What is the main difference between Keychron S1 and V1 Max?

The S1 is a wired-only low-profile keyboard with a CNC machined aluminum body and steel plate. The V1 Max is a gasket-mount keyboard with ABS plastic case, tri-mode wireless (Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4 GHz, wired), and a 4000mAh battery.

Which keyboard is better for gaming, S1 or V1 Max?

Both offer a 1000 Hz polling rate, but the V1 Max provides it over 2.4 GHz wireless as well as wired. The S1 is wired only, so the V1 Max offers more flexibility for gaming setups. Neither keyboard is specifically marketed as a gaming keyboard.

Can I use the Keychron S1 wirelessly?

No, the Keychron S1 is a wired-only keyboard with a USB-C connection. It does not include Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz wireless. The V1 Max is the wireless option in this comparison.

Does the Keychron V1 Max support hot-swappable switches?

Yes, the V1 Max is hot-swappable and supports both 3-pin and 5-pin MX mechanical switches, including Gateron, Cherry MX, and Kailh. The S1 hot-swap version is limited to Gateron low-profile MX switches.

What is the battery life of the Keychron V1 Max?

The V1 Max has a 4000mAh battery rated for up to 190 hours with backlight off, or up to 100 hours with RGB at lowest brightness. Charging takes around 5 hours via USB-C.

Does the Keychron S1 have RGB lighting?

Yes, the S1 is available with RGB backlight and offers up to 22 light effects. Note that the included PBT keycaps are not shine-through, so the lighting is mostly underglow. A white backlight version is also available.

Which keyboard has better build quality, S1 or V1 Max?

The S1 uses a full CNC machined aluminum body and a steel plate, while the V1 Max uses an ABS plastic case and a polycarbonate plate. The S1 is heavier at 960g versus 770g for the V1 Max, which contributes to a more solid feel.

Can I change the keycaps on the Keychron S1?

Yes, the S1 is compatible with low-profile, XDA, and DSA keycaps according to Keychron. The keycap stems and stabilizers are aligned to support these profiles. The V1 Max uses standard MX-compatible keycaps.

Does the Keychron V1 Max work with Mac and Windows?

Yes, the V1 Max includes a system toggle and additional keycaps for both macOS and Windows. It also supports Linux according to the specifications. The S1 similarly supports Mac and Windows with a system toggle.

What layouts are available for the Keychron V1 Max?

The V1 Max is available in ANSI and multiple ISO layouts including ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, and ISO-PT. The S1 is ANSI only.

Is the Keychron V1 Max available as a barebone kit?

Yes, the V1 Max is offered as a barebone knob version without keycaps and switches. This allows you to choose your own switches and keycaps. The S1 is sold as a fully assembled keyboard.

Which keyboard is quieter for office use?

The V1 Max uses a gasket mount with a polycarbonate plate and sound dampening foam, which Keychron says reduces acoustic resonance for a softer, quieter typing experience. The S1 has a steel plate and aluminum case, which may produce a sharper sound. Actual noise depends on switch choice.

Compare Keychron S1 vs V1 Max Differences Side by Side

Buyers comparing the Keychron S1 and V1 Max face a clear split between a slim aluminum low-profile board and a wireless gasket-mount workhorse. The S1 focuses on a CNC machined body, steel plate, and low-profile keycaps, while the V1 Max adds Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz, a 4000mAh battery, and ISO layout choices. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize typing feel and materials or connectivity and layout flexibility.

Model
	86	98	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	4.8 stars (18 reviews)	4.1 stars (18 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2022 Features a low-profile design Built with the ANSI layout standard Uses a Tray Mount mounting style Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity Weighs about 960 g Sized at 8 x 118 x 310 mm Made with a Aluminum case Features PBT keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting	Released in 2023 Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-PT, ISO, ANSI layout standard Comes with a knob Includes screw-in stabilizers Has built-in sound dampening Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery Weighs about 770 g Sized at 22 x 149 x 329 mm Made with a ABS, Plastic case Features PBT, ABS keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 82.4 Build Quality: 82.1 Productivity: 80.7 Customizability: 89.2 Portability: 64.6	Scores Performance: 83.2 Build Quality: 86.3 Productivity: 97.3 Customizability: 97.9 Portability: 78.6
Name	Name Keychron S1	Name Keychron V1 Max
Release year	Release year 2022	Release year 2023
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile	Profile Low Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 75%	Layout Size 75%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-PT, ISO, ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Wired, Wired only	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity 4000 mAh
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Tray Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, North-face	Backlight Rgb, South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum	Case Material ABS, Plastic
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT, ABS
Dimensions	Dimensions 8 x 118 x 310 mm	Dimensions 22 x 149 x 329 mm
Weight	Weight 960g	Weight 770g

