Keychron V1 vs V1 UltraWired Value or Wireless 8K Power
Choose the V1 for budget-friendly customization or the V1 Ultra for wireless freedom with 8K polling and a gasket mount.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron V1
- Available as a barebone kit, letting you build from scratch without paying for included switches and keycaps
- Steel plate provides a stiff and responsive typing feel
- Much lower starting price, making it a budget-friendly entry into custom keyboards
- Wired-only connectivity limits desk setup flexibility
- Tray mount design can feel less refined compared to gasket mount alternatives
- Heavier than the V1 Ultra at 995g, making it less portable
Get the
Keychron V1 Ultra
- True wireless freedom with 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.3, and wired modes
- 8000 Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4 GHz modes for competitive gaming
- Gasket mount design with PC plate and multiple foam layers for a softer, quieter typing experience
- Only available in one color (Black) and as a fully assembled version with knob
- Higher price point than the base Keychron V1
- Side-by-side comparison data shows a lower build quality score relative to price tier compared to the V1
If you are on a tight budget and plan to heavily modify your keyboard, the Keychron V1 offers the best value with its barebone option and solid steel plate. However, if you want a modern wireless experience with top-tier performance, the Keychron V1 Ultra is the clear choice. Its combination of 8K polling, gasket mount comfort, and long battery life makes it a more versatile all-rounder for both work and play.
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
Keychron V1 Ultra
Connection
Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Switch options
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Linear, Tactile
Mount style
Gasket Mount, Plate Mount, Tray Mount
Gasket Mount
Weight
995 g
770 g
Layout standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, JIS
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR
- Keychron V1
- Keychron V1 Ultra
- Performance
- 9291
- Build quality
- 8984
- Productivity
- 9898
- Customizability
- 9894
- Portability
- 6579
- Layout size: 75%
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 8,000 Hz
- Case material: ABS, Plastic
- Knob
- QMK
What will you mostly use it for?
The V1 Ultra takes the lead for gaming and productivity due to its wireless 8K performance and enhanced acoustics. It also wins for travel with its lighter build and long battery life. The original V1 is the better choice for modders due to its barebone availability and lower cost. For programming and content creation, the keyboards are more evenly matched, with the V1 Ultra edging ahead for creators because of its knob and wireless convenience.
Pick the Keychron V1 Ultra
- Supports 8000 Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes for lower latency
- Gasket mount design with PC plate reduces resonance for a quieter typing experience
- Wireless 2.4 GHz connection frees up a USB port and reduces cable clutter
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron V1
63 owner reviews
“Even tho I live in the middle of Europe the shipping only took 11 working days. It feels and sounds great to type on. And the opening experience was also great.”
“Good quality of build but its actually pretty trash keyboard, 2 years and started to not register keys, double typing ect and its not problem of the switch because i changed them with working ones and still had the problem”
Keychron V1 Ultra
1 owner reviews
“Keychron has the best keyboard for keyboard enthusiasts. This is my 3rd and I have no notes. Exactly what I wanted, versatility, thockiness, and portability.”
Keychron V1 vs V1 Ultra specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
9 of 27 specs differ
Keychron V1
Keychron V1 Ultra
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
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.
Keychron V1 vs V1 Ultra: your questions
No, the standard Keychron V1 is a wired-only keyboard. It connects via USB-C and does not offer Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz wireless options. If you need wireless, consider the V1 Ultra.
The Keychron V1 Ultra supports an 8000 Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes. It also offers 2000 Hz and 1000 Hz options. The standard V1 has a maximum polling rate of 1000 Hz in wired mode.
The standard Keychron V1 is better for modding because it is available as a barebone kit, which allows you to choose your own switches and keycaps. It also has a steel plate that provides a more rigid base for experiments.
Both the Keychron V1 and V1 Ultra come with double-shot PBT keycaps in an OSA profile. This profile has a similar height to OEM but an SA-like spherical shape for a different typing feel.
Yes, the vendor description states that you can operate the keyboard even while it is charging. This allows for uninterrupted use, whether you are working or gaming.
The Keychron V1 Ultra has a 4000mAh battery that offers up to 660 hours of use with the backlight turned off. With RGB on at the lowest brightness, it lasts up to 200 hours.
Yes, both the Keychron V1 and V1 Ultra have hot-swappable PCBs. They support both 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches, allowing you to change switches without soldering.
The Keychron V1 Ultra is lighter at 770 grams, compared to the standard V1 which weighs 995 grams. The V1 Ultra also offers wireless connectivity, making it a better choice for travel.
The Keychron V1 uses QMK firmware, while the V1 Ultra uses ZMK firmware. Both can be customized using the Keychron Launcher web app for key remapping and macros.
Yes, the Keychron V1 Ultra uses a gasket mount design with a PC plate. This provides a softer and quieter typing experience. The standard V1 uses a tray mount design with a steel plate.
The fully assembled Keychron V1 comes with Keychron K Pro switches. The V1 Ultra comes with Keychron Silk POM switches, which are made from POM plastic for smoothness and durability.
Not sold on either?
Still torn?
Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.