Keychron V1 Max vs V2Wireless Freedom or Budget Wired?

No, only the Keychron V1 Max supports wireless connectivity. It offers both 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.1 options. The Keychron V2 is a wired-only keyboard that connects via a USB-C cable.

The V1 Max uses a 75% layout, meaning it has 84 or so keys including a function row and arrow keys. The V2 is a 65% keyboard with roughly 68 keys and no dedicated function row, which requires using layer keys to access F-keys.

Both keyboards are excellent for customization. Both feature hot-swappable PCBs that support 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches. The V1 Max has a standard bottom row layout, while the V2's 65% layout may require a specific keycap set to cover its odd-sized modifiers.

Yes, both the V1 Max and V2 fully support QMK firmware and are compatible with VIA and the Keychron Launcher web app for remapping keys and creating macros. The V1 Max uses an ARM Cortex-M4 with 256KB Flash, while the V2 uses an ultra-low-power ARM Cortex-M4 with 128KB Flash.

The V1 Max uses a gasket mount with a PC plate, which provides a softer, more flexible typing feel with sound dampening. The V2 uses a tray mount system with a steel plate, resulting in a more rigid and stiffer typing experience.

The fully assembled V1 Max comes with pre-lubed Gateron Jupiter switches (Red, Brown, or Banana). The fully assembled V2 comes with pre-lubed Keychron K Pro switches (Red, Blue, Brown). Both support replacing them with any 3-pin or 5-pin MX switch.

Yes, both keyboards come with a system toggle switch and include additional keycaps for both macOS and Windows layouts. They are compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux systems.

Both the Keychron V1 Max and V2 have a 1000 Hz polling rate when connected via wired USB. The V1 Max also achieves 1000 Hz over its 2.4 GHz wireless connection, but the polling rate drops to 90 Hz when using Bluetooth.

Both keyboards offer a version with a programmable aluminum rotary encoder knob. The knob can be customized via the Keychron Launcher to control volume, zoom, brush size, and other functions.

The fully assembled Keychron V1 Max weighs 770 grams, while the fully assembled V2 weighs 855 grams. Despite being larger, the V1 Max is lighter due to its different internal components and PC plate versus the V2's steel plate.

The Keychron V1 Max has a 4000mAh battery. According to Keychron, it can last up to 190 hours with the backlight off and up to 100 hours with RGB on the lowest brightness. The V2 has no battery as it is wired only.

Both keyboards come with double-shot PBT keycaps in an OSA (OEM Spherical Angled) profile. This profile has OEM height and an SA-like spherical top. They are not shine-through keycaps, but the south-facing RGB LEDs work well with them.