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 Q5 $90 “Wired 96% aluminum Q with a number pad” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $230 | $90 |
| Size , different | 75% | 96% |
| 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, Carbon Black - A, Silver Grey - A, Navy Blue - A, Carbon Black, Silver Grey, Navy Blue |
| Weight , different | 1.72kg (fully assembled) | 2310 g ± 10g (fully assembled) |
| Dimensions , different | 327.5 x 145mm | 96% |
| 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) | 96% 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 | Number-pad users who want a more compact board Spreadsheet and data-entry work on a fixed desk Buyers who want QMK/VIA customization on a metal case |
| 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 wireless People who need adjustable feet or a low slope Travelers |
| 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 | 96% layout keeps a number pad in a smaller footprint than a full-size board Durable CNC aluminum case with steel plate; Keychron lists 2,310 g How-To Geek and MakeUseOf both praised the typing feel and build Double gasket with foam and silicone padding controls most pinging (How-To Geek) QMK/VIA with the Keychron Launcher for remapping and macros Hot-swap sockets and an optional knob |
| 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 MakeUseOf found it very heavy and the keyboard pitch somewhat uncomfortable without a wrist rest No adjustable feet (How-To Geek, MakeUseOf) How-To Geek heard slight pings from Backspace and Enter when pressed hard How-To Geek noted that software setup is a bit rough at first |
| 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 heavyweight, well-built wired 96% that reviewers praised for feel and customization and marked down for weight and fixed angle. The Q5 Max or Q5 Pro are the wireless alternatives. |