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Keychron K1 QMK Wireless Review | 64 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£95
  • Avg. price in US: ~$90
  • Layout size: TKL
  • Connection type: USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth
  • Switch type: mechanical / optical
  • Polling rate: 1000 Hz

Keychron K1 QMK Wireless review. Compare 64 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among keyboards and if it is worth buying.

7.1

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the keyboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best keyboards on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

7.1

Technical Score

20.0%

7.4

User score

Very good
7.1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the keyboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as switch feel, typing and gaming performance, layout and features, connectivity, build quality, backlighting, software, and comfort.

When it matters: When you want to compare keyboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

34.0%

7.4

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

5.0

Switches

20.0%

9.0

Materials

12.0%

7.2

Features

6.0%

7.8

Design

Very good
7.4

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the keyboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a keyboard performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of typing feel, noise level, comfort, and long-term durability.

Score components:

70.0%

8.0

User reviews

30.0%

6.0

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(33)
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3.2
(21)
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4.5
(10)
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4.8
(6)
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3.9
(4)
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2.3
(2)
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5.0
(1)
United States
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4.3
(33)
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3.2
(21)
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4.5
(10)
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4.8
(6)
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3.9
(4)
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2.3
(2)
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5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

Very good
  • 3.5
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Polling rate

    24.0%

    1.0

    Rapid trigger

    20.0%

    1.0

    Adjustable actuation

    16.0%

    10

    Hot-swappable switches

    12.0%

    10

    Onboard memory

  • 7.7
    Typing

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.0

    Wrist rest included

    24.0%

    8.0

    Legend method

    20.0%

    10

    Adjustable feet

    15.0%

    9.1

    Typing angle

    13.0%

    10

    Pre-lubed stabilizers

  • 10
    Programming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    10

    QMK support

    26.0%

    10

    VIA support

    18.0%

    10

    Mac compatibility

    14.0%

    10

    Multi-device pairing

    12.0%

    10

    Connection type

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Keychron K1 QMK Wireless (Version 6) is an ultra-slim, low-profile mechanical keyboard featuring an 80% Tenkeyless (TKL) layout and an aluminum frame for a premium, lightweight build. It offers versatile connectivity via Bluetooth 5.2 for up to three devices or a stable 1000 Hz polling rate in USB-C wired mode, fully supporting macOS, Windows, and Linux with dedicated keycaps. Main characteristics include pre-lubed low-profile MX mechanical switches (red, brown, or banana), 22 RGB backlight effects, and a powerful ARM Cortex-M4 MCU that enables extensive customization via the Keychron Launcher web app and open-source QMK firmware. Key pros are its ergonomic three-level typing angles, hot-swappable switch options for solder-free customization, and long-lasting 2000 mAh battery providing up to 166 hours of use with backlighting off. Notable cons include the 90 Hz polling rate limitation in Bluetooth mode, which may not suit competitive gaming, and the fact that stock ABS shine-through keycaps can develop surface wear or 'shine' over time compared to PBT alternatives.

Technical Specifications of Keychron K1 QMK Wireless

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the keyboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as switch feel, typing and gaming performance, layout and features, connectivity, build quality, backlighting, software, and comfort.

When it matters: When you want to compare keyboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

34.0%

7.4

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

5.0

Switches

20.0%

9.0

Materials

12.0%

7.2

Features

6.0%

7.8

Design

7.1
Keychron K1 QMK Wireless has a technical score of 7.06 points, which is higher than that of 63.9% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the keyboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a keyboard performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of typing feel, noise level, comfort, and long-term durability.

