Where they actually differ
The most decisive specs, ranked by how much they matter — before the full spec table.
| Spec | Keychron - Q1 HE | Logitech - MX Keys S |
|---|---|---|
| Hot-swappable | true | false |
| Rotary knob | true | false |
| Size | 75% | Full |
Between the Q1 HE and MX Keys S, the Q1 HE comes out ahead in hot-swappable / rotary knob, while the MX Keys S wins on size. Overall, the Q1 HE scores 81.1 and the MX Keys S scores 38.3 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The Q1 HE is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 42.8 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
Pick the Q1 HE if you care most about hot-swappable / rotary knob. The biggest gaps in its favor are hot-swappable, rotary knob. The single most decisive one: Has Hot-swappable.
Pick the MX Keys S if you care most about size. Its strongest claims are size. The single most decisive one: Size: Full (vs 75%).
Both ship with comparable wireless, polling rate, so those specs do not separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the Q1 HE is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Which should you buy: Keychron - Q1 HE or Logitech - MX Keys S?
Keychron - Q1 HE leads the current Mars Score by 42.8 points.The more useful decision is the trade-off behind that result: compare size, hot-swappable against the way you will actually use the product.
Choose Keychron - Q1 HE if…
Keychron - Q1 HE has the measurable edge on is hot swap, has knob.
Choose Logitech - MX Keys S if…
Logitech - MX Keys S has the measurable edge on size.
This is a structured comparison of the published catalog values. It is not a claim of identical real-world performance across every workload; use the linked spec drill-downs and methodology page to inspect the inputs.
Why Keychron - Q1 HE wins
- ▲Has Hot-swappable.
- ▲Has Rotary knob.
Why Logitech - MX Keys S wins
- ▲Size: Full (vs 75%).
Spec comparison
Switches
| Spec | Keychron - Q1 HE | Logitech - MX Keys S |
|---|---|---|
| Switch type | Hall-effect | Scissor |
| Hot-swappable | truelead | false |
Layout & Build
| Spec | Keychron - Q1 HE | Logitech - MX Keys S |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 75% | Fulllead |
| RGB | truelead | false |
| Rotary knob | truelead | false |
| Case material | Aluminum | Plastic |
Connectivity
| Spec | Keychron - Q1 HE | Logitech - MX Keys S |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless | true | true |
| 2.4 GHz | truelead | false |
| Battery | 100 h | 240 hlead |
| Polling rate | 1000 Hz | 1000 Hz |