Keychron Q1 V2 vs Q375% or TKL Layout Decision
Choose the Q1 V2 for a more compact desk footprint with a knob, or the Q3 if you need a full-size TKL layout with dedicated navigation keys.
KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
4.9 · 318 reviews
from$59at Keychron
4.8 · 108 reviews
from$59at Keychron
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron Q1 V2
Build quality in the top 5% of 75% boards under $100.
- Compact 75% layout saves desk space and offers a built-in knob for volume or shortcuts.
- Lighter at 1825g and narrower at 328mm, making it more portable.
- Higher review average of 4.9/5 from 616 reviews.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
- No numpad.
Get the
Keychron Q3
Build quality in the top 5% of 80% boards under $100.
- Full TKL (80%) layout with dedicated navigation keys for efficient editing.
- Available in six ISO layouts (UK, DE, Nordic, FR, ES, Swiss) for regional preferences.
- Slightly higher build quality score due to additional PCB mount support and silent switch option.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- No numpad.
Opt for the Keychron Q1 V2 if desk space is at a premium and you want a compact board with a built-in knob. Choose the Keychron Q3 if you need a full TKL layout, dedicated navigation keys, or require an ISO-compatible keyboard. Both deliver an identical typing foundation with the same double-gasket aluminum design and QMK/VIA flexibility, so your layout preference is the deciding factor.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Keychron Q1 V2
Keychron Q3
Layout size
75%
80%
Switch options
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
Mount style
Gasket Mount, Plate Mount
Gasket Mount, PCB Mount, Plate Mount
Weight
1,825 g
2,000 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
Layout standard
ANSI
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, JIS
ISO and JIS exist so regional layouts fit
- Keychron Q1 V2
- Keychron Q3
- Performance
- 7272
- Build quality
- 8991
- Productivity
- 9898
- Customizability
- 9898
- Portability
- 6257
- Connection: Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Case material: Aluminum
- Knob
- QMK
What will you mostly use it for?
For gaming, programming, and modding, both keyboards are essentially tied due to identical core features like QMK/VIA support, 1000 Hz polling, and hot-swappable PCBs. The Q1 V2 takes the lead for office, travel, and content creation due to its more compact 75% layout and the inclusion of a default knob, which saves desk space and offers quick access to controls. The Q3 edges ahead only for those who specifically need a dedicated row of navigation keys or an ISO layout, as it provides a full TKL experience with six ISO regional options.
It's a tie
- Both have a 1000 Hz polling rate and hot-swappable sockets.
- Both are wired only, ensuring a stable connection.
- Both support QMK/VIA for custom key bindings.
- Both use a steel plate, which is sturdy for gaming.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron Q1 V2
318 owner reviews
“Exactly what I wanted. Swapped out the switches for some Gateron Zero degree fully silent switches. Mechanical but almost completely silent, works a dream!”
Keychron Q3
108 owner reviews
“I upgraded from the Q1 as I never really liked 75%. The weight, sound and feel of the Q3 are all amazing. Really good build quality. Money well spent.”
“I thought I had found exactly what I wanted and its great for what it is, but! This was advertised as an ANSI layout but what I received was an ISO layout board. The barebones board also states in the images that it comes with switch and keycap removal tools…”
Keychron Q1 V2 vs Q3 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
6 of 25 specs differ
Keychron Q1 V2
Keychron Q3
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
Mac & Windows
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Keychron Q1 V2
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Keychron Q3
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
In stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
Out of stockDoes not ship to you
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Keychron Q1 V2 vs Q3: your questions
The Keychron Q1 V2 is more compact with a 75% layout, measuring 328mm wide and weighing 1825g. The Q3 is a larger TKL (80%) board at 365mm wide and 2000g, making the Q1 V2 better for smaller desks or travel.
Yes, both the Keychron Q1 V2 and Q3 fully support QMK firmware and VIA software, allowing you to remap keys, create macros, and customize the RGB lighting through a web-based launcher. This makes them both highly customizable.
Yes, both keyboards feature hot-swappable PCBs that support 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches. This allows you to change switches without soldering, as confirmed in the manufacturer's specifications.
Both keyboards share a similar high build quality with full CNC machined 6063 aluminum cases and double-gasket design. The Q3 has a slightly higher build quality score due to offering additional PCB mount and silent switch options, but both are premium all-metal constructions.
Yes, both the Keychron Q1 V2 and Q3 are available as barebones kits, which come without switches and keycaps. This allows you to fully customize your build from scratch.
The Keychron Q3 offers more layout options, including six ISO regional variants (UK, German, Nordic, Swiss, French, Spanish). The Q1 V2 is only available in ANSI layout, making the Q3 the better choice for users who need ISO keycap compatibility.
Yes, both the Keychron Q1 V2 and Q3 come with Mac and Windows keycaps and have a built-in system toggle. They support both operating systems with separate layout profiles that can be configured through VIA.
The Keychron Q1 V2 fully assembled version comes with double-shot PBT keycaps in an OSA (OEM Spherical Angled) profile, which the manufacturer claims provides oil resistance and prevents legends from fading. The Q3, on the other hand, uses OSA profile ABS backlight shine-through keycaps.
Both are excellent for modding due to their hot-swappable PCBs, gasket mount, and availability as barebones kits. The Q3 offers a slight advantage with additional PCB mount support, but both allow for easy plate and stabilizer swaps.
No, neither the Keychron Q1 V2 nor the Q3 includes a built-in screen. Both keyboards focus on a clean, minimalist aesthetic without any integrated displays.
Not sold on either?
Still torn?
Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.