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 Q2 Pro $168 “Bluetooth 65% Q with a flexible polycarbonate plate” |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $168 | $168 |
| Size , different | 75% | 65% |
| Type , different | Barebones | Pre-built |
| Connectivity | Wireless + Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released | 2023 | 2023 |
| Mounting | Gasket | Gasket |
| Case , different | 6063 Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Colors , different | Carbon Black, Shell White, Silver Grey, Navy Blue | Carbon Black, Silver Grey, Shell White |
| Weight , different | 1.74kg (fully assembled) | 1489 ± 10 g (fully assembled) |
| Dimensions , different | 327.5 x 145 x 35.8mm | 65% |
| 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 300 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) | 65% 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 | Daily typists who want a 65% with Bluetooth and a softer feel Mac and Windows users who connect several devices Buyers happy to swap stabilizers or keycaps later |
| 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 | Gamers who want a 1000 Hz wireless dongle Anyone who wants maximum durability from a steel plate People who want out-of-the-box perfect stabilizers |
| 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 | Bluetooth 5.1 for up to three devices plus wired USB-C Flexible plate and a cushy, bouncy gasket feel (Switch and Click) