Compare
Pick two boards from the directory and see how they differ.
Shaded rows are where they differ.
| Spec |  Keychron Keychron Q1 Pro $168 “The Honda Civic of custom keyboards” Best Overall |  Keychron Keychron K2 Max $95–$125 “K2 Max, from Keychron's store” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $168 | $95–$125 |
| Size | 75% | 75% |
| Type | Barebones | Barebones |
| Connectivity | Wireless + Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released , different | 2023 | 2024 |
| Mounting , different | Gasket | Integrated Plate |
| Case , different | 6063 Aluminum | ABS, or ABS with aluminum frame |
| Colors , different | Carbon Black, Shell White, Silver Grey, Navy Blue | Black, White |
| Weight , different | 1.74kg (fully assembled) | 940 g |
| Dimensions , different | 327.5 x 145 x 35.8mm | 311.54 x 121.54 mm |
| Typing angle , different | 5.2° | Not listed |
| Front height , different | 22.6mm | Not listed |
| Switches | Mechanical | Mechanical |
| Profile | Standard | Standard |
| Keycaps , different | Double-shot PBT, KSA 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 300h, backlight off) | 4000 mAh, up to 190 hours |
| Compatible switches , different | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin | MX-style |
| Software , different | QMK, VIA, Keychron Launcher | QMK, Keychron Launcher |
| NKRO | Yes | Yes |
| RGB | Yes | Yes |
| Features , different | QMK/VIA, Hot-swap, Double Gasket Mount, Aluminum Case, Bluetooth 5.1 + USB-C, South-facing LEDs, Screw-in Stabilizers, 1000Hz Polling (wired) | 75% layout, Tri-mode, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA |
| Good for , different | Heavy typists who want a soft, cushioned feel Buyers who want QMK programmability with Bluetooth People who switch between Mac and Windows Anyone who wants to swap switches or tune the build | Buyers who want a compact 75% with a USB dongle at a mid price Hybrid work and light-gaming users Typists who want PBT keycaps without buying a set |
| Skip if , different | Competitive gaming over wireless (90Hz polling) Anyone who needs a portable keyboard Buyers who want 2.4GHz wireless on this model People who prefer a low, flat keycap profile | Players who need 8 kHz polling (see the K2 Ultra 8K) Buyers who need independent review evidence for this exact board Anyone who wants Hall-effect features (see the K2 HE) |
| Pros , different | Flexible PC plate and gasket mount give a soft, bouncy typing feel (Tom's Guide) Full CNC aluminum case at 1,736 g assembled, so it stays put on the desk Bluetooth 5.1 for up to 3 devices plus USB-C; MakeUseOf found the Bluetooth connection stable QMK firmware with the Keychron Launcher web app for remapping and macros Hot-swap sockets take 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches 4000 mAh battery, rated up to 300 hours with the backlight off; Tom's Guide saw two to three weeks per charge Programmable aluminum knob, plus a system toggle and both Mac and Windows keycaps | 2.4 GHz at 1000 Hz plus Bluetooth for three devices and wired (maker) QMK/VIA with hot-swap Keychron Super switches Double-shot PBT keycaps 4000 mAh battery rated up to 190 hours Sibling Max boards were praised for foam layers and a firm, damped sound (Tom's Guide, MakeUseOf) |
| Cons , different | Wireless is Bluetooth only, at 90Hz polling; 1000Hz needs a USB-C cable No 2.4GHz option on the Pro; Keychron lists the Q1 Max for that Heavy for a 75% and not a board to carry around Tom's Guide heard a slightly hollow stock sound and occasional metallic pings Tall KSA keycaps raised mistype rates in Tom's Guide's typing test An r/Keychron owner report describes spacebar rattle from the stock stabilizers Tom's Guide called the $219 assembled price steep at review time (Nov 2024) | No dedicated review of the K2 Max could be found, so sound and feel are inferred from sibling Max boards Tray mount feels firmer than a gasket design, per Tom's Guide on the K10 Max 1000 Hz polling, where the Ultra 8K goes to 8000 Hz Keychron's rated battery life drops from 240 hours on older K2 boards to 190 hours Aluminum-frame version is heavier at about 1 kg |
| Research take , different | A comfort-first 75% that suits long typing sessions better than gaming or travel. Reviewers rate the build and typing feel highly and mark it down for weight, price and a stock sound that can ping. If you want 2.4GHz or magnetic switches, compare the Q1 Max and Q1 HE before buying. | The sensible K2 for most people who want a dongle. Evidence is mainly from sibling Max boards. |