Keychron K2 (V2) vs Keychron V1
The Keychron K2 (V2) and the Keychron V1 are close alternatives. The main differences: the Keychron K2 (V2) is the cheaper of the two at $50 versus $60; the Keychron K2 (V2) runs wireless where the Keychron V1 is wired-only; stock, the Keychron K2 (V2) sounds clacky stock and the Keychron V1 creamy, muted.
- Lower priceKeychron K2 (V2)$50 versus $60
- Easier to modKeychron V1hot-swap sockets and QMK/VIA
- More ways to connectKeychron K2 (V2)2 connection modes versus 1
4.586 ratings· Amazon
4.682 ratings· Amazon
Choose the Keychron K2 (V2) if
- you mainly want it for office.
- you mainly want it for mac users.
- you mainly want it for beginners.
- you want to spend less ($50).
Choose the Keychron V1 if
- you mainly want it for programming.
- you mainly want it for enthusiast.
- you mainly want it for budget.
- you want QMK/VIA remapping.
Keychron K2 (V2) vs Keychron V1, spec by spec
| Keychron K2 (V2) | Keychron V1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | 75% | 75% |
| Height | Standard | Standard |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wired (stronger spec) | Wired |
| Hot-swap | Yes | Yes |
| Keycaps | ABS shine-through, OEM profile | PBT double-shot, OSA profile |
| Case | ABS plastic, optional aluminum frame | ABS plastic (frosted or solid) |
| Mount | Tray | Tray |
| Backlight | RGB | RGB |
| QMK / VIA | No | Yes (stronger spec) |
| Battery | 4000 mAh | n/a |
| Typical price | $50 (stronger spec) | $60 |
| Sound (stock) | clacky stock | creamy, muted |
| Released | 2020 | 2022 |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ; a check marks the objectively stronger spec (price, battery, modability). Feel and preference rows never get a check. Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.
Where they sit among all 509 boards we track
4% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Keychron K2 (V2); 6% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Keychron V1.
34% of the 172 wireless boards tracked here carry a smaller battery than the Keychron K2 (V2).
Where to buy the Keychron K2 (V2)
Where to buy the Keychron V1
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