Pick two boards from the directory and see how they differ.
Shaded rows are where they differ.
| Spec | Keychron Keychron Q1 Max $230 “The 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth and wired 75% Q” | Keychron Keychron K1 SE $60–$75 “K1 SE, from Keychron's store” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $230 | $60–$75 |
| Size , different | 75% | TKL |
| Type , different | Pre-built | Barebones |
| Connectivity | Wireless + Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released , different | 2023 | 2021 |
| Mounting , different | Gasket | Tray Mount |
| Case , different | 6063 Aluminum | ABS with aluminum Frame |
| Colors , different | — | See the store |
| Weight , different | 1.72kg (fully assembled) | About 550 g |
| Dimensions , different | 327.5 x 145mm | 355 x 120 mm |
| Typing angle , different | 5.2° | Not listed |
| Front height , different | 20.7mm | Not listed |
| Switches , different | Mechanical | Low Profile |
| Profile , different | Standard | Low Profile |
| Keycaps , different | Double-shot PBT, KSA or OSA profile (fully assembled version) | LSA ABS keycaps, not shine-through |
| PCB , different | Hot-swap, South-facing RGB | Hot-swap |
| Plates , different | PC | Not listed |
| Battery , different | 4000mAh (up to 180h, backlight off) | 2000 mAh, up to 190 hours |
| Compatible switches , different | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin | Keychron low-profile |
| Software , different | QMK, Keychron Launcher | QMK |
| NKRO | Yes | Yes |
| RGB | Yes | Yes |
| Features , different | QMK/VIA, Hot-swap, Double Gasket Mount, Aluminum Case, 2.4GHz + Bluetooth 5.1, South-facing RGB, Screw-in Stabilizers, 1000Hz Polling (2.4GHz & wired) | TKL layout, Tri-mode, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA, Low profile |
| Good for , different | Typists who want a wireless 75% with a quiet, cushioned sound Users who want a low-latency dongle option without leaving the Q line People who like to open the board and adjust foam | Travelers and office typists who want a slim TKL with long battery life Buyers who want optical low-profile switches People who do not need remapping software |
| Skip if , different | Buyers who want a low-profile keycap shape or adjustable height Anyone who needs a travel keyboard People who want magnetic switches; the Q1 HE covers that | QMK/VIA users Buyers who want PBT keycaps Anyone who needs a dongle |
| Pros , different | Three connection modes: 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.1 (three devices) and wired, with 1000 Hz on 2.4 GHz and wired Muffled sound with little case resonance from layered foam and a double-gasket design (AppleInsider) Thick aluminum shell that XDA Developers says will not move on the desk; Keychron lists 1,724 g PC plate, hot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches, QMK/VIA and a knob Gateron Jupiter Red, Brown or Banana switches come pre-installed on the assembled version 4000 mAh battery, rated up to 180 hours by Keychron | Light at about 550 g (maker) Battery rated up to 190 hours, above the K1's 160 and the K1 Max's 95 (maker) Optical or mechanical low-profile switch options Hot-swappable Bluetooth plus wired |
| Cons , different | No adjustable feet; the angle is fixed at 5.2 degrees (AppleInsider) Wirecutter criticises the tall keycaps and the steep, non-adjustable case slope Keychron's 1000 Hz rating applies to 2.4 GHz and wired; the sibling Q1 HE drops to 90 Hz on Bluetooth (Tom's Guide) Heavy at about 1.7 kg, so not a portable 75% Wirecutter notes it costs more than its own upgrade pick, and AppleInsider's headline calls it costly | No QMK or Launcher support is listed by the maker ABS keycaps that are not shine-through No 2.4 GHz option Simpler spec than the K1 Pro No review of this model was found |
| Research take , different | The most complete mechanical 75% in the Q line: reviewers praised the build, the sound and the 2.4 GHz option. The tall caps and fixed slope are the recurring complaints, so a wrist rest is worth budgeting for. | The no-frills K1. The long battery rating is the main draw. |