Score components:

70.0%

8.0

User reviews

30.0%

6.0

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(33)
amazon
3.2
(21)
amazon
4.5
(10)
amazon
4.8
(6)
amazon
3.9
(4)
amazon
2.3
(2)
amazon
5.0
(1)
United States
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4.3
(33)
Amazon_logo.png
3.2
(21)
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
(10)
Amazon_logo.png
4.8
(6)
Amazon_logo.png
3.9
(4)
Amazon_logo.png
2.3
(2)
Amazon_logo.png
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

7.4
Keychron K1 QMK Wireless has a user score of 7.4 points, which is lower than that of 78.2% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the keyboard.
When it matters: When you prefer a keyboard that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
6.0
Keychron K1 QMK Wireless has a popularity of 6 points, which is higher than 51% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the keyboard's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a keyboard that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

7.1

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

8.0
Keychron K1 QMK Wireless has a quality-to-price ratio of 8 points, which is higher than 60.5% of products in this category.
Switch type
What it is: Identifies the switch technology used by the keyboard, such as mechanical, optical, or Hall effect.
When it matters: When you are choosing between different response technologies and their long-term behavior.

Importance: HIGH

mechanical / optical
Switch feel
What it is: Describes the keypress character, such as linear, tactile, or clicky.
When it matters: When the sensation of each keypress changes comfort, control, and noise level for your use.

Importance: HIGH

linear / tactile / clicky
Switch name
What it is: States the specific switch model used by the keyboard.
When it matters: When the exact switch model matters because small tuning differences affect your preference.

Importance: MEDIUM

Keychron Low Profile Mechanical
Actuation force
What it is: Measures how much force is needed to actuate a key.
When it matters: When finger fatigue, accidental presses, or key resistance matters to your typing style.

Importance: HIGH

50 g
Min actuation distance
What it is: Measures the shortest key travel needed to register an input.
When it matters: When faster key response matters and you want the shortest possible trigger point under your fingers.

Importance: MEDIUM

1.3 mm
Keychron K1 QMK Wireless has a minimum actuation distance of 1.3 mm, which is shorter than 57.9% of keyboards and equal to 1.7% of keyboards.
Show more
Keyboard type
What it is: Identifies the keyboard technology, such as mechanical, membrane, optical, or Hall effect.
When it matters: When you need a keyboard built around a specific switch technology or feel profile.

Importance: HIGH

mechanical
Layout size
What it is: States the keyboard form factor and how much of the standard keyset it includes.
When it matters: When desk space, portability, or access to a full key set affects how you work or play.

Importance: HIGH

TKL
Layout standard
What it is: Specifies the regional layout standard, such as ANSI, ISO, or JIS.
When it matters: When you need a regional key layout that matches your language habits or keycap set.

Importance: MEDIUM

ANSI
N. of keys
What it is: States how many keys are present on the keyboard.
When it matters: When you need a certain number of keys for shortcuts, navigation, or a numpad.

Importance: MEDIUM

87
Keychron K1 QMK Wireless has 87 keys, which is more than 44.5% of keyboards and equal to 17.6% of keyboards.
Profile
What it is: Describes whether the keyboard uses a low-profile or standard-height design.
When it matters: When key height changes your typing comfort, travel distance, or the overall desk setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

low-profile
Show more
Connection type
What it is: Specifies how the keyboard connects, such as USB, 2.4 GHz wireless, or Bluetooth.
When it matters: When latency, cable management, or wireless flexibility is part of your buying decision.

Importance: HIGH

USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth
Keychron K1 QMK Wireless offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity, which is more versatile than 57.9% of keyboards and equal to 42.1% of keyboards.
Multi-device pairing
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard can stay paired with multiple devices for quicker switching.
When it matters: When you switch regularly between a laptop, tablet, and other devices on one desk.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Keychron K1 QMK Wireless supports multi-device pairing. 4.5% of keyboards support multi-device pairing.
up to 3 devices.
Bluetooth version
What it is: States the Bluetooth generation supported for wireless pairing.
When it matters: When wireless stability, compatibility, and energy efficiency are part of what you compare.

