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Keychron Q1 Max compared with Keychron K5 SE
Spec

Keychron

Keychron Q1 Max

$230

“The 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth and wired 75% Q”

Keychron K5 SE

Keychron

Keychron K5 SE

$64–$79

“K5 SE, from Keychron's store”

Price , different $230 $64–$79
Size , different 75% Full
Type , different Pre-built Barebones
Connectivity Wireless + Wired Wireless + Wired
Released , different 2023 2022
Mounting , different Gasket Tray Mount
Case , different 6063 Aluminum Aluminum
Colors , different — See the store
Weight , different 1.72kg (fully assembled) 673 g +/- 10 g
Dimensions , different 327.5 x 145mm 435 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 90 hours
Compatible switches , different MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin Keychron low-profile
Software , different QMK, Keychron Launcher QMK
NKRO Yes Yes
RGB , different Yes No
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) Full 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 Office users who want a slim numpad keyboard with optical switch options Buyers who like an aluminum case People who do not need a dongle
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 Gamers who need low-latency wireless Buyers who want PBT keycaps Travelers who need a compact board
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 Aluminum case at about 673 g (maker) Optical or mechanical low-profile switch options Full-size numpad layout in a slim body Hot-swappable LSA keycaps
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 Battery rated at only 90 hours ABS keycaps that are not shine-through Bluetooth plus wired only No review of this model was found Product page text is shared with the K5 version 2 line, so confirm firmware support before buying
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 lighter aluminum K5 with optical options. Evidence is thin.