V1 Max

Reviewer verdict

Across 30 YouTube reviews, the Keychron V1 Max earns an Index score of 4/5, ranking #29 among Gaming Keyboards. Reviewers most often praise its features, build quality, value, while the most common criticisms concern build quality, key switches.

The V1 Max is widely praised for its extensive feature set and versatility, with many reviewers (67 mentions) highlighting hot-swappable switches, multiple connectivity options (USB‑C, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz dongle), per‑key RGB, and bundled extras like a rotary knob and dongle storage. Reviewers also frequently commend its solid build and sound‑focused construction (51 mentions), noting gasket‑style elements, multiple layers of foam/dampening, screw‑in stabilizers, and a substantial feel. A sizable group (29 mentions) emphasizes strong value for the price, calling it an approachable, highly customizable entry point with QMK/VIA support and included accessories. Other common positives include satisfying stock switch feel/sound for many users (26 mentions), good keycap quality (10 mentions), and broad platform support and customization options (15 mentions).

Criticisms focus on build and typing feel inconsistencies (45 mentions), with many reviewers reporting tray‑mount stiffness, rattly or poorly tuned stabilizers, light/plastic chassis feel, and some quality‑control issues when disassembling. Switches and sound receive recurring negative notes (25 mentions) from reviewers who find some stock switches thin, pingy, or muddy and say the overall sound can be hollow with certain combinations. Feature and design complaints (21 mentions) include limitations from south‑facing LEDs, battery life concerns with backlighting, and some missing premium materials or accessories, while several reviewers also call out thin or non‑shine‑through keycaps (11 mentions) and occasional performance/connectivity quirks. Availability, shipping, and perceived value at full price are also raised by a subset of reviewers (10 mentions).

Analysis based on 30 YouTube reviews (5h 6m of video) with 448 pros and 149 cons extracted.

Pros (448)

Cons (149)

Review sources

• Keychron V1 Max - 6 Months Later by Alex Talks Tech — 27 pros, 11 cons
• The Keychron V1 Bargain by Hardware Canucks — 26 pros, 10 cons
• Why are KEYCHRON keyboards so good? Q1 Max Teardown by KitGuruTech — 29 pros, 4 cons
• Keychron V5 Max – A Budget Keyboard Swings for the Fence by RTINGS Computer — 26 pros, 6 cons
• I Modded a $54 Keychron to Make it GOOD - Keychron V1 by Keybored — 19 pros, 12 cons
• The KEYCHRON V1 Is On Another Level! | Keychron V1 REVIEW by IAmVehement — 25 pros, 6 cons
• WHAT is Keychron Thinking!? by Hipyo Tech — 24 pros, 6 cons
• The New BUDGET King of 75% keyboards | Keychron V1 Review by Shoobs — 22 pros, 2 cons
• The Best Budget Custom Keyboard? - Keychron V1 Unboxing, Mods, and Review by Caddac — 17 pros, 7 cons
• Keychron V1 in 2024 by Teknickel — 16 pros, 7 cons
• Keychron v2 Max - The BEST Keyboard under $100! by Jesse Chen — 17 pros, 4 cons
• I Think Its Safe To Call This A Budget Keyboard | Keychron V1 Review by Clackbait — 12 pros, 8 cons
• Keychron V1 Review: My Experience by keebdude — 17 pros, 3 cons
• Keychron V1 Max, Ducky One 3 TKL, Das Keyboard | Azerty Edition by Ready Computer One — 18 pros, 2 cons
• Keychron V1 MAX Review: A Fundamental Shift Forward by The Manic Geek — 10 pros, 9 cons
• Keychron V1 75% Keyboard Reviewed- The Best Mechanical Keyboard under $100. by phototristan — 16 pros, 3 cons
• I CAN'T Believe This $89 Keyboard Is So Good... by Created Tech — 13 pros, 5 cons
• Keychron V1 MAX is a disappointment by Things and stuff — 11 pros, 7 cons
• Keychron V1 - Unboxing, Typing Test and Impressions by Tobey Lim — 13 pros, 3 cons
• Keychron K3.. I sold it for MX Keys Mechanical instead by Samuel Nam — 11 pros, 5 cons
• $54 Custom Keyboard?! | Keychron V1 Review by Nextrift — 11 pros, 4 cons
• My FREE Custom Keychron V1 Max Case (3D Printed & Open-Source) by Jake Reeves — 10 pros, 4 cons
• Keychron V1 Max Review - The New Budget King by SemiPro Tech+Gear — 9 pros, 4 cons
• A GREAT Budget Custom Keyboard! (Keychron V1) by Squashy Boy — 11 pros, 2 cons
• I turned the Keychron V1 into a PREMIUM keyboard by ChilledKeebs — 11 pros, 2 cons
• Some basic mods for your first budget keyboard build - Keychron V1 by KeyBound — 3 pros, 8 cons
• Best Mechanical Keyboards in 2025 - Top 5 Mechanical Keyboards You Con Buy {Reviews} by Review vid express — 10 pros, 1 cons
• One of these is the BEST budget keyboard in 2024 by That Mark Gilroy — 7 pros, 2 cons
• Keychron V1 - Modded (but it didn't need it) by keebface — 4 pros, 1 cons
• The Keyboards Everyone Can't Stop Buying. by Switch and Click — 3 pros, 1 cons

Frequently asked questions