Head-to-head · Best Mechanical Keyboards

Glorious GMMK Pro vs Keychron Q1 HE

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Keychron Q1 HE comes out ahead by a narrow margin (3.9 vs 4.0). The gap is mostly about Users prioritizing battery life and simplicity — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #5 in Best Mechanical Keyboards

Glorious GMMK Pro

3.9

$149

The Glorious GMMK Pro maintains its reputation as a premium mechanical keyboard, with Tom's Guide praising its solid build quality and customizable RGB lighting. TechRadar noted its comfortable typing experience and durable construction, though both reviewers acknowledged the higher price point. The keyboard's aluminum frame and 10000-hour switch lifespan are frequently highlighted as key strengths. However, some users may find the customization options limited compared to competitors. This keyboard is ideal for enthusiasts and professionals seeking a high-end mechanical keyboard but may not fit budget-conscious buyers.

Strengths

— Excellent build quality with a solid aluminum frame and premium materials
— Customizable RGB lighting with per-key control and 16.8 million color options
— Comfortable typing experience with a range of switch options including GMMK Pro switches

Watch-outs

— Higher price point compared to similar mechanical keyboards in the market
— Limited customization options for the keycaps and switch types in some configurations

$149 · Buy at gloriousgaming.com Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Mechanical Keyboards

Keychron Q1 HE

4.0

$219as of May 26

The Keychron Q1 HE delivers a solid 60% mechanical keyboard experience with a compact design and high-quality switches. PCMag praised its build quality and tactile feedback, while Tom's Guide noted its excellent wireless performance and battery life. However, RTINGS.com pointed out the lack of backlighting and limited customization options. This keyboard is ideal for users seeking a no-frills, reliable mechanical typing experience but may not suit those wanting RGB lighting or extensive programmability.

Strengths

— Compact 60% form factor with a comfortable layout for frequent typists
— High-quality mechanical switches with tactile feedback and quiet operation
— Solid build quality with a durable aluminum frame and well-secured keycaps

Watch-outs

— Limited customization options compared to more premium models
— No backlighting or RGB lighting features
— Price point may be too high for budget-conscious buyers

$219 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Glorious GMMK Pro

The Glorious GMMK Pro excels in build quality and switch longevity, offering a 10000-hour lifespan that surpasses the Keychron Q1 HE and Drop CTRL, but it lacks the hot-swap capability and wireless flexibility of the Keychron Q1 Max and NuPhy Air75 V2. While the Mode SixtyFive provides a more tactile feel, the GMMK Pro's RGB customization and switch variety make it a better choice for those who value visual and functional versatility.

Keychron Q1 HE

The Keychron Q1 HE offers longer battery life and a compact 60% layout compared to the Keychron Q1 Max and Drop CTRL, but it lacks RGB lighting and hot-swap support. Unlike the NuPhy Air75 V2, it provides more switch options and better tactile feedback, while the Royal Kludge RK84 offers more connectivity options but less build quality. The Q1 HE is best for those who prioritize battery life and simplicity.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Glorious GMMK Pro	Keychron Q1 HE
Form Factor	75%	60%
Switch Type	GMMK Pro switches	Mechanical
Connectivity	USB-C, Bluetooth 5.1	Bluetooth 5.0
Backlight	Per-key RGB with 16.8M colors	RGB
Build Material	Aluminum frame	Aluminum frame
Battery	4000 mAh	Up to 60 hours
Keycaps	Double-shot PBT	PBT Double-shot
Weight	1.3 kg	2.1 kg

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