KeebFinder
Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare Keychron V1 vs V1 Ultra Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two similar 75% Keychron keyboards that differ greatly in connectivity and price. The Keychron V1 is a wired-only board with tray mount and a steel plate, offering a lower entry point for those new to custom keyboards. The V1 Ultra brings a premium experience with wireless triple connectivity (2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.3, wired), 8K polling rate, a gasket mount design, and a large 4000mAh battery. The decision is difficult because both share the same layout, PBT keycaps, and hot-swappable PCB, but the trade-off is between wired budget value and cutting-edge wireless performance.

97
Keychron V1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
93
Keychron V1 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

Select a keyboard to compare

2.5 (61)
5.0 (1)
  • Released in 2022
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO-NO layout standard
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Weighs about 995 g
  • Sized at 18 x 149 x 329 mm
  • Features PBT, ABS, keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2026
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO, ANSI layout standard
  • 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
Scores
  • Performance: 90.8
  • Build Quality: 89.2
  • Productivity: 97.9
  • Customizability: 99.5
  • Portability: 64.7
Scores
  • Performance: 91.1
  • Build Quality: 83.9
  • Productivity: 97.7
  • Customizability: 95.2
  • Portability: 80
Name
Keychron V1
Name
Keychron V1 Ultra
Release year
2022
Release year
2026
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO-NO
Layout Standard
ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO, 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
Wired, Wired only
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz;8000 Hz
Polling Rate
8000 Hz
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
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
Tray Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, South-face, White South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS,
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
18 x 149 x 329 mm
Dimensions
29 x 329 x 149 mm
Weight
995g
Weight
770g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

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.

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
  • +Multiple color options including Frosted Black and Shell White
  • −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

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
  • +4000mAh battery delivers up to 660 hours of use on a single charge
  • −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

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingKeychron 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
OfficeKeychron V1 Ultra
  • •Triple connectivity (2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.3, wired) allows seamless switching between work devices
  • •Up to 660 hours of battery life (backlight off) means infrequent charging during workdays
  • •Gasket mount design delivers a softer typing feel suitable for extended typing sessions
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both keyboards are hot-swappable, allowing programmers to experiment with different switches
  • •Both support key remapping via web-based launcher software
  • •Both offer a 75% layout with dedicated function row for shortcuts and macros
  • •Neither has an integrated screen for on-device coding stats
TravelKeychron V1 Ultra
  • •Lighter weight at 770g compared to the V1's 995g
  • •Wireless connectivity eliminates the need to carry a cable for use
  • •Large 4000mAh battery provides extended use without needing to charge on the go
ModdingKeychron V1
  • •Sold as a barebone kit option, allowing modders to choose their own switches and keycaps from the start
  • •Tray mount design with steel plate provides a more rigid base for experimentation
  • •Lower starting price leaves more budget for custom parts and accessories
Content CreationKeychron V1 Ultra
  • •Includes a programmable knob for adjusting brush size, zoom, or video timeline
  • •Wireless connectivity reduces cable mess on a desk with multiple devices
  • •8K polling rate provides ultra-responsive input for precise editing work

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

98
$94
Keychron V1 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V1 Max
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

98
$44
Keychron V6 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V6
100%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

96
$49
Keychron V5 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron V5
96%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

94
$94
Keychron V3 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3 Max
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

100
$160
Keychron Q1 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q1 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

92
$114
Keychron V3 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3 Ultra
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

96
$149
Keychron Q3 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q3 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

100
$104
Lemokey P1 QMK/VIA Custom Gaming Keyboard
Keychron Lemokey P1
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

95
$79
Keychron Q10 (Alice Layout) QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q10
75%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

99
$129
Keychron K2 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard
Keychron K2 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Tray Mount