Keychron V1 vs V675% Compact vs Full-Size Layout Choice
Choose the Keychron V1 for a compact, space-saving layout with a gasket mount option, or the V6 for a full-size layout with a dedicated number pad.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron V1
75% Compact
- Compact 75% layout saves significant desk space.
- Offers a gasket mount style in addition to tray and plate mount.
- Has a higher maximum polling rate of 8000 Hz.
- Lacks a dedicated number pad and some navigation keys.
- Wired-only connectivity limits placement flexibility.
- Uses a tray mount design according to the manufacturer's spec sheet.
Get the
Keychron V6
Full-Size Layout Choice
- Full 100% layout includes a dedicated number pad.
- Ideal for data entry, accounting, and extensive numerical work.
- Shares high customizability features like QMK, VIA, and hot-swap.
- Larger and heavier (1350g), taking up more desk space.
- Only lists a tray mount style, without a gasket mount option.
- Wired-only connectivity.
Your need for a number pad is the deciding factor. Choose the Keychron V6 if your workflow relies heavily on numerical input and you prefer a traditional full-size layout. Opt for the Keychron V1 if you want to reclaim desk space, value a higher polling rate for gaming, or want more flexibility in mounting styles and plate materials for modding. Both are superb entry points into custom keyboards.
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 V6
Layout size
75%
100%
Weight
995 g
1,360 g
Plate material
Polycarbonate, Steel
Steel
Dimensions
18 x 149 x 329 mm
19 x 141 x 448 mm
- Keychron V1
- Keychron V6
- Performance
- 9291
- Build quality
- 8989
- Productivity
- 9898
- Customizability
- 9898
- Portability
- 6545
- Connection: Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 8,000 Hz
- Case material: ABS, Plastic
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
- Mount style: Gasket Mount, Plate Mount, Tray Mount
What will you mostly use it for?
The V6 is the clear choice for office work and content creation where a number pad is non-negotiable. The V1 wins for gaming, due to its higher polling rate and space-saving design, and for travel due to its smaller size and weight. For programming and modding, both are excellent, with the V1 having a slight edge in modding due to its additional mounting and plate options.
Pick the Keychron V1
- The V1 offers a higher maximum polling rate of 8000 Hz, compared to the V6's 1000 Hz.
- Its 75% layout provides more mousepad space for low-sensitivity gaming.
- The V1 is listed as supporting a gasket mount style, which can offer a softer typing feel.
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 V6
27 owner reviews
“Great keyboard. Love using it. Two quibbles: Logo is backwards on Windows key Wish Caps Lock lit up—the LED underneath isn’t enough to indicate when Caps Lock is engaged.”
“I have never used a keyboard where every time you just as much barely graze a key' it registers. This is horrible, you pretty much have to perfectly press the keys dead center, otherwise, it will press surrounding keys as well.”
Keychron V1 vs V6 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
4 of 26 specs differ
Keychron V1
Keychron V6
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Keychron V1 vs V6: your questions
The primary difference is the layout size. The V1 is a 75% compact keyboard, sacrificing the number pad and some navigation keys for space. The V6 is a full-size 100% keyboard that includes a dedicated number pad, arrow keys, and full navigation cluster.
No, both the Keychron V1 and V6 are wired-only keyboards. They connect via a USB-C cable, which is included with both models according to their specifications.
Yes, both keyboards feature hot-swappable PCBs. This allows you to install or change mechanical switches without soldering. The manufacturer states the PCBs support both 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches.
Both are excellent for programming due to their QMK and VIA firmware support for deep customization. The choice is subjective: the V1 offers a cleaner, more compact desk, while the V6 provides dedicated keys that may reduce the need for function layers.
Yes. Both the Keychron V1 and V6 are listed with Mac/Win support. The manufacturer includes a system toggle switch and an additional set of keycaps for both operating systems in the fully assembled versions.
The fully assembled versions of both keyboards come with double-shot PBT keycaps in the OSA profile. According to Keychron, these keycaps are oil-resistant and have legends that won't fade. They are not shine-through for the RGB backlighting.
The Keychron V6 has a polling rate of 1000 Hz. The Keychron V1 also supports 1000 Hz, but its specifications list an additional 8000 Hz polling rate option.
Both the Keychron V1 and V6 are available in versions with and without a programmable knob. You must select the 'Knob' variant (Fully Assembled Knob or Barebone Knob) when purchasing either model.
The manufacturer's description highlights pre-lubed K Pro switches but does not specify if the screw-in PCB stabilizers are pre-lubed. Both keyboards use screw-in stabilizers which are user-serviceable and can be lubed during modding.
Yes. Both keyboards feature south-facing RGB LEDs. Keychron states that south-facing LEDs are free from interference when installing OEM or Cherry-profile keycaps, making them compatible.
The Keychron V1 is listed with gasket, tray, and plate mount styles. The Keychron V6 is listed with tray and plate mount styles. However, Keychron's official spec sheet for the V1 describes it as using a 'Tray Mount Design'.
The Keychron V6 is significantly heavier, weighing 1350 grams for the fully assembled version. The Keychron V1 weighs 995 grams, making it lighter and more portable.
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