Importance: MEDIUM

5.2
Keychron K1 QMK Wireless uses Bluetooth 5.2, which is newer than 89.1% of keyboards and equal to 9.2% of keyboards.
Mac compatibility
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard is intended to work properly with macOS layouts, shortcuts, or legends.
When it matters: When you need the keyboard to work properly with macOS shortcuts and key mapping.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Keychron K1 QMK Wireless is Mac compatible. 44.4% of keyboards are Mac compatible.
extra Mac keycaps included.
Battery life
What it is: Estimates how long the keyboard can run on a full charge.
When it matters: When the keyboard needs to last through workweeks, travel, or long gaming stretches without constant charging.

Importance: HIGH

160 h
Keychron K1 QMK Wireless lasts 160 h on a charge, which is shorter than 51.2% of keyboards and equal to 1.2% of keyboards.
backlight off.
Show more
RGB lighting
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard includes customizable RGB lighting effects.
When it matters: When visual customization and desk aesthetics matter to your setup.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Keychron K1 QMK Wireless has RGB lighting. 12.3% of keyboards have RGB lighting.
Per-key RGB
What it is: Shows whether each key can be lit and controlled independently instead of sharing one uniform lighting zone.
When it matters: When customizing each key individually matters for visuals, games, or shortcut visibility.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Keychron K1 QMK Wireless has per-key RGB lighting. 23% of keyboards have per-key RGB lighting.
RGB zones
What it is: States how many RGB lighting zones can be controlled separately.
When it matters: When you want more lighting control than a simple all-at-once backlight can provide.

Importance: LOW

87
Keychron K1 QMK Wireless has 87 RGB zones, which is more than 58.6% of keyboards and equal to 11.8% of keyboards.
Underglow / side lighting
What it is: Shows whether the case includes lighting around the underside or outer edges in addition to the keys themselves.
When it matters: When edge lighting is part of the visual style you want from the keyboard.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Keychron K1 QMK Wireless does not include underglow lighting. 31.7% of keyboards include underglow lighting.
Backlight direction
What it is: Specifies whether the switches use north-facing or south-facing backlighting.
When it matters: When you care about switch compatibility, keycap interference, or lighting placement.

Importance: LOW

north-facing
Show more
Case material
What it is: Describes the main material used for the keyboard case.
When it matters: When build feel, rigidity, and overall finish influence your sense of quality.

Importance: HIGH

aluminum/plastic
Plate material
What it is: Describes the material used for the mounting plate beneath the switches.
When it matters: When keyboard stiffness, sound profile, and bottom-out feel matter more than the switch spec sheet alone.

Importance: HIGH

aluminum
Keycap material
What it is: Describes the material used to make the keycaps.
When it matters: When surface texture, wear resistance, and sound of the keycaps affect your choice.

Importance: HIGH

ABS
Keycap profile
What it is: Describes the shape and height profile of the keycaps.
When it matters: When key shape and sculpting affect comfort, wrist angle, and the sound of each press.

Importance: MEDIUM

LSA
Legend method
What it is: Describes how the legends are applied to the keycaps, which affects durability and visibility.
When it matters: When you care about how long key legends stay readable after heavy use.

Importance: MEDIUM

laser-etched
Keychron K1 QMK Wireless uses laser-etched legends, which are less durable than 85.7% of keyboards and equal to 11.5% of keyboards.
Show more

