The Keychron V1 Max is a wireless, hot-swappable 75% keyboard with a gasket mount and QMK support, in a plastic case that keeps it lighter and cheaper than Keychron's aluminum Q series. It is one of the easiest ways into an enthusiast-style board that works out of the box. This guide covers its specs and features and who it suits. It is not a hands-on review; the details come from Keychron's product page.
Keychron V1 Max at a Glance
- Layout: 75%, with a rotary knob on the knob version
- Case: ABS plastic
- Mount: gasket, with a polycarbonate (PC) plate
- Switches: Gateron Jupiter (Red, Brown or Banana on the fully assembled version), hot-swappable
- Stabilizers: screw-in PCB stabilizers
- Keycaps: double-shot OSA-profile PBT, with Mac and Windows keycaps
- Connectivity: 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth and wired
- Polling rate: 1000 Hz on 2.4 GHz and wired, 90 Hz on Bluetooth
- Battery: 4000 mAh, up to 190 hours, or up to 100 hours at the lowest backlight
- Lighting: south-facing RGB
- Software: QMK firmware, configured in the Keychron Launcher web app
- Versions: fully assembled or barebone (no switches or keycaps)
Layout and Knob
The V1 Max uses a 75% layout. It drops the numpad and squeezes the navigation keys into a column on the right, but keeps the function row and dedicated arrow keys. Our 75% layout guide covers why that size is so popular.
The knob version adds a rotary encoder in the top right corner. By default it controls volume, and you can remap it in Launcher to scroll, zoom, change brightness or anything else. See rotary encoder knobs for ideas.
Build and Typing Feel
The V1 Max's case is ABS plastic rather than aluminum. That is the main trade-off against the Q series: it is lighter and costs less, but it does not have the heft of a metal board.
Inside, Keychron uses a gasket mount with a polycarbonate plate. Keychron says this reduces resonance and gives a softer, quieter typing feel with more flex. Screw-in PCB stabilizers help too; they stay put better than plate-mounted ones and are easier to tune.
If you want to know more about why gasket mounting matters, see how gasket-mounted keyboards enhance typing comfort and sound.
Switches: Gateron Jupiter Options
The fully assembled V1 Max ships with Gateron Jupiter switches in three versions:
- Jupiter Red — linear, smooth with no bump
- Jupiter Brown — tactile, a light bump
- Jupiter Banana — tactile, a more noticeable bump
If you are not sure which to choose, our red vs brown switches comparison explains the difference, and best tactile switches and best linear switches go further.
The board is hot-swappable, so you can change switches later without soldering. The barebone version skips switches and keycaps entirely, for people who already have their own.
Stock note: when we checked, the fully assembled knob version in Carbon Black was available with Jupiter Brown or Jupiter Banana switches. The Jupiter Red assembled version and the barebone knob version were on backorder.
Wireless, Battery and Software
The V1 Max is tri-mode. Keychron lists a 1000 Hz polling rate over the 2.4 GHz receiver and wired, and 90 Hz over Bluetooth. For gaming, use 2.4 GHz or the cable; Bluetooth is fine for typing and switching between devices.
The 4000 mAh battery is rated for up to 190 hours, or up to 100 hours with the backlight at its lowest brightness, according to Keychron's lab tests.
Programming runs through Keychron Launcher, a web app for remapping keys, building layers and macros, and changing the knob. The board runs QMK and supports switching between macOS and Windows layouts, with keycaps for both in the box. For more on Mac setups, see our mechanical keyboard for Mac roundup.
ANSI and ISO
The version linked in this guide is ANSI. Keychron's product page links to a separate V1 ISO collection with UK, German, Nordic, Swiss, French and Spanish layouts. If you are not sure which you need, read our ANSI vs ISO keyboard guide first.
Who the Keychron V1 Max Is For
A good fit if you:
- want a hot-swappable, gasket-mount 75% keyboard that works out of the box
- want wireless as well as wired
- want QMK remapping and a knob
- would rather not pay for an aluminum case
Probably not for you if you:
- want the weight and feel of a metal board; look at the Q series instead
- want a Hall-effect board with adjustable actuation; see our Keychron Q1 HE guide
- need a numpad
Keychron's product page also points to newer V1 8K and V1 Ultra 8K versions. If you care about higher polling rates, compare them before you buy. The rest of the lineup is on our Keychron brand hub.
Keychron V1 Max
A wireless 75% hot-swappable keyboard with a gasket mount, PC plate, screw-in stabilizers, OSA double-shot PBT keycaps, a knob, QMK/Launcher support and a 4000 mAh battery. Stock was checked on the date of this post.
Pros: tri-mode wireless; gasket mount; hot-swap; lighter and cheaper than aluminum boards Cons: ABS plastic case; 90 Hz polling over Bluetooth; some configurations on backorder
Bottom Line
The Keychron V1 Max gives you the features people usually pay extra for: gasket mount, hot-swap, QMK, a knob and tri-mode wireless, in a plastic case that keeps the weight and cost down. If you want your first enthusiast-style 75% and do not need an aluminum case, it is a sensible place to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Keychron V1 Max wireless?
Yes. It supports 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth and a wired connection. Keychron lists a 1000 Hz polling rate over 2.4 GHz and wired, and 90 Hz over Bluetooth.
What is the difference between the Keychron V1 Max and the Q1?
Both are 75% gasket-mount boards with QMK support. The V1 Max uses an ABS plastic case, which keeps it lighter and less expensive, while the Q1 line uses a full aluminum case. The V1 Max also adds tri-mode wireless, which the original wired Q1 does not have.
Is the Keychron V1 Max hot-swappable?
Yes. You can swap switches without soldering. The fully assembled version ships with Gateron Jupiter switches, and there is a barebone version with no switches or keycaps.
How long does the Keychron V1 Max battery last?
Keychron lists a 4000 mAh battery rated for up to 190 hours, or up to 100 hours with the backlight at its lowest setting. Actual life depends on how you use it.
Does the Keychron V1 Max come in ISO?
Keychron sells a separate V1 ISO collection with UK, German, Nordic, Swiss, French and Spanish layouts. The product page linked in this guide is the ANSI version.
Does the Keychron V1 Max work with Mac?
Yes. It includes Mac and Windows keycaps and supports switching layouts between macOS and Windows.