Keychron V1 HE vs V1 UltraMagnetic or 8K?

The V1 HE uses Keychron Ultra-Fast Lime magnetic Hall Effect switches that rely on magnets to detect key presses, enabling features like adjustable actuation points and rapid trigger. The V1 Ultra uses standard Keychron Silk POM mechanical switches (linear or tactile) that work via physical metal contacts, and it is hot-swappable with almost any 3-pin or 5-pin MX-style switch on the market.

The V1 Ultra supports an 8000 Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes, while the V1 HE maxes out at 1000 Hz. The higher rate means the V1 Ultra can report key presses to your computer more frequently, resulting in lower theoretical input latency in supported titles.

No, the V1 HE is only compatible with magnetic switches sold by Keychron, specifically the Keychron Ultra-Fast Lime Magnetic Switch. This is a key trade-off because you give up the vast ecosystem of MX-style mechanical switches that the V1 Ultra supports.

The V1 Ultra is significantly more portable at 770 g compared to the V1 HE's 1031 g, and it offers up to 660 hours of battery life (backlight off) versus 100 hours. Its slimmer profile and lighter weight make it much easier to slip into a bag for daily commuting or trips.

Yes, both support 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, and wired USB-C connections. The V1 HE uses Bluetooth 5.2, while the V1 Ultra uses Bluetooth 5.3. Both can connect to up to three devices via Bluetooth and include a 2.4 GHz dongle for low-latency wireless gaming.

The V1 HE uses QMK open-source firmware, while the V1 Ultra uses ZMK firmware. Both are programmable using the Keychron Launcher web app, which allows remapping keys, creating macros, and adjusting backlight settings without downloading any software.

Yes, the fully assembled version of the V1 Ultra includes a knob for volume or media control. The V1 HE does not include a knob, so you would need to rely on key combinations or a custom layer for similar functionality.

Both use a gasket mount design with a polycarbonate plate, which provides a soft and flexible typing feel. The V1 HE also offers an aluminum plate option for a stiffer, more rigid feel. The magnetic switches on the V1 HE have a smooth linear action made of POM material, while the V1 Ultra's Silk POM switches offer smooth linear or tactile options with pre-lubed stems.

The V1 Ultra has dramatically better battery life, offering up to 660 hours with backlight off and up to 200 hours with RGB at lowest brightness. The V1 HE manages up to 100 hours with backlight off and has no specific RGB runtime stated, making the V1 Ultra the clear choice for users who want to charge less frequently.

Both keyboards come with OSA profile double-shot PBT keycaps that are not shine-through. The V1 HE has north-facing RGB LEDs, while the V1 Ultra has south-facing RGB LEDs, which affects keycap compatibility with some aftermarket shine-through sets. Both include additional keycaps for both macOS and Windows layouts.

The V1 Ultra is generally easier to mod because it uses standard MX-style hot-swap sockets compatible with almost any 3-pin or 5-pin switch, has screw-in PCB stabilizers that are easier to tune, and includes multiple layers of foam (sound absorbing foam, PET film, EPDM foam, bottom case foam) that you can experiment with. The V1 HE is limited to proprietary magnetic switches and has plate-mounted stabilizers.

The fully assembled V1 HE weighs 1031 g, while the fully assembled V1 Ultra weighs only 770 g. This 261 g difference makes the V1 Ultra noticeably lighter for carrying around, though both use plastic bodies that keep the overall weight manageable for a 75% keyboard.