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Head to head · Prices checked Oct 21, 2026

Keychron Q1 V2 vs V1 MaxAluminum Build vs Wireless Flexibility

Choose the Q1 V2 for a premium, stationary aluminum build, or the V1 Max for wireless flexibility and lighter weight.

Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard - Version 2

Aluminum Build

Keychron Q1 V2

4.9 · 318 reviews

from$59at Keychron

Shop nowCompare 2 stores
Keychron V1 Max QMK Kabellose Benutzerdefinierte Mechanische Tastatur ISO Layout Kollektion

Wireless Flexibility

Keychron V1 Max

4.1 · 18 reviews

from$94at Keychron

Shop nowCompare 3 stores

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Keychron Q1 V2

Aluminum Build

If you want

  • Full CNC machined aluminum case for a premium, solid feel.
  • Steel plate provides a distinct, firmer typing feedback.
  • Heavier build at 1825g ensures stability on the desk.

And can live with

  • Wired-only connectivity limits placement and device switching.
  • Substantially heavier at 1825g, making it less portable.
  • Generally commands a higher price point than the plastic V1 Max.

Get the

Keychron V1 Max

Wireless Flexibility

If you want

  • Triple-mode connectivity with 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.1, and wired operation.
  • Significantly lighter at 770g, enhancing portability.
  • Includes a 4000mAh rechargeable battery for wireless use.

And can live with

  • ABS plastic case lacks the premium heft and feel of aluminum.
  • Wireless polling rate drops to 90 Hz in Bluetooth mode, as stated in the specs.
  • Battery management is required, unlike a purely wired keyboard.

Bottom line

Your decision hinges on valuing material quality against connectivity freedom. The Keychron Q1 V2 is a definitive choice for a permanent, premium desk setup where its aluminum build and weight are assets. The Keychron V1 Max is the practical option for users who need to move the keyboard, connect to multiple devices, or simply prefer a wireless workspace. Both deliver excellent customization, so prioritize your core need for a cable or a clean desk.

What actually differs

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 V1 Max

  • Connection

    Wired

    Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

  • Case material

    Aluminum

    ABS, Plastic

  • Weight

    1,825 g

    770 g

  • Layout standard

    ANSI

    ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-Nordic, ISO-PT, ISO-SW, ISO-UK

  • Plate material

    Steel

    Polycarbonate

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Keychron Q1 V2
  • Keychron V1 Max
Performance
72
83
Build quality
89
86
Productivity
98
97
Customizability
98
98
Portability
62
79

What they share

  • Layout size: 75%
  • Hot-swappable
  • Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
  • Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
  • Mount style: Gasket Mount, Plate Mount
  • Knob
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The V1 Max is the clear choice for mobile or multi-device workflows, winning in Office and Travel due to its wireless features and light weight. It also takes Gaming for its wireless low-latency option. The Q1 V2 is the superior platform for Modding, thanks to its aluminum construction and steel plate. For stationary, focused tasks like Programming and Content Creation, both keyboards are equally capable, sharing core customization features.

For gaming

Pick the Keychron V1 Max

  • The V1 Max offers a 1000 Hz polling rate over its 2.4 GHz wireless connection for low-latency gameplay without a cable.
  • Its lighter weight of 770g may be preferable for quick desk adjustments.
  • Both share the same 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode.

From real owners

What owners say

Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.

Keychron Q1 V2

4.9

318 owner reviews

Praise
“Exactly what I wanted. Swapped out the switches for some Gateron Zero degree fully silent switches. Mechanical but almost completely silent, works a dream!”
DanVerified buyer· via Keychron

Keychron V1 Max

4.1

18 owner reviews

Praise
“Feels great, haven't got a new KB since my Novatouch. Great high end features and feel, DSA caps on it feel good.”
Paul B.Verified buyer· via Keychron
Critique
“The dongle does not work after 6 months of using it and they want me to pay to fix it. If you want to buy a keyboard that is good don’t go for keycron”
Anonymous· via Keychron

