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| Spec | Keychron Keychron Q1 Max $230 “The 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth and wired 75% Q” |  Keychron Keychron V5 Ultra 8K $120 “ZMK-powered wireless 96% with 8000Hz and up to 660 hours of battery” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $230 | $120 |
| 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 | Plastic |
| Colors , different | — | Black |
| Weight , different | 1.72kg (fully assembled) | 983 g ± 10 g |
| Dimensions , different | 327.5 x 145mm | 148.7 x 391.5 mm |
| 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 | 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, Tri-mode, Hot-swap, ZMK firmware, 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 | People who want wireless 96% with very long battery life Gamers and typists who want 8000Hz and tri-mode Users comfortable with ZMK or willing to learn it |
| 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 QMK or VIA Buyers who want an all-metal body People who dislike cramped 96% layouts |
| 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 | Keychron rates the 4000 mAh battery at up to 660 hours (with 8000Hz, backlight off, per Tom's Hardware) Tri-mode connectivity: 2.4GHz at 8000Hz, Bluetooth 5.3 and wired USB-C Gasket mount and PC plate; Tom's Hardware found it flexible, well-dampened and decent sounding Upgraded screw-in stabilizers with less wobble (The Verge) Launcher web app for remapping, Snap Action, per-key and mix RGB (Tom's Hardware) Knob, numpad and arrows in a 96% layout |
| 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 | ZMK firmware with less polished remapping than QMK/VIA (The Verge) Launcher requires a wired connection, and 8000Hz must be enabled in it (Tom's Hardware) The 96% layout is cramped (Tom's Hardware) Tom's Hardware's reviewer was lukewarm on the Banana tactile switches Plastic case at 983 g (Keychron's figure) |
| 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-reviewed wireless 96% whose standout is battery life and 8000Hz, paid for by a switch to ZMK. If QMK/VIA matters, the V5 Max is the alternative. |