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Compare Keychron V1 Ultra vs V2 Differences Side by Side

For buyers deciding between Keychron's V1 Ultra and V2, the choice hinges on connectivity and layout. The V1 Ultra is a 75% wireless board with an 8K polling rate for low-latency gaming on the go. The V2 is a wired-only 65% board that offers a similar high level of QMK/VIA customizability at a more accessible price point. Both feature hot-swappable sockets, PBT keycaps, and screw-in stabilizers, making the decision tough for enthusiasts who value both portability and value.

93
Keychron V1 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
91
Keychron V2 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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5.0 (1)
2.5 (17)
  • Released in 2026
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO, ANSI layout standard
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Runs at a 8000 Hz polling rate
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 770 g
  • Sized at 29 x 329 x 149 mm
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, South-face, Rgb South-face, White South-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2022
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 65% layout
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Weighs about 855 g
  • Sized at 20 x 123 x 330 mm
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 91
  • Build Quality: 83.9
  • Productivity: 97.8
  • Customizability: 95.3
  • Portability: 80.1
Scores
  • Performance: 66.7
  • Build Quality: 86.2
  • Productivity: 94.9
  • Customizability: 100
  • Portability: 75.1
Name
Keychron V1 Ultra
Name
Keychron V2
Release year
2026
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
65%
Layout Standard
ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO, ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, 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
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate
8000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
-
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
Tray Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, South-face, White South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Dimensions
29 x 329 x 149 mm
Dimensions
20 x 123 x 330 mm
Weight
770g
Weight
855g
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Pros and Trade-offs

The Keychron V1 Ultra is the better choice for users who need wireless performance with elite 8K polling for gaming and office use. The Keychron V2 serves those who want a compact, wired board for modding on a budget. Your final decision depends on whether wireless freedom and a quieter, more cushioned typing feel outweigh the V2's lower cost and barebones flexibility.

Keychron V1 Ultra

  • +Wireless connectivity includes 2.4 GHz with an 8000 Hz polling rate and Bluetooth 5.3 for three-device pairing.
  • +Gasket mount design with PC plate and multiple foam layers (Sound Absorbing Foam, PET Film, EPDM Foam) for a softer, quieter typing feel.
  • +Large 4000mAh battery delivers up to 660 hours of use (backlight off) for extended wireless freedom.
  • +75% layout with a dedicated function row and knob is versatile for both gaming and productivity tasks.

  • Priced higher than the V2, reflecting its premium wireless features and larger design.
  • Heavier at 770g compared to the V2, though still portable for travel.

Keychron V2

  • +Available as a barebones kit, allowing users to select their own switches and keycaps for a fully custom build.
  • +Compact 65% layout saves desk space while retaining arrow keys and a knob option.
  • +Lower price point makes it an excellent entry point for modding and experimenting with custom configurations.

  • Wired-only connection limits its use in mobile or cable-free setups.
  • Steel plate and tray mount design produce a firmer, potentially more rigid typing feel compared to the V1 Ultra's gasket mount.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The V1 Ultra wins in Gaming, Office, Travel, and Content Creation due to its wireless 8K performance, gasket mount comfort, and larger battery. The V2 takes the edge in Modding thanks to its lower price and barebones availability. For Programming, both boards tie because each offers the same powerful QMK/VIA remapping and hot-swap flexibility, differing only in layout size.

GamingKeychron V1 Ultra
  • Features an 8000 Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes for extremely low input lag.
  • Offers 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity for a stable, low-latency connection without cable clutter.
  • Includes a 4000mAh battery that provides up to 660 hours of use on a single charge (backlight off).
OfficeKeychron V1 Ultra
  • The 75% layout provides dedicated function and arrow keys for spreadsheet navigation and shortcuts without being too large.
  • Its gasket mount design with PC plate and multiple foam layers (Sound Absorbing Foam, PET Film, EPDM Foam) offers a softer, quieter typing experience.
  • Wireless capability (2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.3) allows for a clean, cable-free desk setup.
ProgrammingTie
  • Both keyboards support QMK and VIA (or Keychron Launcher for the V1 Ultra) for full key remapping and macro creation.
  • Both offer hot-swappable sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches, allowing programmers to choose their preferred switch feel.
  • The V1 Ultra's 75% layout includes a full function row for IDEs, while the V2's 65% layout is more compact but still has arrow keys.
TravelKeychron V1 Ultra
  • Supports 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.3 wireless connections for easy pairing with laptops, tablets, and phones.
  • Has a 4000mAh battery that provides up to 660 hours of wireless use, reducing the need for frequent charging.
  • Its gasket mount and foam layers provide a dampened typing experience suitable for quiet environments.
ModdingKeychron V2
  • The V2 is available as a barebones kit (without switches and keycaps), which is ideal for modders who want to build from scratch.
  • Its tray mount design with a steel plate offers a different sound profile and rigidity that many modders prefer for customization.
  • The V2's lower price point makes it a cost-effective platform for experimenting with switches, keycaps, and foams.
Content CreationKeychron V1 Ultra
  • The knob support allows for easy customization of functions like volume, zoom, or brush size via Keychron Launcher.
  • The 75% layout with a function row provides quick access to media keys and shortcuts, improving workflow efficiency.
  • Multiple foam layers and a gasket mount design deliver a smooth, quiet typing experience ideal for recording or open workspaces.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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