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Keychron Q1 Max compared with Keychron Q5
Spec

Keychron

Keychron Q1 Max

$230

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

Keychron Q5

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.