Keychron
Keychron V1 w/ Knob
Best compact mechanical keyboard for customization enthusiasts and productivity-focused typists.
The Keychron V1 is a fully customizable mechanical keyboard designed for comfort and productivity. It features a compact 75% layout, making it ideal for various situations and a great entry point into the custom keyboard world. This keyboard supports QMK and VIA for extensive programmability, allowing you to personalize your layout for both Windows and macOS with an easy-reach switch. It boasts a south-facing RGB LED for vibrant backlighting, hotswap sockets compatible with 3-pin and 5-pin switches, and a programmable knob for added control. The V1 also includes screw-in stabilizers for enhanced typing feel and comes with a USB-C cable and adapter.
$74.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
560
/ 3726
#560 in Keyboards
Price vs Category Average
-47%
Below average
Size
75
/ %
Who it's for
- Budget-conscious enthusiasts starting their custom keyboard journey
- Typists seeking a comfortable and soft typing experience
- Power users needing deep customization and tactile media controls
Who should skip it
- Users preferring the weight and premium feel of metal
- Minimalists requiring a clean, cable-free desk setup
- Beginners wanting a perfect typing sound without manual tuning
Performance breakdown
Customization Depth
QMK and VIA support offer near-limitless control over every single key.
Typing Feel
Screw-in stabilizers and acoustic padding provide a refined, consistent typing experience.
Switch Versatility
Hotswap sockets make swapping between 3-pin and 5-pin switches effortless.
Layout Efficiency
The 75% compact footprint saves desk space without sacrificing essential keys.
Build Materials
ABS plastic construction is durable but lacks the premium weight of aluminum.
Control Interface
The programmable knob adds a tactile, intuitive layer to your workflow.
Key Specs
Size
75%
Key Count
82 keys
Logical Layout
US QWERTY
Physical Layout
ANSI
Top Material
ABS
Bottom Material
ABS
Plate Material
Steel
Interface
USB-C
Features
- Fully programmable with QMK and VIA for extensive customization.
- South-facing RGB LED for vibrant and customizable backlighting.
- Easy-to-use switch for seamless toggling between Windows and macOS layouts.
- Hotswap sockets support both 3-pin and 5-pin switches for easy customization.
- Includes a programmable knob for enhanced control and shortcuts.
- Designed with acoustic silicone pad and steel plate for superior typing comfort.
- Screw-in stabilizers ensure a more stable and consistent typing experience.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Keychron V1 with Knob for its exceptional build quality and impressive value. Many highlight the satisfying typing feel and robust construction, noting it punches above its price point. The programmable knob is a standout feature, adding significant convenience and customization. Users appreciate the thoughtful design and the overall premium experience, making it a highly recommended option for those seeking a quality mechanical keyboard without a premium cost.
Know before you buy
Yes, the Keychron V1 features hotswap sockets that support both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches. This allows you to easily plug in and remove switches to customize your typing feel without needing any soldering tools.
The knob is fully programmable using QMK and VIA software. By default, it is typically set to control volume, but you can remap it to handle tasks like zooming, adjusting screen brightness, or scrolling through browser tabs.
Yes, the V1 is designed for both operating systems. There is a physical toggle switch on the back of the keyboard that lets you instantly switch between macOS and Windows layouts, and it comes with keycaps for both platforms.
South-facing RGB LEDs are positioned toward the front of the switch, which provides better compatibility with a wider variety of aftermarket keycap profiles. This design prevents interference that can sometimes occur with north-facing LEDs when using certain Cherry-profile keycaps.
The Keychron V1 comes fully assembled, meaning it includes the case, PCB, plate, stabilizers, switches, and keycaps out of the box. It is ready to use immediately, though it remains fully customizable if you choose to swap parts later.
The V1 offers a significantly more refined feel thanks to its screw-in stabilizers, which reduce rattle, and an internal acoustic silicone pad that helps dampen hollow sounds. The steel plate also provides a firmer, more consistent bottom-out experience than the plastic plates found on most entry-level keyboards.
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$74