Full specs

Keychron Q1 V2 vs V1 Max specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

9 of 27 specs differ

Keychron Q1 V2

Keychron V1 Max

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Tactile

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount, Plate Mount
Gasket Mount, Plate Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Screw-in stabilizers

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

75%
75%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-Nordic, ISO-PT, ISO-SW, ISO-UK

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Knob

Yes
Yes

Display

None
None

Media keys

Yes
Yes

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Max polling rate

1,000 Hz
1,000 Hz

Battery

Wired only
4,000 mAh

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum
ABS, Plastic

Plate material

Steel
Polycarbonate

Keycaps

ABS, PBT
ABS, PBT

Weight

1,825 g
770 g

Dimensions

23 x 145 x 328 mm
22 x 149 x 329 mm

Typing angle

5°
4°

Backlight

RGB, south-facing
RGB, south-facing

Firmware & software

QMK

Yes
Yes

VIA

Yes
Yes

N-key rollover

No
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2022
2023

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

  • KeychronHK

    In stock
    $59Visit
  • MKUS

    In stock
    $105Visit
  • AmazonGlobal

    Check price
    ~$59Visit
  • Keychron (DE)DE

    Out of stock
    $131Visit
  • KeychronHK

    In stock
    $94Visit
  • MKUS

    In stock
    $94Visit
  • Keychron (DE)DE

    In stock
    $130Visit
  • AmazonGlobal

    Check price
    Visit

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FAQ

Keychron Q1 V2 vs V1 Max: your questions

Yes, the V1 Max is suitable for gaming. It offers a 1000 Hz polling rate in both its 2.4 GHz wireless and wired modes, which provides responsive performance. The wireless capability allows for a cleaner desk setup without cable drag.

The primary difference is the case material and connectivity. The Q1 V2 has a wired-only CNC aluminum case and steel plate. The V1 Max has a plastic ABS case, a polycarbonate plate, and adds 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.1 wireless connectivity with a battery.

The product specifications confirm the V1 Max has a USB Type-C charging port. It is standard for such keyboards to operate in wired mode while charging, effectively functioning as a wired keyboard during that time.

Both keyboards come with OSA profile double-shot PBT keycaps according to their vendor descriptions. The shape and material are similar, though specific colorways and legend styles may differ between models and editions.

Both are highly customizable. They share hot-swappable PCBs for switch changes, screw-in stabilizers, QMK/VIA firmware for reprogramming, and a gasket mount design. The Q1 V2 may attract modders seeking an aluminum foundation, while the V1 Max offers the same core modding features.

Yes, the Keychron Q1 V2 is available in configurations that include a knob. The vendor page lists 'Fully Assembled Knob' as a purchase option, and the description highlights the knob's programmability via VIA software.

According to the V1 Max specifications, the 4000mAh battery provides up to 190 hours of wireless use with the backlight off, and up to 100 hours with RGB lighting at its lowest brightness. Actual results will vary with usage.

The vendor descriptions confirm both keyboards include screw-in PCB stabilizers. While the Q1 V2 description mentions its Gateron G Pro switches are pre-lubed, neither description explicitly states that the stabilizers themselves come pre-lubed from the factory.

Both keyboards are listed with Mac/Win support. The vendor descriptions for each state they include keycaps for both macOS and Windows and have a system toggle switch, making them equally compatible with Mac systems.

Yes. The Q1 V2 is designed for customization, and its gasket mount design typically allows for plate replacement. The vendor description states it is built so you can 'customize and adjust each component,' which includes the steel plate.

The fully assembled version of the V1 Max comes with Gateron Jupiter switches, available in Red, Brown, or Banana tactile variants according to the vendor page. These are described as pre-lubed switches with an LED diffuser design.

Yes. The V1 Max specifications list a 1000 Hz polling rate for the 2.4 GHz wireless and wired modes. The polling rate drops to 90 Hz when the keyboard is connected via Bluetooth 5.1.

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