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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 Q16 HE 8K $200 “All-ceramic 65% magnetic Q with 8 kHz polling” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $230 | $200 |
| Size , different | 75% | 65% |
| Type | Pre-built | Pre-built |
| Connectivity , different | Wireless + Wired | Wired |
| Released , different | 2023 | 2025 |
| Mounting | Gasket | Gasket |
| Case , different | 6063 Aluminum | Ceramic |
| Colors , different | — | Light Green, Navy Blue, Light Green (ISO-Nordic), Light Green (ISO-Germany), Light Green (ISO-UK), Light Green (ISO-Swiss), Light Green (ISO-Spanish) |
| Weight , different | 1.72kg (fully assembled) | 1060g ± 10g |
| Dimensions , different | 327.5 x 145mm | 110.8 x 315mm |
| Typing angle , different | 5.2° | Not listed |
| Front height , different | 20.7mm | Not listed |
| Switches , different | Mechanical | Hall Effect |
| Profile | Standard | Standard |
| Keycaps , different | Double-shot PBT, KSA or OSA profile (fully assembled version) | Cherry-profile ceramic die-cast keycaps |
| PCB , different | Hot-swap, South-facing RGB | Hot-swap |
| Plates , different | PC | Aluminum |
| Battery , different | 4000mAh (up to 180h, backlight off) | — |
| Compatible switches , different | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin | Keychron magnetic switches |
| Software , different | QMK, Keychron Launcher | Keychron Launcher |
| 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) | 65% layout, Wired, Hot-swap, Keychron Launcher, Magnetic switches, Ceramic case and keycaps, 8K polling |
| 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 statement keyboard on the desk Players who want 8 kHz in a small layout Anyone who values looks over acoustics |
| 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 | Typists who prioritize a deep, damped sound Anyone who wants wireless People who carry their keyboard or dislike fingerprints |
| 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 | Striking all-ceramic design (Tom's Guide, Windows Central) 8000 Hz polling, Rapid Trigger and a deep gaming feature set (Tom's Guide, WIRED) Smooth switches and TMR sensors (WIRED) Intuitive Keychron Launcher software (Windows Central) Compact 65% layout at about 1.06 kg, far lighter than other Q boards Hot-swappable PCB (Tom's Hardware), though Tom's Guide found few switches to swap in |
| 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 | Typing experience underwhelming and expensive (Tom's Hardware) WIRED found the sound underwhelming and the spacebar heavy and resonant Smudges are guaranteed and chipping is a risk (Windows Central) Wired only, with limited switch choice (Tom's Guide) Attracts fingerprints (Tom's Hardware) Loud: Windows Central said everyone will hear you typing |
| 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 novelty with real performance specs. Reviewers disagree sharply: Tom's Guide recommends it, WIRED gave it 4 out of 10, and Tom's Hardware and Windows Central flag sound, smudges and price. Buy for the look and the 8 kHz gaming features, not for the typing sound. |