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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 K12 $40–$80 “K12, from Keychron's store” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $230 | $40–$80 |
| Size , different | 75% | 60% |
| Type , different | Pre-built | Barebones |
| Connectivity | Wireless + Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released , different | 2023 | 2021 |
| Mounting , different | Gasket | Tray Mount |
| Case , different | 6063 Aluminum | ABS, or ABS with aluminum frame |
| Colors , different | — | See the store |
| Weight , different | 1.72kg (fully assembled) | About 664 g (the page does not say which frame) |
| Dimensions , different | 327.5 x 145mm | 293 x 102 mm (plastic frame), 298 x 107 mm (aluminum bezels) |
| Typing angle , different | 5.2° | Not listed |
| Front height , different | 20.7mm | Not listed |
| Switches | Mechanical | Mechanical |
| Profile | Standard | Standard |
| Keycaps , different | Double-shot PBT, KSA or OSA profile (fully assembled version) | OEM Double-Shot ABS keycaps |
| PCB , different | Hot-swap, South-facing RGB | Hot-swap |
| Plates , different | PC | Not listed |
| Battery , different | 4000mAh (up to 180h, backlight off) | 4000 mAh, up to 240 hours |
| Compatible switches , different | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin | MX-style |
| 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) | 60% layout, Tri-mode, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA |
| 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 | Buyers who want a compact 60% for travel or a small desk People who like experimenting with switches Budget-minded Bluetooth users |
| 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 | Anyone who needs arrow keys or function keys without layers QMK/VIA users Typists who want a quiet, solid sound |
| 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 | Compact 60% at a manageable weight (maker) Good build, per Keebnews Gateron G Pro or optical switch options Battery rated up to 240 hours Extra keycaps for Windows and Mac (Keebnews) |
| 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 | Spacebar is louder than the rest of the board (Keebnews) Sound is somewhat hollow (Keebnews) High profile may need a wrist rest (Keebnews) USB port on the left side (Keebnews) No QMK listed on the maker's page |
| 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. | A decent compact starter. The spacebar sound is the main complaint. |