Keychron Q1 V2 vs S1Full-Size vs Low Profile 75%
Choose the Keychron Q1 V2 for its superior gasket-mounted typing feel and extensive customization, or the S1 for its ultra-slim, low-profile aluminum design.
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4.9 (318)4.9 · 318 reviews
from$59at Keychron
4.8 (12)4.8 · 12 reviews
from$82at Keychron
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron Q1 V2
Full-Size
Build quality in the top 5% of 75% boards under $100.
- Double-gasket mount design reduces resonance and improves typing sound per the manufacturer.
- Includes sound dampening and screw-in PCB stabilizers for a refined out-of-the-box experience.
- Features a programmable knob that can be custom-mapped for various productivity and creative tasks.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
Get the
Keychron S1
Low Profile 75%
Build quality in the top 10% of 75% boards under $100.
- Ultra-slim design with a front height of only 7.8mm (without keycaps), as noted by the manufacturer.
- Lightweight at 960g, making it one of the most portable full-metal keyboards available.
- Offers a low-profile typing experience with low profile double-shot PBT keycaps that resist oil and fading.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
Your choice comes down to your preferred typing profile. The Keychron Q1 V2 is the superior choice for users who want a full-height, customizable keyboard with a gasket mount, sound dampening, and a programmable knob for improved workflow. The Keychron S1 is the better option if a low-profile, lightweight aluminum chassis that is easy to transport is your top priority. Decide based on whether you value a comfortable, feature-rich desk setup or a portable, slim mechanical feel.
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 S1
Low profile
No
Yes
Mount style
Gasket Mount, Plate Mount
Plate Mount, Tray Mount
Knob
Yes
No
Weight
1,825 g
960 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
Sound dampening
Yes
No
- Keychron Q1 V2
- Keychron S1
- Performance
- 7282
- Build quality
- 8982
- Productivity
- 9880
- Customizability
- 9889
- Portability
- 6265
- Layout size: 75%
- Connection: Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Case material: Aluminum
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
What will you mostly use it for?
For gaming, both keyboards are effectively tied due to their identical 1000 Hz polling rates and wired nature. The Q1 V2 wins in office, programming, modding, and content creation, driven by its double-gasket design, sound dampening, programmable knob, and higher customizability. The S1 is the clear winner for travel, thanks to its ultra-slim and lightweight aluminum build. Overall, the Q1 V2 is more versatile for power users, while the S1 serves a specific niche for those needing a portable low-profile mechanical keyboard.
It's a tie
- Both keyboards feature a 1000 Hz polling rate as stated by the manufacturer, meeting standard gaming performance needs.
- Both are wired-only, eliminating concerns about wireless latency.
- The Q1 V2's gasket mount and steel plate may offer a different feel, but neither board has specific low-latency features that set it apart 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 S1
12 owner reviews
“Got it today, hands on my first mechanical keyboard and feels so good. And a lot of difference in day-to-day way of typing.”
Keychron Q1 V2 vs S1 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
11 of 27 specs differ
Keychron Q1 V2
Keychron S1
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
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
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Keychron Q1 V2 vs S1: your questions
The Q1 V2 is likely better for those who prefer a standard-height keycap profile and a gasket-mounted, dampened typing feel. The S1 is better for users who favor a low-profile, shallower travel distance and an adjustable typing angle.
Yes, both keyboards offer hot-swappable PCB options. The Q1 V2's hot-swap PCB supports both 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches. The S1's hot-swap option is limited to Gateron low profile mechanical switches only.
Both feature a full CNC machined aluminum body and a steel plate. The Q1 V2 uses a double-gasket mount and screw-in PCB stabilizers, while the S1 uses a tray mount and plate stabs. The Q1 V2's build is generally considered more premium due to its gasket design and sound dampening.
No, the Keychron S1 does not have a programmable knob. The Q1 V2 includes a rotary encoder knob that can be customized via VIA software for various functions like volume or zoom.
The Keychron S1 is significantly lighter at 960g and has a much slimmer profile compared to the Q1 V2, which weighs 1825g. The S1 is the better choice for portability and travel.
Yes, the manufacturer states that both the Keychron Q1 V2 and the Keychron S1 support full QMK and VIA software for remapping keys, creating macros, and adjusting lighting effects.
The Q1 V2 comes with OSA profile double-shot PBT keycaps. The S1 comes with low profile double-shot PBT (LSA profile) keycaps. Both are described as oil-resistant and non-shine-through.
The Keychron Q1 V2 is generally better for offices due to its sound dampening features, double-gasket mount, and programmable knob for quick task adjustments. These features contribute to a quieter, more productive experience.
Yes, the Q1 V2 uses south-facing RGB LEDs, which are better for compatibility with Cherry-profile keycaps. The S1 uses north-facing RGB LEDs, which may cause interference with some aftermarket keycaps but are standard for its low profile design.
Based on the provided vendor description, the Keychron S1 is not available as a barebones kit. The Q1 V2 is available as a barebones (DIY) option, allowing you to supply your own switches and keycaps.
The Q1 V2 uses screw-in PCB stabilizers. The S1 uses plate-mounted stabilizers. Screw-in stabilizers are generally considered more stable and less prone to wobble.
Both keyboards support QMK and VIA for macro programming. However, the Q1 V2 has the added benefit of a programmable physical knob, which the vendor describes can be set to macro commands, potentially giving it an edge for complex workflow shortcuts.
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