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 Ultra 8K $240 “Wireless 8 kHz 96% Q with ZMK and a 660-hour battery” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $230 | $240 |
| Size , different | 75% | 96% |
| Type | Pre-built | Pre-built |
| Connectivity | Wireless + Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released , different | 2023 | 2026 |
| Mounting | Gasket | Gasket |
| Case , different | 6063 Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Colors , different | — | Black, White |
| Weight , different | 1.72kg (fully assembled) | 2098g ± 10g |
| 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 | PC | PC |
| Battery , different | 4000mAh (up to 180h, backlight off) | 4000 mAh, up to 660 hours |
| Compatible switches , different | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin | MX-style |
| Software , different | QMK, Keychron Launcher | ZMK, Keychron Launcher |
| NKRO , different | Yes | No |
| 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, Tri-mode, Hot-swap, 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 | Players who want 8 kHz wireless with a number pad Users who dislike charging Buyers who like to swap switches and keycaps |
| 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 | People who specifically want QMK/VIA Typists who prefer tactile switches and short keycaps Anyone who needs independent reviews before buying |
| 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 | 8000 Hz polling over 2.4 GHz and wired (Keychron) Battery rated up to 660 hours with ZMK firmware Number pad in a 96% layout CNC aluminum, gasket mount and PC plate at 2,098 g, lighter than the Q5 Max Sibling reviews praise sound and build |
| 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 | No independent review of the Q5 Ultra 8K found; sibling reviews are used Tom's Hardware found the Q6 Ultra's switches heavy and less tactile Tall KSA keycaps may not suit smaller hands (Tom's Guide on the Q3 Ultra) Runs ZMK rather than QMK/VIA Expensive per the sibling reviews |
| 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 spec-led pick for a niche: wireless 8 kHz with a number pad and a huge battery rating. Treat feel and sound claims as inferred from the Q3 and Q6 Ultra reviews. |