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 Ultra 8K $120 “K2 Ultra 8K, from Keychron's store” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $168 | $120 |
| Size | 75% | 75% |
| Type , different | Barebones | Pre-built |
| Connectivity | Wireless + Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released , different | 2023 | 2026 |
| Mounting , different | Gasket | Integrated Plate |
| Case , different | 6063 Aluminum | CNC Aluminum + ABS |
| Colors , different | Carbon Black, Shell White, Silver Grey, Navy Blue | Black |
| Weight , different | 1.74kg (fully assembled) | 1084 g +/- 10 g |
| Dimensions , different | 327.5 x 145 x 35.8mm | 311.50 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) | OSA Double-Shot PBT Keycaps |
| PCB , different | Hot-swap, South-facing RGB | Hot-swap |
| Plates , different | PC | Steel |
| Battery , different | 4000mAh (up to 300h, backlight off) | 4000 mAh, up to 760 hours |
| Compatible switches , different | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin | MX-style |
| Software , different | QMK, VIA, Keychron Launcher | ZMK, Keychron Launcher |
| NKRO , different | Yes | No |
| 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 |
| 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 | Competitive players who want 8 kHz wireless in a 75% Users who want very long battery life between charges Buyers who prefer an aluminum frame |
| 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 | Existing QMK/VIA users who want to keep that firmware People who prefer a low-profile, thin board Anyone who dislikes a tall keyboard |
| 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 | 8000 Hz polling over 2.4 GHz and wired (maker) Up to 760 hours battery rating (maker) CNC aluminum and ABS body with steel plate at 1084 g Hot-swap Apex switches; TechRadar found the reds well damped Double-shot PBT keycaps |
| 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) | Runs ZMK firmware, not QMK/VIA, which changes how remapping works (maker) TechRadar's reds actuated a little deep and missed some presses Thick and tall; TechRadar needed a wrist rest Keycaps are opaque, so the backlight does not shine through (TechRadar) Stock switches and keycaps may not suit everyone |
| 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. | A value-priced 8 kHz 75%. Check the firmware and thickness first. |