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Head to head · Prices checked Oct 21, 2026

Keychron V1 Max vs Monsgeek M1Wireless Flexibility vs Premium Build

Choose the Keychron V1 Max for wireless freedom and multi-device use, or the Monsgeek M1 for a premium, heavy aluminum build that stays on one desk.

Keychron V1 Max QMK Kabellose Benutzerdefinierte Mechanische Tastatur ISO Layout Kollektion

Wireless Flexibility

Keychron V1 Max

4.1 · 18 reviews

from$94at Keychron

Shop nowCompare 3 stores
MonsGeek M1 Gasket DIY Kit

Premium Build

Monsgeek M1

from$99

90-day low

Check priceSee all prices

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Keychron V1 Max

Wireless Flexibility

If you want

  • Tri-mode connectivity with 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.1, and wired operation.
  • Includes a 4000mAh battery for wireless use.
  • Supports a wide range of ISO and ANSI layout standards.

And can live with

  • Case is made of ABS plastic, not metal.
  • Battery life depends on usage patterns and requires periodic charging.
  • May be less appealing to users seeking the premium feel and acoustics of a metal case.

Get the

Monsgeek M1

Premium Build

If you want

  • CNC aluminum and copper case construction for a premium, heavy-duty feel.
  • Sold as a DIY kit, ideal as a foundation for a custom build.
  • Includes extensive sound-dampening materials like Poron foam, IXPE switch pads, and PET insulation.

And can live with

  • Wired-only connectivity with no wireless option.
  • Very heavy at 1900g, making it impractical to move frequently.
  • Only available in ANSI layout, lacking ISO support.

Bottom line

Your primary need dictates the choice. For a versatile, daily-driver keyboard that can move between devices and locations wirelessly, the Keychron V1 Max is the practical option. If your priority is building a premium, stationary typing center with a focus on metal construction and deep sound customization from the ground up, the Monsgeek M1 kit is the better canvas. Consider your willingness to source additional parts and your need for wireless functionality before deciding.

What actually differs

The differences that matter

Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.

Keychron V1 Max

Monsgeek M1

  • Connection

    Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

    Wired

  • Case material

    ABS, Plastic

    Aluminum, Copper

  • Switch options

    Clicky, Linear, Tactile

    Clicky, Linear

  • Mount style

    Gasket Mount, Plate Mount

    Gasket Mount

  • Weight

    770 g

    1,900 g

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Keychron V1 Max
  • Monsgeek M1
Performance
83
71
Build quality
86
88
Productivity
97
98
Customizability
98
99
Portability
79
65

What they share

  • Layout size: 75%
  • Hot-swappable
  • Knob
  • QMK
  • VIA
  • Sound dampening
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Keychron V1 Max wins in scenarios demanding mobility, wireless connectivity, and a ready-to-use experience, such as for office work, travel, and content creation. The Monsgeek M1 is the clear choice for dedicated modders who want to build from a kit with premium materials. For stationary use cases like programming or a permanent gaming setup, the decision hinges on whether you value wireless freedom or the heft and feel of an all-metal chassis.

For gaming

Pick the Keychron V1 Max

  • The Keychron V1 Max offers a 1000 Hz polling rate in both its 2.4 GHz wireless and wired modes, as stated by the manufacturer.
  • Its wireless connectivity provides cable-free desk management, which is beneficial for gaming setups.
  • The lighter 770g weight may be easier to reposition during intense sessions compared to the much heavier M1.

From real owners

What owners say

Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.

Keychron V1 Max

4.1

18 owner reviews

Praise
“Feels great, haven't got a new KB since my Novatouch. Great high end features and feel, DSA caps on it feel good.”
Paul B.Verified buyer· via Keychron
Critique
“The dongle does not work after 6 months of using it and they want me to pay to fix it. If you want to buy a keyboard that is good don’t go for keycron”
Anonymous· via Keychron

Monsgeek M1

No owner reviews collected yet.

Full specs

Keychron V1 Max vs Monsgeek M1 specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

9 of 27 specs differ

Keychron V1 Max

Monsgeek M1

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Clicky, Linear

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount, Plate Mount
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Screw-in stabilizers

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

75%
75%

Layout standard

ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-Nordic, ISO-PT, ISO-SW, ISO-UK
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Knob

Yes
Yes

Display

None
None

Media keys

Yes
Yes

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wired

Max polling rate

1,000 Hz
—

Battery

4,000 mAh
Wired only

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

ABS, Plastic
Aluminum, Copper

Plate material

Polycarbonate
—

Keycaps

ABS, PBT
ABS, PC

Weight

770 g
1,900 g

Dimensions

22 x 149 x 329 mm
33 x 147 mm

Typing angle

4°
—

Backlight

RGB, south-facing
RGB, south-facing

Firmware & software

QMK

Yes
Yes

VIA

Yes
Yes

N-key rollover

Yes
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2023
2022

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

  • KeychronHK

    In stock
    $94Visit
  • MKUS

    In stock
    $94Visit
  • Keychron (DE)DE

    In stock
    $130Visit
  • AmazonGlobal

    Check price
    Visit
Monsgeek M13 stores
  • AmazonGlobal

    Check price
    ~$99Visit
  • MechkeysCN

    Out of stock
    $99Visit
  • WhatGeekCN

    Out of stock
    $119Visit

Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

FAQ

Keychron V1 Max vs Monsgeek M1: your questions

The Keychron V1 Max is designed for wireless use. It features both 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, along with a 4000mAh rechargeable battery. The Monsgeek M1 is a wired-only keyboard.

No, the Monsgeek M1 is sold as a DIY kit. According to the vendor listing, it includes the keyboard kit, a coiled cable, and a manual, but you must provide your own mechanical switches and keycaps.

Yes. The Keychron V1 Max includes dedicated Mac keycaps and a system toggle switch to change between macOS and Windows layouts, as confirmed by the manufacturer's description.

The Monsgeek M1 is significantly heavier at 1900g and uses a CNC aluminum and copper case, offering a premium, substantial feel. The Keychron V1 Max uses an ABS plastic case and weighs 770g.

Yes, both the Keychron V1 Max and the Monsgeek M1 feature hot-swappable PCBs. This allows you to change switches without soldering, supporting both 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches.

Both support deep customization. The Keychron V1 Max uses QMK and the web-based Keychron Launcher. The Monsgeek M1 also supports QMK and VIA according to its metadata, though a vendor note for one version mentions it does not, so confirm with your specific retailer.

The Keychron V1 Max lists a 1000 Hz polling rate in its 2.4 GHz and wired modes, which is suitable for gaming. Its wireless functionality can help reduce cable clutter on a gaming desk.

According to its vendor description, the Monsgeek M1 kit includes several sound-dampening materials: a 3mm Poron bottom case foam, a PET insulation layer, Poron sandwich cotton, and an IXPE switch pad.

Yes. The Keychron V1 Max metadata shows support for ISO-UK and ISO-DE layouts, among others. The vendor description also confirms the availability of ISO layout collections.

The Keychron V1 Max is easier for beginners as it comes fully assembled with switches and keycaps installed. The Monsgeek M1 requires you to source and install your own switches and keycaps, which is a more involved process.

Both keyboards list 'Knob Support' in their extra features. The Keychron V1 Max product page shows 'Fully Assembled Knob' as a configuration option, confirming its inclusion.

The fully assembled Keychron V1 Max comes with OSA profile, double-shot PBT keycaps. The manufacturer states these are not shine-through but offer good oil resistance and legend durability.

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