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 Q3 $90–$100 “Wired 80% TKL aluminum Q with a steel plate” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $230 | $90–$100 |
| Size , different | 75% | TKL |
| Type | Pre-built | Pre-built |
| Connectivity , different | Wireless + Wired | Wired |
| Released , different | 2023 | 2022 |
| Mounting | Gasket | Gasket |
| Case , different | 6063 Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Colors , different | — | Carbon Black - B, Silver Grey - B, Navy Blue - B, Shell White, Retro, Carbon Black - A, Silver Grey - A, Navy Blue - A, Transparent Black, Carbon Black, Silver Grey, Navy Blue, Red, Champagne Gold |
| Weight , different | 1.72kg (fully assembled) | 2000 g ± 10g (fully assembled) |
| Dimensions , different | 327.5 x 145mm | TKL |
| 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) | Double-shot PBT |
| PCB , different | Hot-swap, South-facing RGB | Hot-swap |
| Plates , different | PC | Steel |
| Battery , different | 4000mAh (up to 180h, backlight off) | — |
| Compatible switches , different | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin | MX-style |
| Software | QMK, Keychron Launcher | QMK, 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) | TKL layout, Wired, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA, Knob |
| 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 | Typists who want a tenkeyless layout with a premium metal body First-time modders who want hot-swap and QMK/VIA without wireless Mac and Windows users who want a quiet-ish, gasket-style feel |
| 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 Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz Users who need a number pad People who want a perfectly damped sound without modding |
| 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 | 80% layout keeps arrows, navigation block and function row without a numpad Full CNC aluminum case with steel plate and gasket mount, 2,000 g per Keychron iMore described a thocky sound with little metallic ping from the double-gasket design QMK/VIA plus the Keychron Launcher for remapping, macros and RGB Hot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches Windows Central called it great value for a customizable board |
| 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 | Wired only (iMore) Windows Central found the stock dampening weaker than on more expensive custom boards Windows Central did not like where the knob sits Very heavy for an 80% board; iMore put it over four pounds Keychron's site also shows the Q3 HE 8K and Q3 Ultra 8K as newer versions |
| 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 well-regarded wired TKL: solid metal, gasket feel and QMK/VIA. Reviewers flagged price, lack of wireless and modest stock dampening. Choose it if a cable is fine; otherwise compare the Q3 Max or Q3 Pro. |