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Keychron’s original V1 was not a bad value, offering QMK customization for under $100. But the V1 Max takes it to a whole new level, offering multiple upgrades but keeping the price at $94.

The V1 Max offers multiple wireless connections, good battery life, a gasket-mount design, and more for a value price. What is “value” when it comes to keyboards? Well, it’s all relative. Generally speaking, it’s uncommon to find all of these features in a mechanical keyboard under $100. Many keyboards in the $70 – $100 range offer some of the features of the V1 Max, such as the Epomaker TH80 Pro. Some may even offer higher-end build materials like an aluminum case, but won’t have some of the other features like wireless connectivity. And compared to Keychron’s own keyboards, only the Q1 Max offers the exact same feature set as well as an all-metal build, but for two times the price. All those factors mean the V1 Max is a great value.

The Good

Let’s start with the main difference from the original V1, the wireless connectivity. The original was a wired-only keyboard, while the V1 Max offers both bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connections. And not only is the 2.4GHz a 1,000Hz polling rate (same as the wired connection), but Keychron has included two difference receivers: a USB-A receiver which is common, and a USB-C receiver which is not so common. Both are stored in a magnetic slot on the back of the V1 Max. While they cannot be used at the same time, providing the USB-C receiver means you can use the 2.4GHz connection with devices like Macbooks and iPads without a USB-A to USB-C adapter. None of this matters if the 2.4GHz connection has a limited range or stability issues, but thankfully the V1 Max has neither of those problems. The 2.4GHz connection was stable and worked fine for me even with a few desk objects between the keyboard and the computer.

With wireless connectivity comes a rechargeable battery, and good battery life is not always a given with Keychron products (looking at you, K3 Max). But Keychron opted for a 4,000mAh battery in the V1 Max, which manages 200+ hours of use when the backlighting is turned off. That is very respectable amongst similar options on the market, save for larger brands like Logitech who opt for hyper-efficient firmware rather than open-source customization.

The V1 Max retains the QMK firmware with VIA customization, PBT keycaps, screw-in stabilizers, and knob of the original V1, all of which are welcome. The typing feel and sound are good for this price range, though there is a touch of a hollow sound (see below for more on that). The Gateron Jupiter switches seem to be a small improvement over the K-Pro switches that Keychron was offering in the ‘Pro’ line keyboards. My unit had the banana tactile switches which have a sharper tactile bump than brown switches, and they were quite satisfying to type on (just don’t expect a really deep, thocky sound from them). The V1 Max includes a polycarbonate plate rather than the steel plate in the original V1, which offers a more flexible feel and less ping. Overall, there’s a lot to like.

Room for Improvement

To come up with things that could be improved, I have to be a little nit-picky considering this is not intended to be a “premium” keyboard. But if I could wish for a few things, it would include swapping out the thin foam in the case bottom for the dense silicone pad that’s in the bottom of the original V1. I believe the extra weight and density of the silicone pad would help to eliminate the small amount of hollow sound that is present and also make the V1 Max feel a little more substantial. There’s a small amount of rattle from some of the stabilizers, but honestly I believe applying some Krytox 205 lube would likely fix that.

Additionally, Keychron’s OSA profile PBT keycaps are comfortable to type on, but they feel a little light/thin to me. The double-shot layer for the legends is only in the very top of the keycaps, it’s not a full second layer like you find in high quality double-shot keycaps (such as PBTfans). Again, this is a small thing and I don’t find the keycaps to be entirely disappointing.

Ultimately there’s not too much to complain about with the V1 Max!

In the end, I can happily recommend the V1 Max to anyone looking for a feature-packed keyboard in a 75% layout that doesn’t break the bank. It’s a great option for getting into keyboard customization, either physical modifications or QMK/VIA customizing.

I believe the V1 Max is a top option in the market of budget-friendly customizable keyboards. If the 75% layout doesn’t meet your notes, the V5 Max offers a 96% layout with a number pad, and Keychron will undoubtedly continue to release additional layouts in the V Max line.

Check out the V1 Max

Keyboard Specs: