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Compare Keychron Q1 V2 vs V1 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Keychron's two popular 75% wired keyboards. The choice hinges on material preference and budget. The Q1 V2 offers a full aluminum CNC case and a dedicated gasket mount, while the V1 uses an ABS plastic case with a tray mount. Both share core features like QMK/VIA support, hot-swap sockets, and south-facing RGB, making the decision a matter of build substance versus value.

96
Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard - Version 2
97
Keychron V1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard

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4.9 (616)
2.5 (61)
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Weighs about 1825 g
  • Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO-NO layout standard
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Weighs about 995 g
  • Sized at 18 x 149 x 329 mm
  • Made with a Plastic, ABS case
  • Features PBT, ABS, keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 71.7
  • Build Quality: 89.3
  • Productivity: 97.5
  • Customizability: 99.7
  • Portability: 62.2
Scores
  • Performance: 90.7
  • Build Quality: 89.1
  • Productivity: 97.8
  • Customizability: 99.4
  • Portability: 64.8
Name
Keychron Q1 V2
Name
Keychron V1
Release year
2022
Release year
2022
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, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO-NO
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
Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz;8000 Hz
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
-
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
Tray Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS,
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Dimensions
18 x 149 x 329 mm
Weight
1825g
Weight
995g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

Your budget and desire for a premium build are the deciding factors. The Keychron Q1 V2 is the investment for those who value an aluminum chassis, gasket-mounted typing feel, and intend to mod. The Keychron V1 delivers almost all the same key features—QMK, hot-swap, knob—in a much lighter and more affordable plastic package, making it an outstanding value for first-time custom keyboard buyers or those who prioritize lightness.

Keychron Q1 V2

  • +Full CNC machined aluminum case for a premium, solid feel.
  • +Gasket mount design, described by Keychron as a 'Double-Gasket Design' with silicone pads.
  • +Steel plate as standard, contributing to a firmer typing sound.
  • +Wider variety of pre-built switch options including Gateron Phantom series.
  • +Exceptionally high user review score of 4.9/5 from a large sample.
  • −Much heavier at 1825g, limiting portability.
  • −Higher price point based on the listed vendor price ranges.
  • −Only available in ANSI layout according to the metadata.
  • −Fixed 5-degree typing angle.

Keychron V1

  • +Significantly lighter at 995g, easier to move.
  • +More affordable price range according to vendor listings.
  • +Supports a wide array of layout standards including ISO, JIS, and several European ISO variants.
  • +Offers an 8000 Hz polling rate option for potentially lower latency.
  • +Includes a frosted black translucent case option for showcasing RGB.
  • −ABS plastic case lacks the premium heft and feel of metal.
  • −Uses a tray mount design instead of a gasket mount.
  • −Noticeably lower user review score of 2.45/5, though from a smaller sample.
  • −Comes with Keychron K Pro switches by default, rather than the Gateron G Pro options on the Q1.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The V1 takes slight leads in gaming due to its high polling rate option and lighter weight, and is the clear choice for travel. The Q1 V2 is favored for modding thanks to its aluminum gasket-mount construction. For office work, programming, and content creation, the keyboards are evenly matched, sharing their most productive features like programmability and the useful knob.

GamingKeychron V1
  • •The V1 lists an 8000 Hz polling rate option, which may offer lower latency.
  • •Its lighter weight of 995g makes it easier to reposition quickly.
  • •The manufacturer states its 1000 Hz polling rate makes latency 'hardly noticeable even in competitive games'.
OfficeTie
  • •Both have a 75% layout with multimedia keys and a programmable knob for productivity.
  • •Both support Mac and Windows layouts out of the box.
  • •Each includes sound-dampening features and screw-in stabilizers for a quieter typing experience.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both keyboards feature full QMK and VIA firmware support for deep key remapping and macros.
  • •The hot-swappable PCBs allow for easy switch changes to suit typing preference.
  • •Their compact 75% layouts conserve desk space while retaining essential navigation keys.
TravelKeychron V1
  • •The V1 is significantly lighter at 995g compared to the Q1 V2's 1825g.
  • •Its plastic ABS case is less prone to cosmetic damage from bumps in a bag.
  • •The dimensions are similar, but the reduced weight is a clear advantage for portability.
ModdingKeychron Q1 V2
  • •The Q1 V2 features a gasket mount design, which is often preferred for a softer typing feel.
  • •Its CNC aluminum case provides a more premium foundation for sound and feel modifications.
  • •The vendor description highlights a double-gasket design with silicone pads to reduce metal resonance.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both include a programmable aluminum knob for controlling parameters like volume, brush size, or timeline scrubbing.
  • •Full QMK support allows for creating complex macros for editing software.
  • •South-facing RGB lighting ensures compatibility with Cherry-profile keycaps, a popular choice among enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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