Compare
Pick two boards from the directory and see how they differ.
Shaded rows are where they differ.
| Spec |  Keychron Keychron Q2 $80–$90 “Wired 65% aluminum Q with a steel plate” |  Keychron Keychron Q1 Pro $168 “The Honda Civic of custom keyboards” Best Overall |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $80–$90 | $168 |
| Size , different | 65% | 75% |
| Type , different | Pre-built | Barebones |
| Connectivity , different | Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released , different | 2021 | 2023 |
| Mounting | Gasket | Gasket |
| Case , different | Aluminum | 6063 Aluminum |
| Colors , different | Carbon Black - B, Silver Grey - B, Navy Blue - B, Carbon Black - A, Silver Grey - A, Navy Blue - A, Carbon Black, Silver Grey, Navy Blue, Shell White | Carbon Black, Shell White, Silver Grey, Navy Blue |
| Weight , different | 1645 g ± 10g (fully assembled) | 1.74kg (fully assembled) |
| Dimensions , different | 65% | 327.5 x 145 x 35.8mm |
| Typing angle , different | Not listed | 5.2° |
| Front height , different | Not listed | 22.6mm |
| Switches | Mechanical | Mechanical |
| Profile | Standard | Standard |
| Keycaps , different | Double-shot PBT | Double-shot PBT, KSA profile (fully assembled version) |
| PCB , different | Hot-swap | Hot-swap, South-facing RGB |
| Plates , different | Steel | PC |
| Battery , different | — | 4000mAh (up to 300h, backlight off) |
| Compatible switches , different | MX-style | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin |
| Software , different | QMK, Keychron Launcher | QMK, VIA, Keychron Launcher |
| NKRO | Yes | Yes |
| RGB , different | No | Yes |
| Features , different | 65% layout, Wired, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA, Knob | QMK/VIA, Hot-swap, Double Gasket Mount, Aluminum Case, Bluetooth 5.1 + USB-C, South-facing LEDs, Screw-in Stabilizers, 1000Hz Polling (wired) |
| Good for , different | Typists who want the smallest layout that keeps arrow keys Mac or Windows users who want QMK/VIA on a wired metal board Anyone building up a hot-swap collection | Heavy typists who want a soft, cushioned feel Buyers who want QMK programmability with Bluetooth People who switch between Mac and Windows Anyone who wants to swap switches or tune the build |
| Skip if , different | People who need Bluetooth or a 2.4 GHz dongle Heavy users of function keys Buyers who want a travel keyboard | Competitive gaming over wireless (90Hz polling) Anyone who needs a portable keyboard Buyers who want 2.4GHz wireless on this model People who prefer a low, flat keycap profile |
| Pros , different | Compact 65% footprint in a 1,645 g CNC aluminum case that stays put Extra silicone gasket reduced the Q1's ping (The Verge); Ars Technica heard no metallic ping Stabilizers that did not rattle in The Verge's and Ars Technica's reviews; Ars heard hollow clunks from large keys Optional rotary knob in place of Insert, programmable in three ways (Ars Technica) QMK/VIA, hot-swap and screw-in stabilizers Gateron G Pro Red, Blue or Brown switches to choose from | Flexible PC plate and gasket mount give a soft, bouncy typing feel (Tom's Guide) Full CNC aluminum case at 1,736 g assembled, so it stays put on the desk Bluetooth 5.1 for up to 3 devices plus USB-C; MakeUseOf found the Bluetooth connection stable QMK firmware with the Keychron Launcher web app for remapping and macros Hot-swap sockets take 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches 4000 mAh battery, rated up to 300 hours with the backlight off; Tom's Guide saw two to three weeks per charge Programmable aluminum knob, plus a system toggle and both Mac and Windows keycaps |
| Cons , different | No wireless of any kind No function row: F-keys sit on the Fn layer (The Verge, iMore) Basic cable only, no coiled cable (iMore) Heavy for its size Keychron now lists the Q2 HE and Q2 HE 8K as newer versions | Wireless is Bluetooth only, at 90Hz polling; 1000Hz needs a USB-C cable No 2.4GHz option on the Pro; Keychron lists the Q1 Max for that Heavy for a 75% and not a board to carry around Tom's Guide heard a slightly hollow stock sound and occasional metallic pings Tall KSA keycaps raised mistype rates in Tom's Guide's typing test An r/Keychron owner report describes spacebar rattle from the stock stabilizers Tom's Guide called the $219 assembled price steep at review time (Nov 2024) |
| Research take , different | A well-regarded compact wired board: reviewers liked the ping control, stabilizers and programmable knob, and accepted the lost function row. Wireless buyers should look at the Q2 Pro or Q2 Max instead. | A comfort-first 75% that suits long typing sessions better than gaming or travel. Reviewers rate the build and typing feel highly and mark it down for weight, price and a stock sound that can ping. If you want 2.4GHz or magnetic switches, compare the Q1 Max and Q1 HE before buying. |