Compare Keychron Q1 V2 vs Q3 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two premium all-metal wired keyboards from Keychron. The Q1 V2 uses a compact 75% layout while the Q3 offers a full tenkeyless (TKL or 80%) layout with dedicated navigation keys. Both share the same double-gasket design, aluminum CNC machined body, QMK/VIA support, and south-facing RGB, making the decision primarily about layout preference and workspace needs. The Q1 V2 includes a built-in knob by default, while the Q3 offers a knob version as well as a wider range of ISO layout options.

Model
	96	97	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	4.9 stars (620 reviews)	4.7 stars (320 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options Available in a 75% layout Built with the ANSI layout standard Weighs about 1825 g Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm	Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Silent switch options Available in a 80% layout Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-SW, ISO-UK layout standard Weighs about 2000 g Sized at 20 x 137 x 365 mm
Score	Scores Performance: 72.2 Build Quality: 89.3 Productivity: 97.6 Customizability: 99.7 Portability: 62.4	Scores Performance: 72.1 Build Quality: 90.9 Productivity: 97.5 Customizability: 99.6 Portability: 57.5
Name	Name Keychron Q1 V2	Name Keychron Q3
Release year	Release year 2022	Release year 2022
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Silent
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 75%	Layout Size 80%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-SW, ISO-UK
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Wired, Wired only	Connection Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity -
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Gasket Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight Rgb, South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum	Case Material Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT, ABS	Keycaps Material PBT, ABS
Dimensions	Dimensions 23 x 145 x 328 mm	Dimensions 20 x 137 x 365 mm
Weight	Weight 1825g	Weight 2000g

*Something incorrect or missing? Please

let me know

!

Pros and Trade-offs

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.

Keychron Q1 V2

+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.
+Includes multi-media keys and sound dampening from the manufacturer.

−No dedicated navigation keys (Home, End, etc.) due to the compact layout.
−Limited to ANSI layout standard with no ISO layout options available.

Keychron Q3

+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.
+Offers a wider variety of switch types, including silent options.

−Larger footprint at 365mm wide and heavier at 2000g, less portable.
−Knob is only available on select versions, not a default feature on all models.
−Uses ABS keycaps from the vendor, which may wear faster than PBT alternatives.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingTie

•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.

OfficeKeychron Q1 V2

•The Q1 V2's 75% layout saves desk space.
•The Q1 V2 comes with a knob for volume or zoom control out of the box.
•The Q1 V2's sound dampening and screw-in stabilizers contribute to a quieter typing experience.

ProgrammingTie

•Both feature QMK/VIA support for full key remapping and macros.
•Both have an aluminum case for a solid, stable typing platform.
•Both use screw-in PCB stabilizers for consistent key feel on large keys.

TravelKeychron Q1 V2

•The Q1 V2 is narrower at 328mm vs 365mm for the Q3, making it easier to pack.
•The Q1 V2 weighs 1825g, which is lighter than the Q3's 2000g.
•The Q1 V2's 75% layout is more compact overall.

ModdingTie

•Both offer hot-swappable PCBs supporting 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
•Both are sold as barebones kits (without switches/keycaps) for custom builds.
•Both have a gasket mount and a steel plate that can be swapped or modded.
•The Q3 supports PCB mount in addition to plate and gasket mount.

Content CreationKeychron Q1 V2

•The Q1 V2's default knob is useful for scrubbing timelines or adjusting brush size.
•The Q1 V2's compact layout puts more mouse space closer to the keyboard.
•The Q1 V2 supports multi-media keys out of the box.