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 Q1 Pro $168 “The Honda Civic of custom keyboards” Best Overall |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $230 | $168 |
| Size | 75% | 75% |
| Type , different | Pre-built | Barebones |
| Connectivity | Wireless + Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released | 2023 | 2023 |
| Mounting | Gasket | Gasket |
| Case | 6063 Aluminum | 6063 Aluminum |
| Colors , different | — | Carbon Black, Shell White, Silver Grey, Navy Blue |
| Weight , different | 1.72kg (fully assembled) | 1.74kg (fully assembled) |
| Dimensions , different | 327.5 x 145mm | 327.5 x 145 x 35.8mm |
| Typing angle | 5.2° | 5.2° |
| Front height , different | 20.7mm | 22.6mm |
| Switches | Mechanical | Mechanical |
| Profile | Standard | Standard |
| Keycaps , different | Double-shot PBT, KSA or OSA profile (fully assembled version) | Double-shot PBT, KSA profile (fully assembled version) |
| PCB | Hot-swap, South-facing RGB | Hot-swap, South-facing RGB |
| Plates | PC | PC |
| Battery , different | 4000mAh (up to 180h, backlight off) | 4000mAh (up to 300h, backlight off) |
| Compatible switches | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin |
| Software , different | QMK, Keychron Launcher | QMK, VIA, 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) | QMK/VIA, Hot-swap, Double Gasket Mount, Aluminum Case, Bluetooth 5.1 + USB-C, South-facing LEDs, Screw-in Stabilizers, 1000Hz Polling (wired) |
| 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 | Heavy typists who want a soft, cushioned feel Buyers who want QMK programmability with Bluetooth People who switch between Mac and Windows Anyone who wants to swap switches or tune the build |
| 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 | Competitive gaming over wireless (90Hz polling) Anyone who needs a portable keyboard Buyers who want 2.4GHz wireless on this model People who prefer a low, flat keycap profile |
| 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 | Flexible PC plate and gasket mount give a soft, bouncy typing feel (Tom's Guide) Full CNC aluminum case at 1,736 g assembled, so it stays put on the desk Bluetooth 5.1 for up to 3 devices plus USB-C; MakeUseOf found the Bluetooth connection stable QMK firmware with the Keychron Launcher web app for remapping and macros Hot-swap sockets take 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches 4000 mAh battery, rated up to 300 hours with the backlight off; Tom's Guide saw two to three weeks per charge Programmable aluminum knob, plus a system toggle and both Mac and Windows 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 | Wireless is Bluetooth only, at 90Hz polling; 1000Hz needs a USB-C cable No 2.4GHz option on the Pro; Keychron lists the Q1 Max for that Heavy for a 75% and not a board to carry around Tom's Guide heard a slightly hollow stock sound and occasional metallic pings Tall KSA keycaps raised mistype rates in Tom's Guide's typing test An r/Keychron owner report describes spacebar rattle from the stock stabilizers Tom's Guide called the $219 assembled price steep at review time (Nov 2024) |
| 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 comfort-first 75% that suits long typing sessions better than gaming or travel. Reviewers rate the build and typing feel highly and mark it down for weight, price and a stock sound that can ping. If you want 2.4GHz or magnetic switches, compare the Q1 Max and Q1 HE before buying. |