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Compare Keychron Q1 vs Q1 Pro Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Keychron's two flagship 75% aluminum keyboards. The choice hinges on whether wireless connectivity and a refined stock configuration are worth the higher cost over the wired-only original. Both share a premium CNC aluminum case, gasket mount, hot-swap PCB, and full QMK/VIA programmability, making the decision difficult for enthusiasts who value core customizability. The primary trade-off is connectivity and some stock components versus price and a wider selection of stock layout options.

94
Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard - Version 1
95
Keychron Q1 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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4.9 (42)
5.0 (40)
  • Released in 2022
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear switch options
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, JIS layout standard
  • Supports Wired, Wired only, connectivity
  • Sized at 22 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, ANSI layout standard
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless, 2.4 GHz connectivity
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm
Scores
  • Performance: 72
  • Build Quality: 89.5
  • Productivity: 97.7
  • Customizability: 99.8
  • Portability: 62.9
Scores
  • Performance: 82.5
  • Build Quality: 89.2
  • Productivity: 97.6
  • Customizability: 100
  • Portability: 82.1
Name
Keychron Q1
Name
Keychron Q1 Pro
Release year
2022
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, JIS
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, 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, Wired, Wireless, 2.4 GHz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 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, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Dimensions
22 x 145 x 328 mm
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Weight
1825g
Weight
1825g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your budget and need for wireless freedom dictate this choice. If you require seamless switching between multiple computers or a clean, cable-free desk, the Q1 Pro's premium is justified. If your setup is stationary, you prioritize a lower entry cost for future modifications, or you need a specific JIS layout, the wired Keychron Q1 remains an exceptionally capable and customizable foundation.

Keychron Q1

  • +Generally available at a lower price point than the Q1 Pro.
  • +Offers a choice of steel, aluminum, or polycarbonate plate materials.
  • +Available in a wider array of ISO layouts including JIS, according to its specifications.
  • +Vendor description confirms compatibility with third-party stabilizers like Cherry or Durock.
  • +Comes with shine-through ABS keycaps in its fully assembled version for brighter RGB effects.
  • −Wired-only connectivity, lacking Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz options.
  • −Fully assembled version includes ABS keycaps, which may show shine over time compared to PBT.
  • −Uses an older ATMEGA32U4 MCU in some editions, as noted in its description, versus the Q1 Pro's ARM chip.

Keychron Q1 Pro

  • +Tri-mode connectivity with Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4 GHz wireless, and wired USB-C.
  • +Includes a 4000mAh rechargeable battery for extended wireless use.
  • +Comes with KSA profile double-shot PBT keycaps that are oil-resistant.
  • +Features a more powerful ARM Cortex-M4 MCU with 128KB Flash, as per the manufacturer.
  • +Saves separate keymaps for macOS and Windows systems internally.
  • −Commands a higher price than the standard Q1.
  • −Stock keycaps are not shine-through, which may dampen RGB lighting effects.
  • −Wireless polling rate is 90 Hz, lower than its 1000 Hz wired mode.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Q1 Pro is the clear choice for mobile and multi-device workflows, winning in Office, Travel, and Content Creation due to its wireless versatility. It also takes a slight edge for Gaming with its dual-mode polling. The standard Q1 appeals most to Modding enthusiasts, offering a more affordable foundation and broader plate material choices. For dedicated Programming use, both keyboards are equally capable due to their shared programmability and layout.

GamingKeychron Q1 Pro
  • •The Q1 Pro offers a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode with the option for wireless use.
  • •Its vendor description states the wireless polling rate is 90 Hz, providing a low-latency cable-free option.
  • •Both keyboards have N-key rollover, but the Q1 Pro specifies it for both wireless and wired modes.
OfficeKeychron Q1 Pro
  • •The Q1 Pro supports Bluetooth 5.1 for connecting to up to three devices, easing multitasking between a computer, phone, and tablet.
  • •Its 4000mAh battery offers up to 300 hours of use with backlighting off, according to the manufacturer.
  • •The ability to save separate keymaps for macOS and Windows systems is highlighted in its product description.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both keyboards support the QMK and VIA firmware for deep key remapping and macro programming.
  • •Both feature a 75% layout with dedicated arrow and navigation keys.
  • •Each board is hot-swappable, allowing easy switch changes for preferred actuation.
TravelKeychron Q1 Pro
  • •The Q1 Pro's wireless capability removes the need to manage a cable when moving or using it with portable devices.
  • •While both share similar dimensions and weight, the wireless functionality inherently improves portability.
  • •Bluetooth connectivity allows use with tablets and phones without a USB port or adapter.
ModdingKeychron Q1
  • •The standard Q1 is available at a lower price point, leaving more budget for aftermarket switches, keycaps, and mods.
  • •It offers a choice of steel, aluminum, or polycarbonate plates in its specifications, providing more initial material options.
  • •The vendor description for the Q1 mentions specific compatibility with third-party stabilizers like Cherry or Durock.
Content CreationKeychron Q1 Pro
  • •The programmable knob on both can be mapped to creative controls, but the Q1 Pro's wireless design offers more desk setup flexibility.
  • •Seamless switching between multiple devices via Bluetooth can streamline workflows involving a personal and work machine.
  • •The manufacturer states the Q1 Pro comes with KSA profile PBT keycaps, which are noted for being oil-resistant and durable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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