Pick two boards from the directory and see how they differ.
Shaded rows are where they differ.
| Spec | CannonKeys CannonKeys Bakeneko65 $150 “CannonKeys' beginner aluminum 65% with an O-ring mount and included parts” | Keychron Keychron Q2 Max $230 “65% Q with 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth and a knob” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $150 | $230 |
| Size | 65% | 65% |
| Type , different | Kit | Pre-built |
| Connectivity , different | Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released , different | 2022 | 2024 |
| Mounting , different | O-ring gasket | Gasket |
| Case , different | Cast aluminum (CannonKeys) | Aluminum |
| Colors , different | NG Blue Grey, NG Navy, NG White, NG Steel Blue, NG Khaki, NG Black, NG Dark Green, NG Lavender, NG Blush Red, NG Purple, Flash Black, Flash Grey, Pearl White, NG Sage, NG Charcoal | Carbon Black, Shell White |
| Weight , different | About 590 g unbuilt (CannonKeys) | 1528g assembled |
| Dimensions , different | 65% | 327 x 121mm |
| Typing angle , different | 6° | 6.5° |
| Front height , different | Not listed | 21mm without keycaps |
| Switches | Mechanical | Mechanical |
| Profile | Standard | Standard |
| Keycaps , different | Not included | Double-shot PBT, KSA |
| PCB , different | Hot-swap | Hot-swap, south-facing RGB |
| Plates , different | FR4 | PC |
| Battery , different | — | 4000mAh |
| Compatible switches , different | MX-style | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin |
| Software , different | QMK, VIA | QMK, VIA, Keychron Launcher |
| NKRO | Yes | Yes |
| RGB , different | No | Yes |
| Features , different | 65% kit, Polycarbonate, Gasket, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA | 65% with knob, Aluminum, Double gasket, QMK/VIA, 2.4GHz + Bluetooth, 4000mAh, Hot-swap |
| Good for , different | First-time custom builders People who want an easy, screw-free assembly Buyers who like a soft, cushioned O-ring feel | Compact-layout fans who want a low-latency wireless option Typists who like a quiet, foam-dampened sound Buyers who plan to tweak switches and keycaps |
| Skip if , different | Experienced builders who want more options Anyone who wants screw-in stabilizers Those who want RGB lighting | People who dislike tall, steeply sloped keyboards Anyone needing function keys without layers Travelers |
| Pros , different | Cast aluminum case with a removable silicone dampener (CannonKeys) O-ring mount needs no screws outside the USB port, making assembly simple (Tom's Hardware) FR4 plate, hot-swap PCB and clip-in stabilizers all included (CannonKeys) Tom's Hardware called it a great entry point to the hobby Silicone or zinc weight options (CannonKeys) Carrying case included (CannonKeys) | 2.4 GHz at 1000 Hz, Bluetooth 5.1 and wired, all in one board Tank-like build with sound-dampening foam; PowerUp! found no rattle from the factory-lubed stabilizers Compact 121 x 327 mm footprint at 1,528 g Hot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches, QMK/VIA and a programmable knob Battery rated up to 180 hours by Keychron |
| Cons , different | Tom's Hardware noted imperfections in the finish Less flex than the Bakeneko60 (Tom's Hardware) Only clip-in stabilizers are supported (Tom's Hardware) No flex cuts and warm-white-only backlighting on the PCB (Tom's Hardware) No sound-dampening foam is included (Tom's Hardware) Switches and keycaps are not included (CannonKeys) | Wirecutter criticises the tall case, steep fixed slope and tall keycaps No adjustable feet; PowerUp! recommends a wrist rest Slight but noticeable delay when switching between Bluetooth devices (PowerUp!) No function row on the 65% layout Heavy for a compact board |
| Research take , different | A beginner-friendly aluminum 65% that Tom's Hardware recommends for newcomers. It is simple and limited, so pick it for ease rather than depth. | A strong wireless 65% for typing and casual gaming, praised by PowerUp! for build and rattle-free stabilizers. The fixed height and tall caps are why Wirecutter passed on it, so plan on a wrist rest. |