Keychron Q2 Vs Keychron V2

Keychron has many good mechanical keyboards, some of which are the famous Keychron Q2 Vs Keychron V2. These keyboards are some of the best in the budget range and are still versatile for typing and gaming. While the two look identical, they also share some differences, so let’s see what they can offer and which fits you best.

In this comparison, we will talk about the following:

  • What are the Keychron Q2 and Keychron V2?
  • How is the Design of Keychron Q2 and Keychron V2?
  • What is the Switch in Keychron Q2 and Keychron V2?
  • How is the Typing Experience with Keychron Q2 and Keychron V2?
  • How is the Software for Keychron Q2 and Keychron V2?
  • Keychron Q2 Vs Keychron V2
  • Which Keychron Keyboard to Choose?
Keychron Q2Keychron V2
Product Dimensions12.93 x 4.76 x 1.33 inches
12.99 x 4.85 x 1.05 inches
Shipping Weight4.99 pounds
3.3 pounds
Best offerCheck priceCheck price

About the Keychron Q2 and Keychron V2

The keyboard is almost an irreplaceable part of your computer because we use it to input and send the command. You can always swap the keyboard for a better one or substitute the built-in keyboard with an external one for a better experience. The keyboard type may vary depending on your preference and budget, but a mechanical keyboard is almost always best for gaming applications. These keyboards have significant feedback and a satisfying typing experience but are typically more expensive than the membrane keyboards that feel soft to press.

While the best keyboard is usually something you build from scratch, there are also many good options ready to use without the hot-swappable feature, and of course, they tend to be cheaper. Keychron Q2 and Keychron V2 are some of the best affordable mechanical keyboards. These keyboards are similar with the same compact form and switch from Keychron. Still, they have a crucial difference that may affect your decision, especially how they stabilize the key to reduce wobble and improve the typing experience. Read also: Keychron K6 Pro Vs Keychron K2 Pro.

Unlike the K Pro series with its wired and wireless versatility, the Keychron Q2 and Keychron V2 are wired only for stationary setups. Many may wonder why the Q2 is more expensive than V2; while they seem identical, the switch is different. In addition, you can always switch to your preferred one because both keyboards are hot-swappable. Out of the box, they come with Gateron and Keychron switches, respectively, with the latter being cheaper.

Keychron Q2 and Keychron V2 Design

The Keychron Q2 and Keychron V2 are ideal keyboards for those who want a compact device because they are equally 65% compact variants. The mode we choose today is the pre-built model, but you can find the barebone variant to build the keyboard as you desire with different switches and keycaps. The V2 is a bit wider and deeper than Q2 due to the stabilization, but the build quality is pretty good while primarily made of plastic. You will get the USB cable and a few tools to replace the keycaps and switches.

Keychron Q2 and Keychron V2 Switch

The switch is the first thing you may see in a mechanical keyboard because it affects the typing experience and how you want it to feel. The main difference between Keychron Q2 and Keychron V2 is the pre-installed switch because Q2 uses the Gateron G Pro switch while V2 uses the Keychron K Pro switch. These switches are available in different variants to meet your preference, but we usually like the brown switch because it is not too noisy but still feels substantial for typing.

Because these keyboards are hot-swappable, you can change the switch to any standard switch like Gateron, Cherry, and Kailh. All the tools you may need are in the box, including the puller, so you only need to buy the switches. Some people also prefer to custom their switch on specific keys only so they don’t need to change the whole board, especially for gaming since we don’t need to press all the keys.

Keychron Q2 and Keychron V2 Typing Experience

As for the typing experience, the Keychron Q2 and Keychron V2 are very similar, depending on the switch that you choose earlier. Both keyboards come with double-shot PBT keycaps, and they are significantly better than the standard ABS keycaps we often see in cheaper keyboards. Besides the key surface being less slippery, we also love these keycaps’ matte and soft appearance. Keychron also differentiates the keycap’s color on a few keys so they look more eye-catching.

Another thing we love about the keys is that the shape is rounder at the top and a bit concave in the middle, making pressing more comfortable as your fingers will sit properly on the surface. The additional feature we like from these keyboards is PCB stabilizers available on both versions to improve the stability of the larger keys, such as the space and enter keys. These stabilizers are also swappable with third-party stabilizers if you wish to customize them later.

On the right side, you can find a knob which is also programmable. This knob is handy for different functions because you can set it to handle volume, scrolling, zooming, etc. As for the connectivity, we can only use USB, making these keyboards less convenient if you carry them while traveling with laptops and tablets.

Keychron Q2 and Keychron V2 Software

Regarding the programmable knob, the Keychron Q2 and Keychron V2 are compatible with VIA software, like most programmable mechanical keyboards from the company. The software is compatible with Windows and Mac so that everyone can get the same customizable options. You can also program the keys to handle various tasks, including RGB lighting. The RGB lighting is pretty subtle as they don’t shine through the keycaps, making them less bright if you often operate the computer in a dark room. Read also: Keychron K6 Pro Vs Keychron V2.

Keychron Q2 Vs Keychron V2

The Keychron Q2 and Keychron V2 are good customizable keyboards with similar features. These keyboards are USB only and not versatile for use with different devices simultaneously, but they are impressive for stationary setups. The difference is on pre-built keys because Q2 comes with Gateron G Pro switches while the V2 uses Keychron K Pro switches. Both models are hot-swappable with a satbilizer and compatible with the same software for customization.

- 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.
- 66 Keys Mechanical Keyboard: The V2 has a 65% ultra-compact layout with QMK/VIA support, which can offer you endless possibilities of customization and meet your needs in different situations. With double-shot PBT keycaps, an acoustic silicone pad, and pre-lubed switches, it will ensure you the best typing experience.
- Fully Customizable From the Inside Out: To build a fully customizable keyboard, we designed every component easily assembled, including keycaps, switches, gaskets, plates, knob and case foam if you want. With QMK and VIA support, you can easily program and remap each key on the keyboard. The open-source firmware means endless possibilities for keyboard layouts, shortcuts, backlight effects, and more.
- Hot-swappable Support: With the pre-lubed mechanical tactile brown switch provides unrivaled tactile responsiveness with up to 50 million keystroke lifespan. You can also hot-swap the V2 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 and smooth performance.
- Compatible with both macOS & Windows Systems: Built with the Mac users’ experience in mind while still retaining compatibility for Windows devices, the Keychron V2 comes with a system toggle and an additional set of customized keycaps for both Windows and macOS systems. You can now save two different layouts on the keyboard.

Conclusion

The decision is yours because we may have different preferences. We suggest getting the V2 if you swap the switch to save the budget for the other switches. But, if you like Gateron switches, the Q2 is more convenient as it comes pre-built with the switches. The features are identical, including RGB lighting, programmable keys, and a knob. The build quality is equally good, and while they are primarily made of plastic, the frame and keycaps are made to sustain a prolonged application.