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 V8 $80 “Wired 65% Alice layout with a steel plate and tray mount” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $230 | $80 |
| Size , different | 75% | Alice |
| Type | Pre-built | Pre-built |
| Connectivity , different | Wireless + Wired | Wired |
| Released , different | 2023 | 2022 |
| Mounting , different | Gasket | Tray Mount |
| Case , different | 6063 Aluminum | Plastic |
| Colors , different | — | Frosted Black (Translucent), Carbon Black (Non-transparent) |
| Weight , different | 1.72kg (fully assembled) | 945 ± 10 g (fully assembled) |
| Dimensions , different | 327.5 x 145mm | Alice |
| 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 | Not listed |
| 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) | Alice 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 | Typists with wrist discomfort who want a mechanical Alice board People willing to relearn a few key positions Wired desk users on a modest budget |
| 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 uses several standard keyboards daily Buyers who want wireless People who want arrow and page keys in standard positions |
| 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 | Alice layout angles the two halves for a more natural wrist position (as Tom's Guide describes for the V8 Max) Steel plate and tray mount give a firm feel Hot-swap sockets, screw-in stabilizers and QMK with the Launcher web app Programmable knob Includes both Mac and Windows keycaps in the assembled version 945 g (Keychron's figure) and wired, so there is no battery to manage |
| 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; the V8 Max is the wireless version Alice layout needs an adaptation period (Tom's Guide on the V8 Max, Clements on the V10) The 65% layout with a split B and double spacebar changes where some keys sit (Clements on the V10) Tray mount and steel plate leave little flex No review of the V8 itself was found |
| 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 wired Alice 65% for people who want the ergonomic angle in a plastic, hot-swap board. Evidence is mostly from siblings; the main buying question is whether you will adapt to the layout, so check the V8 Max reviews and consider that wireless is available there. |