mode connectivity: 2.4 GHz (1000 Hz), Bluetooth 5.1, and wired.
  • +Features multiple layers of enhanced acoustic foam (IXPE, PET, Latex) for a premium out-of-box sound.
  • +Includes a large 4000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
  • +Comes with exclusive Gateron Jupiter switches and a choice of KSA or side-printed OSA PBT keycaps.
  • +Supports a very wide array of ISO layouts directly from the manufacturer.
  • −Commands a higher price than the Q1 V2.
  • −Some user reviews mention firmware-related key chatter issues after updating.
  • −Standard plate is polycarbonate; a steel plate is not listed as an option.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Q1 Max is the clear choice for mobile and multi-device workflows, winning in Gaming, Office, Travel, and Content Creation due to its robust wireless suite and refined acoustics. The Q1 V2 is favored for Modding, where its lower cost and steel plate option provide a better foundation for customization. For stationary, wired use like Programming, both keyboards are equally capable, making the decision purely about budget versus wireless convenience.

GamingKeychron Q1 Max
  • •The Q1 Max offers a 2.4 GHz wireless mode with a 1000 Hz polling rate for lag-free gaming away from the desk.
  • •Its N-key rollover is confirmed for wireless use, ensuring reliable simultaneous key presses.
  • •The polycarbonate plate and enhanced foams may provide a more consistent typing feel during rapid inputs.
OfficeKeychron Q1 Max
  • •Triple connectivity (Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4 GHz, wired) allows easy switching between multiple computers or a phone.
  • •A 4000mAh battery provides up to 180 hours of wireless use with backlighting off, reducing cable clutter.
  • •It supports a wider range of ISO layouts out of the box for international users.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both have the same 75% layout with a knob and full QMK/VIA support for extensive key remapping and macros.
  • •Both feature south-facing RGB LEDs for compatibility with Cherry-profile keycaps.
  • •The Q1 Max's wireless capability aids in a clean desk setup, while the Q1 V2's lower cost frees budget for switches and keycaps.
TravelKeychron Q1 Max
  • •Wireless functionality eliminates the need to carry or connect a cable at different workspaces.
  • •It is slightly lighter (1724g vs 1825g), though both are heavy aluminum boards.
  • •Bluetooth connectivity allows pairing with laptops, tablets, or phones without using a USB port.
ModdingKeychron Q1 V2
  • •The Q1 V2 is available at a lower price point, leaving more budget for aftermarket switches, keycaps, and stabilizers.
  • •It offers a steel plate option, which provides a different typing feel and sound compared to the Q1 Max's standard polycarbonate plate.
  • •The vendor page mentions compatibility with third-party stabilizers like Cherry or Durock, and its top case is noted for better third-party keycap compatibility.
Content CreationKeychron Q1 Max
  • •The programmable knob can be mapped to creative software controls like brush size or timeline scrubbing via VIA.
  • •Wireless connectivity reduces desk cable clutter for a cleaner filming or streaming setup.
  • •The vendor description highlights multiple layers of acoustic foam (IXPE, PET, Latex) for a more premium, consistent sound profile out of the box.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

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

94
$194
Lemokey L1 QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Gaming Keyboard
Keychron Lemokey L1
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

94
$86
Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard - Version 1
Keychron Q1
75%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

100
$160
Keychron Q1 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q1 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

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

96
$149
Keychron Q3 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q3 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

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

95
$205
Keychron Q2 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q2 Max
65%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

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

98
$219
Keychron Q3 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q3 HE
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Metal case,
Gasket Mount