Keychron Q2 Vs Keychron Q1

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Are you considering the Keychron Q2 Vs Keychron Q1 keyboards? These keyboards are from the same lineup with the same features and similar typing experience. However, they are priced differently, and some notable differences may affect your decision. Today we will see what these keyboards can offer and which will be your best choice.

In this comparison, we will talk about the following:

  • What are the Keychron Q2 and Keychron Q1?
  • How is the Design of Keychron Q2 and Keychron Q1?
  • What is the Switch in Keychron Q2 and Keychron Q1?
  • How is the Typing Experience with Keychron Q2 and Keychron Q1?
  • How is the Software for Keychron Q2 and Keychron Q1?
  • Keychron Q2 Vs Keychron Q1
  • Which Keychron Mechanical Keyboard to Buy?
Keychron Q2Keychron Q1
Product Dimensions12.93 x 4.76 x 1.33 inches
13 x 5.3 x 1.25 inches
Shipping Weight4.99 pounds
4.05 pounds
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About the Keychron Q2 and Keychron Q1

What is the first thing you look at on a computer keyboard? Some people may see what switch they come with, the connectivity, and the styling. These qualities affect the overall user experience and can vary among users. Some may prefer a blue switch with TKL styling and the versatility of wireless connectivity, while some may like the brown switch with a USB cable for the lowest latency. There is no wrong answer because it is personal taste, and everyone can get their favorite keyboard from Keychron.

Most enthusiasts are familiar with this brand because they have many good keyboards at varying prices, from budget to high-end choices. The Keychron Q2 and Keychron Q1 are some of the best options from the Q line, with excellent build quality, hot-swappable switches, and features taken from the higher line. These keyboards are perfect for stationary setups where you do not have to worry about the cable hindering the application because they are USB only. We suggest checking our Keychron K6 Pro Vs Keychron K8 Pro for the wireless option.

The main difference between Keychron Q2 and Keychron Q1 is the keyboard styling because Keychron usually differentiates the styling based on numbers. In this case, Q2 is a smaller keyboard than Q1 because it is a 65% model. In comparison, the Q1 is a 75% keyboard with a few additional keys on the right, separate navigation keys, and a set of F keys at the top, making it the wider device but having more keys for convenience.

Keychron Q2 and Keychron Q1 Design

One of the best features of Keychron Q2 and Keychron Q1 is the build quality because many will buy the keyboard for gaming, and we want the most durable device for longevity. These keyboards’ frame is made of aluminum, and treated properly to provide sturdy construction, while the rest of the unit is hard plastic. These keyboards come with all tools required to swap the keys and a USB cable to connect them to the computer or laptop. The Keychron Q1 is also available in a barebone variant if you want to provide the switch and keycaps separately.

Keychron Q2 and Keychron Q1 Switch

Besides the keyboard styling, another crucial difference between the Keychron Q2 and Keychron Q1 is their switch. Keychron usually puts the same switch on their keyboards, especially those from the same series, but these two use different switches. The Q2 is similar to Q3 because they use the Gateron G Pro switch, while the Q1 uses the Keychron K Pro switch; thus, it is more affordable. You can select which switch to install; linear, clicky, or tactile switches.

For those who want to build the keyboard to match their preference, try the barebone version because it gives you the base without switches and keycaps, and you can buy those parts separately. Since these keyboards are hot-swappable, you can buy another switch with three or five pins compatible with the board, such as another Gateron switch, Cherry, or Kailh switch. All tools required to remove the keycaps and switch are provided in the box.

Keychron Q2 and Keychron Q1 Typing Experience

The next part we want to see is the typing experience because many will also use the keyboard to type documents and need something comfortable and reliable. We suggest adding a wrist rest for these keyboards if typing is often tiring because the height is pretty tall. Keychron also sells low-profile keyboards that feel like laptop keyboards, but these two are not low-profile models. We love the double-shot PBT keycaps and a slightly concave surface that conforms to your fingers so they don’t slip.

These keycaps are much better than typical ABS keycaps with a glossy finish because the surface is matte and feels soft to the touch. There are slight wobbles on the keys, which is typical for mechanical switches, but they are not prominent. Keychron also puts PCB stabilizers on these keyboards to improve the larger keys so they don’t get too shaky when you type fast. We love the keycap design, specifically the material and shape.

