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

Compare Keychron Q1 V2 vs Q2 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers torn between the wired Keychron Q1 V2 and the wireless Keychron Q2 Max. Both are all-metal Keychron boards with QMK/VIA support and hot-swap sockets, but they differ in layout size, connectivity, and plate material. The Q1 V2 offers a full 75% layout with a steel plate at a lower entry price, while the Q2 Max brings Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless plus a flexible polycarbonate plate. The decision comes down to whether you prioritize desk-friendly wired reliability or the freedom of wireless in a smaller footprint.

96
Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard - Version 2
95
Keychron Q2 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

Select a keyboard to compare

4.9 (616)
5.0 (6)
  • Released in 2022
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 1825 g
  • Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Released in 2024
  • Available in a 65% layout
  • Built with the ISO, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW layout standard
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1528 g
  • Sized at 21 x 121 x 328 mm
  • Features PBT keycaps
Scores
  • Performance: 71.7
  • Build Quality: 89.3
  • Productivity: 97.5
  • Customizability: 99.6
  • Portability: 62.1
Scores
  • Performance: 77.8
  • Build Quality: 88.3
  • Productivity: 93.2
  • Customizability: 99.6
  • Portability: 88.8
Name
Keychron Q1 V2
Name
Keychron Q2 Max
Release year
2022
Release year
2024
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
65%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW
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
21 x 121 x 328 mm
Weight
1825g
Weight
1528g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

Choose the Keychron Q1 V2 if you want a full-featured 75% wired board with a steel plate and a lower price. It is ideal for programming and desktop setups where wireless is unnecessary. Pick the Keychron Q2 Max if you need Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz wireless, a more flexible PC plate, and a compact 65% layout for travel or smaller desks. The Q2 Max delivers stronger gaming performance and portability at a higher cost.

Keychron Q1 V2

  • +75% layout offers a dedicated function row and navigation keys for improved productivity
  • +Full CNC-machined aluminum body with double-gasket design reduces metal resonance
  • +Comes with OSA double-shot PBT keycaps that resist oil and fading
  • +Lower entry price compared to the Q2 Max across multiple vendor options
  • −Wired-only connectivity limits placement flexibility
  • −Steel plate makes switch removal more difficult compared to polycarbonate plates
  • −Heavier at 1825 grams, less portable than the Q2 Max

Keychron Q2 Max

  • +Triple connectivity with Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4 GHz, and Type-C wired
  • +Built-in 4000mAh battery provides up to 100 hours of use with RGB at lowest brightness
  • +Polycarbonate plate and multiple acoustic foam layers (IXPE, PET, Latex) enhance typing sound and flexibility
  • +Compact 65% layout saves desk space and reduces travel weight
  • −65% layout lacks dedicated function row, requiring layers for navigation keys
  • −Higher price point compared to the Q1 V2
  • −Only available in ISO layout configurations (German, UK, Nordic, Swiss) which may not suit all users
  • −Fewer customer reviews available (6 reviews) compared to the Q1 V2

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Q1 V2 wins for programming due to its 75% layout and stiff steel plate, while the Q2 Max takes gaming thanks to its 2.4 GHz wireless with 1000 Hz polling and NKRO. For travel, the Q2 Max is clearly lighter and battery-powered. Office, modding, and content creation end in a tie because both boards offer similar software support, hot-swap flexibility, and knob options. The Q2 Max distinguishes itself with wireless freedom and premium acoustic foams, but the Q1 V2 remains a strong wired value with a more traditional layout.

GamingKeychron Q2 Max
  • •Supports 2.4 GHz wireless with 1000 Hz polling for low-latency gaming
  • •Includes N-Key Rollover (NKRO) in both wireless and wired modes
OfficeTie
  • •Both offer QMK/VIA support for custom productivity macros
  • •Both include sound dampening and screw-in stabilizers for a quiet typing experience
  • •Both are built with durable aluminum cases
  • •Q1 V2 has more keys (75% layout) for dedicated function row; Q2 Max adds wireless desk clutter reduction
ProgrammingKeychron Q1 V2
  • •75% layout provides dedicated function row and navigation keys without sacrificing desk space
  • •Steel plate delivers a stiffer, more consistent typing feel preferred by some coders
  • •Steel plate makes switch removal harder but offers a firmer bottom-out
TravelKeychron Q2 Max
  • •Lighter at 1528g versus 1825g for the Q1 V2
  • •Built-in 4000mAh battery supports wireless use without a cable
  • •65% layout is more compact (21 x 121 x 328 mm) than the Q1 V2
ModdingTie
  • •Both are hot-swappable with 3-pin and 5-pin MX switch compatibility
  • •Both use screw-in PCB stabilizers that support third-party replacements like Cherry or Durock
  • •Q1 V2 uses a steel plate which is harder to remove switches from; Q2 Max uses a more flexible PC plate
  • •Q2 Max adds multiple layers of acoustic foams (IXPE, PET, Latex) for sound tuning
Content CreationTie
  • •Both feature a programmable rotary knob for adjusting brush size, opacity, volume, or zoom
  • •Both offer QMK/VIA for custom macro and shortcut mapping
  • •South-facing RGB works well with cherry-profile keycaps commonly used by creators

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

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

95
$86
Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard - Version 1
Keychron Q1
75%,
Hotswap,
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

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

97
$59
Keychron Q3 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q3
80%,
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

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
$149
Keychron Q2 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard (US Layout)
Keychron Q2 Pro
65%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

97
$239
Keychron Q10 Max (Alice Layout) QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q10 Max
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount