Compare
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 K2 $50–$70 “K2, from Keychron's store” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $230 | $50–$70 |
| Size | 75% | 75% |
| Type , different | Pre-built | Barebones |
| Connectivity | Wireless + Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released , different | 2023 | 2019 |
| Mounting , different | Gasket | Tray Mount |
| Case , different | 6063 Aluminum | ABS Plastic |
| Colors , different | — | See the store |
| Weight , different | 1.72kg (fully assembled) | 663 g (plastic frame), 794 g (aluminum frame) |
| Dimensions , different | 327.5 x 145mm | 313 x 123 mm (plastic frame), 317 x 129 mm (aluminum frame) |
| 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) | ABS |
| 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 | QMK, Keychron Launcher | QMK, Keychron Launcher |
| 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) | 75% 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 an inexpensive compact Keychron with long battery life Users who want a compact board that works with macOS, Windows and Linux People planning to swap keycaps and switches over time |
| 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 wants 2.4 GHz wireless or 8 kHz polling (see the K2 Max and Ultra 8K) Buyers who want PBT keycaps in the box Gamers who need Hall-effect features |
| 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 | Long rated battery life of up to 240 hours (maker) Hot-swap sockets with Keychron Super switch options Aluminum-frame version adds weight and a firmer feel 75% layout with arrow keys and function row Bluetooth for three devices plus wired USB-C |
| 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 | ABS keycaps rather than the PBT on the Pro and Max (maker) Bluetooth and wired only, with no 2.4 GHz dongle Tray mount; Tom's Hardware found the tray-mount typing stiff on the sibling K8 Pro Plastic frame feels lighter and more hollow than the aluminum frame (The Keeblog, on the similar K6) Little independent review coverage of this specific version |
| 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 plain, original K2. Fine as an affordable start; the K2 Pro or Max are better equipped. |