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Compare Keychron Q10 vs S1 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two distinctly different 75% keyboards from Keychron: the Q10 with an ergonomic Alice layout and the S1 with a slim low-profile design. The decision is challenging because while the Q10 offers a unique split layout with extra macro keys for enhanced comfort and productivity, the S1 delivers a much more portable and modern typing experience. Both boards feature full CNC aluminum bodies, QMK/VIA support, and a 1000 Hz polling rate, but their form factors and target use cases set them apart.

95
Keychron Q10 (Alice Layout) QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
85
Keychron S1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard

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2.8 (70)
4.8 (18)
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW layout standard
  • Offers Alice ergonomics
  • Comes with a knob
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Weighs about 2460 g
  • Sized at 20 x 157 x 385 mm
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Features a low-profile design
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Offers Normal ergonomics
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Weighs about 960 g
  • Sized at 8 x 118 x 310 mm
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 71.9
  • Build Quality: 89.4
  • Productivity: 100
  • Customizability: 99.8
  • Portability: 62.6
Scores
  • Performance: 81.5
  • Build Quality: 81.6
  • Productivity: 80.1
  • Customizability: 89.6
  • Portability: 62.8
Name
Keychron Q10
Name
Keychron S1
Release year
2022
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Low Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Alice
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
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, North-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
20 x 157 x 385 mm
Dimensions
8 x 118 x 310 mm
Weight
2460g
Weight
960g
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Pros and Trade-offs

If your priority is ergonomic comfort and customization for long typing or creative sessions, the Keychron Q10's Alice layout, macro keys, and knob provide a clear advantage. If portability, a slim profile, or a lighter typing experience matter more, the Keychron S1's low-profile design is the better fit. Both keyboards share solid aluminum builds and QMK/VIA support, so your final choice should hinge on form factor and weight over raw features.

Keychron Q10

  • +Ergonomic Alice layout with separated key clusters reduces wrist strain.
  • +Extra macro keys on the left side can be programmed for shortcuts or macros via QMK/VIA.
  • +Programmable aluminum knob allows quick adjustment of volume, zoom, or other creative functions.
  • +Double-gasket design with silicone pads between case layers reduces metal resonance and improves sound.
  • +Available as a barebones kit for full customization without the cost of switches and keycaps.
  • −Very heavy at 2460g, making it difficult to transport or reposition.
  • −Wired-only connectivity limits desk cable management options.
  • −Some users report that VIA/Launcher recognition may require troubleshooting, as noted in reviews.
  • −The unusual Alice layout requires an adjustment period for users accustomed to traditional layouts.

Keychron S1

  • +Ultra-slim low-profile design with a front height of just 7.8mm without keycaps.
  • +Lightweight at 960g, making it much easier to carry for travel or between workstations.
  • +Supports low-profile, XDA, and DSA keycap sets for personalized aesthetics.
  • +Features adjustable typing angles of 3 degrees or 6 degrees using the included feet.
  • −Low-profile switch compatibility is limited to Gateron low-profile MX mechanical switches only.
  • −North-facing RGB LEDs can cause interference with some aftermarket keycap profiles.
  • −The standard ANSI layout only, no ISO or other regional layout options are available.
  • −Some users report quality control issues with stabilizer lubrication, requiring cleanup out of the box.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Q10 wins in most productivity-focused categories due to its Alice layout, macro keys, and programmable knob, making it ideal for office work, programming, and content creation. The S1 takes the lead in gaming and travel, where its lighter weight, slimmer profile, and higher gaming-oriented performance score are advantageous. For modding enthusiasts, the Q10's barebones option and double-gasket structure offer more flexibility. Both boards tie in scenarios where the 1000 Hz polling rate and wired connectivity are primary factors.

GamingKeychron S1
  • •The S1 has a higher performance score relative to its price tier.
  • •The S1's lighter weight (960g) makes it easier to reposition during gaming sessions.
  • •Both keyboards support a 1000 Hz polling rate for low latency.
OfficeKeychron Q10
  • •The Q10's Alice layout promotes a more natural wrist position, which can reduce strain during long typing sessions.
  • •The Q10 includes dedicated macro keys on the left side, which are useful for repetitive office tasks.
  • •The Q10 has a productivity score of 100/100 in its price tier, indicating strong office-oriented features.
ProgrammingKeychron Q10
  • •The Q10's ergonomic Alice layout may reduce wrist fatigue for programmers who type for extended periods.
  • •The Q10's extra macro keys can be programmed for code snippets or IDE shortcuts via QMK/VIA.
  • •The Q10 offers multiple layout standards (ANSI, ISO, JIS, etc.) for developers in different regions.
TravelKeychron S1
  • •The S1 weighs only 960g, making it significantly easier to carry than the 2460g Q10.
  • •The S1 has a much slimmer profile at 8mm front height (without keycaps), fitting into bags more easily.
  • •The S1 is wired only, but its compact dimensions (310mm x 118mm) save space in a backpack.
ModdingKeychron Q10
  • •The Q10 has a customizability score of 99.8/100, reflecting its high potential for modifications.
  • •The Q10 uses a double-gasket design and screw-in PCB stabilizers, both of which are modder-friendly.
  • •The Q10 is available as a barebones kit without switches or keycaps, ideal for building from scratch.
  • •The Q10 supports a wide range of switch types (3-pin and 5-pin MX).
Content CreationKeychron Q10
  • •The Q10 includes a programmable knob for adjusting brush size, volume, or zoom in creative apps.
  • •The Q10's macro keys can be used for video editing shortcuts or photo editing actions.
  • •The Q10 has a productivity score of 100/100 in its price tier, indicating strong workflow integration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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