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Keychron Q1 Max compared with Keychron Q5 Ultra 8K
Spec

Keychron

Keychron Q1 Max

$230

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

Keychron Q5 Ultra 8K

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.