Keychron K1 QMK Wireless vs the average keyboard

  • 0.9 mm shorter key travel
    Keychron K1 QMK Wireless has 3.1 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.
    What it is: Measures the full distance a key can move from top to bottom.
    When it matters: When full key movement changes comfort, speed, or the way the keyboard feels under your fingers.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Keychron K1 QMK Wireless has 3.1 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.3.1 mm vs 4 mm
  • 0.3 mm shorter actuation distance
    Keychron K1 QMK Wireless has a longer maximum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.7 mm vs 2 mm). The average keyboard has a maximum actuation distance of 2 mm.
    What it is: Measures the highest configurable actuation point or trigger position.
    When it matters: When you want precise control over how deep a key can be set to trigger for different games or typing styles.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Keychron K1 QMK Wireless has a longer maximum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.7 mm vs 2 mm). The average keyboard has a maximum actuation distance of 2 mm.1.7 mm vs 2 mm
  • Supports QMK
    Keychron K1 QMK Wireless supports QMK, the average keyboard does not. 28.8% of keyboards support QMK.
    What it is: Shows whether the keyboard supports QMK firmware for deeper remapping and behavior customization.
    When it matters: When deep remapping, macros, and firmware-level customization matter to your workflow.

    Importance: HIGH

    Keychron K1 QMK Wireless supports QMK, the average keyboard does not. 28.8% of keyboards support QMK.
  • 38.9% lower weight
    Keychron K1 QMK Wireless weighs less than the average keyboard (596 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.
    What it is: Measures the total mass of the keyboard.
    When it matters: When you care whether the keyboard feels easy to carry or heavy enough to stay planted on the desk.

    Importance: HIGH

    Keychron K1 QMK Wireless weighs less than the average keyboard (596 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.596 g vs 976 g
  • Supports VIA
    Keychron K1 QMK Wireless supports VIA, the average keyboard does not. 27.1% of keyboards support VIA.
    What it is: Shows whether the keyboard supports VIA for live remapping and configuration without rebuilding firmware manually.
    When it matters: When quick live remapping without rebuilding firmware is important to you.

    Importance: HIGH

    Keychron K1 QMK Wireless supports VIA, the average keyboard does not. 27.1% of keyboards support VIA.
  • 1 h shorter charging time
    Keychron K1 QMK Wireless charges faster than the average keyboard (3 h vs 4 h). The average keyboard takes 4 h to charge.
    What it is: Measures how long the battery needs for a full recharge.
    When it matters: When short charging windows matter and you do not want the keyboard tied to a cable for too long.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Keychron K1 QMK Wireless charges faster than the average keyboard (3 h vs 4 h). The average keyboard takes 4 h to charge.3 h vs 4 h
  • 0.4 mm shorter actuation distance
    Keychron K1 QMK Wireless has a shorter minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.3 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
    What it is: Measures the shortest key travel needed to register an input.
    When it matters: When faster key response matters and you want the shortest possible trigger point under your fingers.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Keychron K1 QMK Wireless has a shorter minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.3 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.1.3 mm vs 1.7 mm
  • 1.6 ° lower typing angle
    Keychron K1 QMK Wireless has a lower typing angle than the average keyboard (3.4 ° vs 5 °). The average keyboard has a typing angle of 5 °.
    Adjustable to 4.2, 6.7 and 6.
    What it is: Measures the incline of the keyboard during use.
    When it matters: When wrist posture and typing comfort depend on how steeply the keyboard sits.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Keychron K1 QMK Wireless has a lower typing angle than the average keyboard (3.4 ° vs 5 °). The average keyboard has a typing angle of 5 °.3.4 ° vs 5 °
  • 38.9% lower weight
    Keychron K1 QMK Wireless weighs less than the average keyboard (596 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.
  • 1.6 ° lower typing angle
    Keychron K1 QMK Wireless has a lower typing angle than the average keyboard (3.4 ° vs 5 °). The average keyboard has a typing angle of 5 °.
  • 13.34 mm lower keyboard height
    Keychron K1 QMK Wireless is lower than the average keyboard (25.2 mm vs 38.5 mm). The average keyboard height is 38.5 mm.
  • 12.84 mm thinner design
    Keychron K1 QMK Wireless is thinner than the average keyboard (25.2 mm vs 38 mm). The average keyboard thickness is 38 mm.
  • 1 h shorter charging time
    Keychron K1 QMK Wireless charges faster than the average keyboard (3 h vs 4 h). The average keyboard takes 4 h to charge.
  • 0.9 mm shorter key travel
    Keychron K1 QMK Wireless has 3.1 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.
  • 0.3 mm shorter actuation distance
    Keychron K1 QMK Wireless has a longer maximum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.7 mm vs 2 mm). The average keyboard has a maximum actuation distance of 2 mm.
  • 0.4 mm shorter actuation distance
    Keychron K1 QMK Wireless has a shorter minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.3 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
  • Supports QMK
    Keychron K1 QMK Wireless supports QMK, the average keyboard does not. 28.8% of keyboards support QMK.
  • Supports VIA
    Keychron K1 QMK Wireless supports VIA, the average keyboard does not. 27.1% of keyboards support VIA.