Keychron Q2 and Keychron Q1 Connectivity

As for the connectivity, the Keychron Q2 and Keychron Q1 are USB keyboards, so that you will rely on the cable, and thus, they are best for stationary setups. Another exciting thing about both keyboards is their programmability because they are compatible with VIA software. This software is handy for reprogramming the keys and changing the RGB settings. You can also reprogram the encoder on the right to do various functions; this encoder is also one of our favorite features from the keyboard because it is convenient. Read also: Keychron Q2 Vs Keychron Q3.

Keychron Q2 Vs Keychron Q1

The Keychron Q2 and Keychron Q1 are good keyboards for those who want to improve their stationary setup. These keyboards share the same features with two notable differences; the switch and styling. The Q2 is a smaller keyboard as it is a 65% model, meaning it comes with fewer keys and is more compact if you have less space to fit the device. On the other hand, the Q1 is a bigger keyboard with a 75% key setup.

It is wider and pre-installed with Keychrone K Pro switches instead of the Gateron G Pro switches. All features, including the stabilization, keycap material, knob, and programmability, are identical to get the same experience from both keyboards.

 
Keychron Q2
- 65% Compact Full Aluminum Frame: The Q2 Knob Version is a fully customizable mechanical keyboard with a 65% compact layout that pushes your typing experience to the next level. With a solid full aluminum frame, the Q2 is designed for a personalized experience and premium typing comfort.
- All-Around Customizable Keyboard: To build a fully customizable keyboard, we designed every component to be able to assemble easily. With full QMK and VIA support, you can program and remap each key on the keyboard with ease. The open-source firmware means endless possibilities for keyboard layouts, shortcuts, backlight effects, even the knob and more.
- Hot-swappable Support: With the Gateron G Pro mechanical clicky blue switch providing unrivaled tactile responsiveness with up to 50 million keystroke lifespan. You can also hot-swap the Q2 with almost all of the 3pin and 5pin MX mechanical switches on the market (including Cherry, Gateron, Kailh, Panda, etc.) without soldering required. The PCB-mounted screw-in stabilizer for “big keys” such as space bar, shift, enter, and delete are designed for less wobbliness.
- Innovative Double Gasket: This Double-Gasket Structure allows the keyboard to maintain the flexibility of the gasket structure and improves the overall typing sound. We added silicone pads between the top and bottom cases to significantly reduce the sound resonance between the metals and reduce the noise of the impacted metals.
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Keychron Q1
- Fully Customizable 75% Layout Mechanical Keyboard: The Q1 features QMK/VIA support, full aluminum CNC machined body, double-gasket design, and OSA profile double-shot PBT keycaps, every component of the Q1 is designed to be easily assembled, you can customize and adjust each component you want.
- Program The Q1 with QMK & VIA: With the Q1’s QMK/VIA, you can intuitively remap your favorite keys and create macros with any key on any operating system (macOS, Windows, or Linux) for a fluid workflow. The open-source firmware means endless possibilities for keyboard layouts, shortcuts, backlight effects, and more.
- Hot-swappable Gateron Pro Mechanical Switches: Pre-installed the pre-lubed Gateron G Pro mechanical blue switch providing unrivaled clicky responsiveness with up to 50 million keystroke lifespan. The hot-swappable sockets are mounted on the PCB and compatible with almost all the MX style 3pin and 5pin mechanical switches on the market (including Gateron, Cherry, Kailh, etc.), you can install or change the switches without soldering.
- Double Gasket Design: In addition to the gaskets on the plates, we added silicone pads between the top and bottom cases to significantly reduce the sound resonance between the metals and reduce the noise of the impacted metals. This design allows the keyboard to maintain the flexibility of the gasket structure and improves the overall typing sound.
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Conclusion

Which is the best Keychrone keyboard for you? We suggest getting the one that meets your preferences because it may vary. These keyboards have linear, clicky, and tactile switches, but Q2 uses Gateron G Pro. In contrast, the Q1 uses Keycrhon K Pro switches, making the latter cheaper if you swap the switches with a different option soon. If you like the Gateron switches and don’t plan to change, the Q2 is more convenient and compact, especially without the F keys.