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Pros and Trade-offs

Choose the Keychron S1 if you want a slim, aluminum low-profile keyboard with a solid typing feel and QMK/VIA support, and you do not need wireless. Choose the Keychron V1 Max if you need Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz, a gasket mount, and wider switch and layout compatibility, especially for office, travel, or modding. The primary differentiator is connectivity and mounting: wired aluminum low-profile versus wireless gasket mount.

Keychron S1

+Full CNC machined aluminum body with steel plate gives a solid, heavy feel at 960g.
+Low-profile Gateron MX mechanical switches and double-shot PBT keycaps in LSA profile.
+Hot-swappable version supports Gateron low-profile MX switches without soldering.
+QMK and VIA support for remapping, plus north-facing RGB with up to 22 effects.

−Wired only via USB-C, no Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz option.
−Hot-swap is limited to Gateron low-profile MX switches, restricting aftermarket switch choice.
−Keycaps are not shine-through, which reduces backlight readability in low light.
−Heavier at 960g and low-profile design may not suit everyone's typing preference.

Keychron V1 Max

+Tri-mode connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4 GHz, and wired, with 1000 Hz polling on 2.4 GHz and wired.
+4000mAh battery offers up to 190 hours with backlight off.
+Gasket mount with PC plate and sound dampening foam for a softer, quieter typing feel.
+Hot-swappable for 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches, plus screw-in PCB stabilizers.
+Available in multiple ISO layouts and as a barebone kit, with a knob option.

−ABS plastic case may feel less premium than the S1 aluminum body.
−Some user reviews report key repeat or stutter issues over time.
−Bluetooth polling rate is 90 Hz, lower than wired or 2.4 GHz modes.
−Heavier than some 75% boards at 770g, though lighter than the S1.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The V1 Max takes most categories due to its wireless connectivity, gasket mount, and broader switch and layout support. The S1 remains a strong pick for users who want a slim aluminum low-profile keyboard for typing, but its wired-only design and limited hot-swap compatibility narrow its appeal. Office and travel users benefit most from the V1 Max battery and Bluetooth, while modders appreciate its standard MX hot-swap and screw-in stabilizers. Gamers get 1000 Hz polling on both, but only the V1 Max offers it wirelessly.

GamingKeychron V1 Max

•V1 Max offers 2.4 GHz wireless with 1000 Hz polling rate, plus wired mode.
•S1 is wired only with 1000 Hz polling, which is fine but less flexible.
•V1 Max includes south-facing RGB and QMK for per-key remapping.

OfficeKeychron V1 Max

•V1 Max has Bluetooth 5.1 to connect to three devices and a 4000mAh battery for up to 190 hours with backlight off.
•Gasket mount with PC plate and sound dampening foam reduces noise, useful in shared spaces.
•S1 is wired only and its low-profile keycaps are not shine-through, which some users find less readable in low light.

ProgrammingKeychron V1 Max

•V1 Max supports QMK and Keychron Launcher web app for key remapping and macros.
•ISO layout options on V1 Max suit international programmers.
•S1 also supports QMK and VIA, but its low-profile keycaps and 3 degree angle may not suit all typists.

TravelKeychron V1 Max

•V1 Max is lighter at 770g versus 960g for the S1.
•V1 Max offers Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless, while S1 is wired only.
•Both are 75% layouts, but V1 Max battery reduces cable dependency.

ModdingKeychron V1 Max

•V1 Max supports 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches, while S1 hot-swap is limited to Gateron low-profile MX switches.
•V1 Max uses screw-in PCB stabilizers and a gasket mount, which are easier to service.
•V1 Max is available as a barebone kit, and S1 requires buying the hot-swap version to get sockets.

Content CreationKeychron V1 Max

•V1 Max includes a knob option for volume or media control, useful in editing workflows.
•Tri-mode connectivity allows switching between editing rig and laptop.
•S1 offers multi-media keys and QMK/VIA, but no knob and wired only.