Keychron V1
Expert rating8 / 10
- Layout:
- 75%
- Switch Type:
- Mechanical
- Connectivity:
- Wired
- Hot-Swappable:
- Yes
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Manufacturer: Keychron Last updated: September 12, 2026
Keychron V1 (75%/Keychron K Pro Mechanical/Wired/Hot-Swappable/QMK-VIA/South-Facing RGB) Review
Searching for a budget entry into the custom-keyboard hobby, the Keychron V1 is the wired, gasket-mounted 75% board that gets recommended constantly for exactly that reason.
We'd point first-timers here over almost anything else in this price range — it's the cheapest way to try a gasket-mounted, hot-swappable, QMK/VIA board without gambling on an unknown brand.
The Hobbyist's First Custom Board
Gasket mounting, screw-in stabilizers, foam dampening, and hot-swap sockets used to mean a group buy and a three-month wait; the V1 packages all of it into a board you can order today for under $100.
QMK/VIA Out of the Box
Full QMK/VIA support means every key remaps in-browser with no firmware flashing, which matters if this is someone's first mechanical keyboard and they don't want to learn a command line just to move Caps Lock.
Comparison to Alternatives
Against the Glorious GMMK Pro, that board has a CNC aluminum case and a rotary knob for roughly double the price; the V1's plastic case flexes more but the typing feel is closer than the price gap suggests. Against Keychron's own K8 Pro, the V1 drops wireless entirely in exchange for the gasket mount and better stock switches — pick the V1 if typing feel matters more than cutting the cable.
Specifications
Identity
| Brand | Keychron |
|---|---|
| Model | V1 |
Design
| Layout | 75% |
|---|---|
| Switch Type | Keychron K Pro Mechanical (Brown/Red/Banana) |
| Connectivity | Wired (USB-C) |
| Keycap Material | Double-shot PBT, OEM profile |
Features
| Backlighting | South-facing RGB |
|---|---|
| Polling Rate | 1000 Hz |
| Mount Style | Gasket mount, ABS+PC case |
|---|
Expert Review
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Expert rating8 / 10
The best entry point into gasket-mounted custom boards for under $100 — nothing else at this price feels this close to a hobbyist build.
Best for
- First-time buyers curious about the custom keyboard hobby.
- Anyone wanting QMK/VIA remapping without a soldering iron.
- Desk setups where a wired connection is fine.
Not for
- Anyone who needs wireless — the V1 is wired only.
- Buyers who want a metal case at this price; it's plastic.
- Gamers who specifically want Hall Effect or optical switches.
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the Keychron V1 (75%/Keychron K Pro Mechanical/Wired/Hot-Swappable/QMK-VIA/South-Facing RGB)?
The Keychron V1 (75%/Keychron K Pro Mechanical/Wired/Hot-Swappable/QMK-VIA/South-Facing RGB) is a mechanical keyboard from Keychron. Key specs: Layout 75%, Switch Type Keychron K Pro Mechanical (Brown/Red/Banana), Connectivity Wired (USB-C), Keycap Material Double-shot PBT, OEM profile, Backlighting South-facing RGB.
Will the Keychron V1 (75%/Keychron K Pro Mechanical/Wired/Hot-Swappable/QMK-VIA/South-Facing RGB) work with my current setup?
The Keychron V1 (75%/Keychron K Pro Mechanical/Wired/Hot-Swappable/QMK-VIA/South-Facing RGB) lists Switch Type is Keychron K Pro Mechanical (Brown/Red/Banana). Check that against the hardware you already own before buying, since this is the field that most often decides whether a part fits.
Who is the Keychron V1 (75%/Keychron K Pro Mechanical/Wired/Hot-Swappable/QMK-VIA/South-Facing RGB) best suited to?
It suits first-time buyers curious about the custom keyboard hobby., anyone wanting qmk/via remapping without a soldering iron., desk setups where a wired connection is fine..
What are the drawbacks of the Keychron V1 (75%/Keychron K Pro Mechanical/Wired/Hot-Swappable/QMK-VIA/South-Facing RGB)?
It is a poor fit for anyone who needs wireless — the v1 is wired only., buyers who want a metal case at this price; it's plastic., gamers who specifically want hall effect or optical switches..
Compare and read more
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- Keychron V1 (75%/Keychron K Pro Mechanical/Wired/Hot-Swappable/QMK-VIA/South-Facing RGB) vs Razer Huntsman Mini (60%/Optical Switches/Wired USB-C/Doubleshot PBT/Chroma RGB)
- ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 (96%/ROG NX Snow Mechanical/Wired USB-C/Hot-Swappable/Per-Key RGB) vs Keychron V1 (75%/Keychron K Pro Mechanical/Wired/Hot-Swappable/QMK-VIA/South-Facing RGB)
- Corsair K100 RGB (Full-Size/Cherry MX Speed or Corsair OPX Optical-Mechanical/Wired USB/144 Zone RGB/8000Hz Polling) vs Keychron V1 (75%/Keychron K Pro Mechanical/Wired/Hot-Swappable/QMK-VIA/South-Facing RGB)
- Corsair K65 RGB Mini (60%/Cherry MX Speed/Wired USB-C/Hot-Swappable/Per-Key RGB) vs Keychron V1 (75%/Keychron K Pro Mechanical/Wired/Hot-Swappable/QMK-VIA/South-Facing RGB)