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| Spec |  Keychron Keychron Q1 Pro $168 “The Honda Civic of custom keyboards” Best Overall |  Keychron Keychron Q12 Max $240 “Wireless southpaw 96% Q with 2.4 GHz and a PC plate” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $168 | $240 |
| Size , different | 75% | 96% |
| Type , different | Barebones | Pre-built |
| Connectivity | Wireless + Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released , different | 2023 | 2024 |
| Mounting | Gasket | Gasket |
| Case , different | 6063 Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Colors , different | Carbon Black, Shell White, Silver Grey, Navy Blue | Carbon Black, Shell White |
| Weight , different | 1.74kg (fully assembled) | 2195 g ± 10 g (fully assembled) |
| Dimensions , different | 327.5 x 145 x 35.8mm | 145 x 409mm |
| 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 | PC | PC |
| Battery , different | 4000mAh (up to 300h, backlight off) | 4000 mAh, up to 180 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 , different | Yes | No |
| 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) | 96% layout, Tri-mode, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA, Knob |
| 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 | Left-handed typists who want wireless Mouse-heavy workflows that want the numpad out of the way People who like Jupiter switches and gasket feel |
| 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 | Right-handed users who use the numpad a lot Travelers Anyone wanting hard evidence from reviews |
| 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 | Left-hand number pad in a 96% board 2.4 GHz at 1000 Hz, Bluetooth and wired modes PC plate and double-gasket case; Keychron lists 2,195 g Standard mechanical hot-swap sockets, so switch choice is open Battery rated up to 180 hours (Keychron) |
| 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) | Southpaw layout may be a struggle if you are not left-handed (Digital Chumps) Heavy at about 2.2 kg No independent review of this exact model found No height adjustment on the sibling Q12 HE (PC Guide) |
| 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 spec-led pick for left-handed users who want wireless and mechanical switches. Review evidence comes from the Q12 HE sibling only. |