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Compare Keychron Q1 V2 vs Q1 Ultra Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Keychron's two flagship 75% aluminum keyboards. The choice is difficult because both share a premium CNC aluminum case, gasket mount, and hot-swappable design. The Q1 V2 is a wired-only workhorse with extensive firmware support, while the Q1 Ultra adds triple-mode wireless, an 8000 Hz polling rate, and a large battery. Your decision hinges on whether you prioritize wireless freedom and gaming latency or deep customization and a lower cost of entry.

96
Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard - Version 2
81
Keychron Q1 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard

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4.9 (616)
5.0 (1)
  • Released in 2022
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Weighs about 1825 g
  • Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2026
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Runs at a 8000 Hz polling rate
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1724 g
  • Sized at 32 x 328 x 145 mm
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, South-face, Rgb South-face, White South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 71.7
  • Build Quality: 89.3
  • Productivity: 97.5
  • Customizability: 99.7
  • Portability: 62.2
Scores
  • Performance: 88.8
  • Build Quality: 74
  • Productivity: 90.3
  • Customizability: 77
  • Portability: 83.5
Name
Keychron Q1 V2
Name
Keychron Q1 Ultra
Release year
2022
Release year
2026
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
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
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, White, South-face, White 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
32 x 328 x 145 mm
Weight
1825g
Weight
1724g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require wireless freedom for a clean desk, device switching, or gaming with the lowest possible latency, the Keychron Q1 Ultra is the justified premium investment. If your keyboard stays in one place, and your priority is deep customization, open-source firmware support, and value, the wired Keychron Q1 V2 remains an exceptional and more affordable foundation.

Keychron Q1 V2

  • +Supports both QMK and VIA open-source firmware for extensive programmability.
  • +Features a steel plate, which can provide a firmer, more consistent typing feel.
  • +Vendor notes sharper case corners for better third-party keycap compatibility.
  • +Offers a barebones kit option for those who want to supply their own switches and keycaps.
  • +Generally available at a lower price point than the Q1 Ultra.
  • −Wired-only connectivity limits placement and requires cable management.
  • −Lacks a battery, so it cannot function without a constant wired connection.
  • −Uses a 1000 Hz polling rate, which is lower than the Ultra's 8000 Hz.

Keychron Q1 Ultra

  • +Features triple-mode wireless (Bluetooth 5.3, 2.4 GHz) and wired connectivity.
  • +Boasts an 8000 Hz polling rate for ultra-low latency in wireless and wired modes.
  • +Includes a large 4000mAh battery with a claimed life of up to 660 hours.
  • +Comes with multiple sound-dampening foams (IXPE, PET, latex, acoustic foam) pre-installed.
  • +Uses a polycarbonate plate, which can create a softer, more flexible typing sound.
  • −Utilizes ZMK firmware instead of the more established QMK/VIA, which may have a different feature set.
  • −The polycarbonate plate may feel less rigid than steel to some typists.
  • −Commands a higher price than the Q1 V2.
  • −Vendor descriptions do not mention barebones kit availability.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Q1 Ultra is the clear choice for gaming, office, and travel due to its wireless versatility, high polling rate, and battery. The Q1 V2 dominates for programming and modding, thanks to its superior QMK/VIA firmware support and modder-friendly design. For content creation, both are equally capable with their programmable knobs and compact layouts, making the decision more about connectivity preference.

GamingKeychron Q1 Ultra
  • •The Q1 Ultra offers an 8000 Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes for lower latency.
  • •It features N-key rollover in wireless and wired modes for reliable simultaneous key presses.
  • •The wireless connectivity provides a cleaner desk setup without cable management concerns.
OfficeKeychron Q1 Ultra
  • •The Q1 Ultra's triple-mode connectivity (Bluetooth 5.3, 2.4 GHz, wired) allows easy switching between multiple devices.
  • •Its listed battery life of up to 660 hours with backlight off supports extended cord-free use.
  • •It includes dedicated Mac and Windows keycaps and a system toggle for seamless cross-platform use.
ProgrammingKeychron Q1 V2
  • •The Q1 V2 supports both QMK and VIA firmware for deep, open-source key remapping and macro programming.
  • •Its south-facing RGB LEDs prevent interference with Cherry-profile keycaps, a popular choice among enthusiasts.
  • •The vendor description notes the top case has sharper corners for better compatibility with third-party keycap profiles like MT3 and SA.
TravelKeychron Q1 Ultra
  • •The Q1 Ultra is wireless, eliminating the need to carry or manage a cable during use.
  • •It is slightly lighter at 1724g compared to the Q1 V2's 1825g.
  • •The long battery life reduces dependency on finding a power outlet for charging.
ModdingKeychron Q1 V2
  • •The Q1 V2 explicitly supports both QMK and VIA, offering more established, community-driven firmware customization.
  • •It uses a steel plate, which is a common material for modders seeking a firmer typing feel compared to polycarbonate.
  • •The vendor page mentions support for third-party stabilizers like Cherry or Durock, indicating broader hardware compatibility.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both keyboards feature a programmable knob for controlling parameters like volume, zoom, or brush size.
  • •Both have a 75% layout with multimedia keys, saving desk space while retaining essential functions.
  • •The Q1 Ultra's wireless capability offers flexibility, while the Q1 V2's robust firmware allows for highly specific macro programming.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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