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Compare Keychron Q1 V2 vs V1 Ultra Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers choosing between two premium 75% keyboards from Keychron, the all-metal wired-only Q1 V2 and the lightweight wireless V1 Ultra. The decision is difficult because both offer strong customization, sound dampening, and hot-swappable switches, but one prioritizes build materials and desk presence while the other prioritizes portability and cutting-edge wireless performance.

96
Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard - Version 2
93
Keychron V1 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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4.9 (616)
5.0 (1)
  • Released in 2022
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • 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
  • Released in 2026
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO, ANSI layout standard
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Runs at a 8000 Hz polling rate
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 770 g
  • Sized at 29 x 329 x 149 mm
  • Made with a Plastic, ABS case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, South-face, Rgb South-face, White South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 71.7
  • Build Quality: 89.3
  • Productivity: 97.5
  • Customizability: 99.6
  • Portability: 62.1
Scores
  • Performance: 91
  • Build Quality: 83.9
  • Productivity: 97.8
  • Customizability: 95.3
  • Portability: 80.1
Name
Keychron Q1 V2
Name
Keychron V1 Ultra
Release year
2022
Release year
2026
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO, ANSI
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
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
8000 Hz
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
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
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, South-face, White South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Dimensions
29 x 329 x 149 mm
Weight
1825g
Weight
770g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

If you want a heirloom-quality desk keyboard with a metal case and don't mind a wire, the Keychron Q1 V2 offers a superior build and a firmer typing experience. If you need the lowest latency for gaming, value wireless freedom, or travel often, the Keychron V1 Ultra is the clear choice with its 8K polling rate and long battery life. Both boards are strong, but they serve different primary needs.

Keychron Q1 V2

  • +Full CNC machined 6063 aluminum body with an anodized finish feels premium and durable.
  • +Double-gasket design with silicone pads reduces metal resonance for a cleaner typing sound.
  • +Supports QMK open-source firmware and VIA software for deep key remapping and macro creation.
  • +Steel plate provides a firm, stable typing platform preferred by many enthusiasts.
  • +Comes in a wide variety of color and switch options, plus a barebones DIY kit.
  • −Heavier at 1825g and only available with a wired Type-C connection, limiting portability.
  • −The steel plate combined with Gateron G Pro switches can make switch removal difficult.

Keychron V1 Ultra

  • +Supports an 8K polling rate in both wired and 2.4 GHz modes for competitive gaming response.
  • +Features Bluetooth 5.3, 2.4 GHz, and wired connectivity for flexible setup options.
  • +Lightweight 770g plastic body is easy to carry and travel with.
  • +Large 4000mAh battery delivers up to 660 hours of use per charge with backlighting off.
  • +Utilizes ZMK firmware and Keychron Launcher for web-based customization and security.
  • −Plastic case lacks the premium feel and rigidity of the Q1 V2's all-metal build.
  • −Only one review available which may not reflect long-term reliability or widespread user experience.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The V1 Ultra wins for gaming and travel thanks to its 8K polling rate, wireless options, and light 770g build. The Q1 V2 takes the lead for programming, where its stiffer steel plate and QMK/VIA support appeal to coders. The two tie in office, modding, and content creation categories, as both are hot-swappable, have a programmable knob, and include foam for sound dampening.

GamingKeychron V1 Ultra
  • •Supports an 8K polling rate in wired and 2.4 GHz modes for lower input lag.
  • •Offers 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity for a lag-free, clutter-free setup.
  • •Weighs only 770g, making it easier to transport to LAN events or tournaments.
OfficeTie
  • •The Q1 V2's all-metal aluminum body provides a premium, sturdy feel on a desk.
  • •The V1 Ultra's plastic case and gasket mount with PC plate deliver a softer, quieter typing experience.
  • •Both have a programmable knob for volume or productivity shortcuts.
ProgrammingKeychron Q1 V2
  • •Fully programmable with QMK and VIA support for custom keymaps and macros.
  • •A steel plate offers a firmer, more responsive typing feel preferred by some coders.
  • •Double-gasket design reduces resonance for a cleaner typing sound.
TravelKeychron V1 Ultra
  • •Weighs only 770g, which is less than half the weight of the Q1 V2.
  • •Includes Bluetooth 5.3 and 2.4 GHz wireless, eliminating the need for a cable.
  • •A large 4000mAh battery provides up to 660 hours of use on a single charge.
ModdingTie
  • •The Q1 V2's CNC machined aluminum case provides a premium foundation for case mods.
  • •The V1 Ultra features multiple layers of acoustic foam (EPDM, PET, sound absorbing foam) for sound tuning.
  • •Both boards are hot-swappable and support QMK or ZMK firmware for full control.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both have a programmable knob that can be mapped to zoom, brush size, or volume.
  • •Both offer extensive key remapping via VIA or Keychron Launcher for efficient shortcuts.
  • •Each board includes sound dampening layers for a quieter recording environment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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