Total
Overall
Design
Connectivity & Power
Switches
Features
  • 50% smaller battery capacity
    Keychron K1 QMK Wireless has a smaller battery than the average keyboard (2,000 mAh vs 4,000 mAh). The average keyboard has a battery capacity of 4,000 mAh.
  • 50% smaller battery capacity
    Keychron K1 QMK Wireless has a smaller battery than the average keyboard (2,000 mAh vs 4,000 mAh). The average keyboard has a battery capacity of 4,000 mAh.
    What it is: Measures how much electric charge the battery can store, usually in mAh.
    When it matters: When you want rough battery context behind the runtime claim instead of trusting the advertised hours alone.

    Importance: HIGH

    Keychron K1 QMK Wireless has a smaller battery than the average keyboard (2,000 mAh vs 4,000 mAh). The average keyboard has a battery capacity of 4,000 mAh.2000 mAh vs 4000 mAh
  • 8.1% lower user score
    Keychron K1 QMK Wireless has a lower user score than the average keyboard (7.40 vs 8.000).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the keyboard.
    When it matters: When you want to understand how a keyboard performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of typing feel, noise level, comfort, and long-term durability.
    Keychron K1 QMK Wireless has a lower user score than the average keyboard (7.40 vs 8.000).7.4 vs 8
Total
Overall
Connectivity & Power

Graphic comparison of Keychron K1 QMK Wireless and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
33 Reviews
amazon
3.2
21 Reviews
amazon
4.5
10 Reviews
amazon
4.8
6 Reviews
amazon
3.9
4 Reviews
amazon
2.3
2 Reviews
amazon
5.0
1 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
33 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
3.2
21 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
10 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.8
6 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
3.9
4 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
2.3
2 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
5.0
1 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about Keychron K1 QMK Wireless?

  • Full QMK/VIA support for extensive key remapping and macro customization
  • Premium build quality with a solid aluminum frame and minimal flex
  • Triple-device Bluetooth pairing allows seamless switching between laptop, phone, and tablet
  • Hot-swappable switches (on specific models) allow for easy customization without soldering
  • Double-shot PBT keycaps are durable and resist oil/grease buildup
  • Ultra-slim, low-profile design provides a more comfortable typing angle for many users

What customers dislike about Keychron K1 QMK Wireless?

  • Significant latency issues reported over Bluetooth connection, which may impact competitive gaming
  • Earlier models (non-Pro/Max) lack adjustable feet, forcing a flat typing angle
  • Standard ABS keycaps on some variants feel cheap and can be slippery
  • Compact and tight key spacing may lead to an increase in typos for some users
  • Rear-centered USB-C port is less ideal for cable management than a side-mounted option
  • Status indicators (Caps Lock, Battery) can be difficult to see in bright lighting

Expert reviews

L
leveltech.fr
19/05/2025
Keychron K1 Max review: a sleek and high-performance keyboard

The Keychron K1 Max is an 80% (tenkeyless) low-profile mechanical keyboard tailored for professionals and mobile gamers. Priced around €139, it features pre-lubricated Keychron Optical Red linear switches that deliver a fast, precise, and quiet typing experience, highly suitable for shared work environments. The build combines an elegant aluminum top plate with a plastic base,...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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