Compare
Pick two boards from the directory and see how they differ.
Shaded rows are where they differ.
| Spec |  Keychron Keychron K8 Max $95–$125 “TKL with 2.4 GHz, QMK and a 4000 mAh battery” |  Keychron Keychron Q3 Max $230 “Tri-mode 80% TKL Q praised for sound and build” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $95–$125 | $230 |
| Size | TKL | TKL |
| Type | Pre-built | Pre-built |
| Connectivity | Wireless + Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released | 2024 | 2024 |
| Mounting , different | Integrated Plate | Gasket |
| Case , different | ABS, or ABS with aluminum frame | Aluminum |
| Colors , different | Black, White | Carbon Black, Shell White |
| Weight , different | 1158 g (ABS), 1308 g (aluminum frame) | 1770g assembled |
| Dimensions , different | 354.21 x 124.18 mm (ABS), 359.20 x 129.20 mm (aluminum frame) | 365 x 137mm |
| Typing angle , different | Not listed | 5.2° |
| Front height , different | Not listed | 19.7mm without keycaps |
| Switches | Mechanical | Mechanical |
| Profile | Standard | Standard |
| Keycaps , different | Double-shot PBT | Double-shot PBT, KSA |
| PCB , different | Hot-swap | Hot-swap, south-facing RGB |
| Plates , different | Not listed | PC |
| Battery , different | 4000 mAh, up to 190 hours | 4000mAh |
| Compatible switches , different | MX-style | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin |
| Software | QMK, VIA, Keychron Launcher | QMK, VIA, Keychron Launcher |
| NKRO | Yes | Yes |
| RGB , different | No | Yes |
| Features , different | TKL layout, Tri-mode, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA | TKL with knob, Aluminum, Double gasket, QMK/VIA, 2.4GHz + Bluetooth, 4000mAh, Hot-swap |
| Good for , different | Buyers who want QMK and a dongle in a TKL Casual customizers who want a heavy, ready-made board Users who switch between a Mac and a PC | Buyers who want a tenkeyless metal board with a deep, muted sound Users who split time between typing and casual gaming Anyone who wants three connection modes in a TKL |
| Skip if , different | Enthusiasts who want the most advanced sound tuning Gamers who want Hall-effect or 8 kHz features Anyone who needs to carry the board often | People who dislike a fixed typing angle Travelers Buyers watching price closely |
| Pros , different | 2.4 GHz at 1000 Hz, Bluetooth and wired (maker) Good value, with a thocky sound on brown switches (MakeUseOf) PBT keycaps and a heavy, sturdy frame QMK with hot-swap sockets and three switch choices 4000 mAh battery rated up to 190 hours with the backlight off | 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth and wired modes; 1000 Hz on 2.4 GHz and wired (Tom's Guide) Tom's Guide called it acoustically damped to the extreme and well built PC Gamer scored it 92 and praised smooth, lubed switches and sturdy build Around three weeks per charge in Tom's Guide's use Screw-in metal stabilizers and double-gasket mount (Tom's Guide spec table) Programmable knob, QMK and Keychron Launcher |
| Cons , different | Plastic base limits advanced customizers (MakeUseOf) RGB customization is wide but shallow (MakeUseOf) Adjustable feet could be larger (MakeUseOf) Heavy for travel Battery drops to about 100 hours with the backlight on low (MakeUseOf) | Expensive for a TKL (Tom's Guide, PC Gamer) Heavy: Keychron lists 1,770 g and PC Gamer measured about 2 kg No height adjustment (Tom's Guide) Bluetooth runs at 90 Hz, so use 2.4 GHz or the cable for games Side-printed legends may not appeal to everyone (PC Gamer) |
| Research take , different | The most balanced K8 for most buyers, reviewed positively by MakeUseOf. | One of the best-reviewed boards in the Q line: strong build, sound and connectivity. The weight, price and fixed height are the trade-offs reviewers keep mentioning. |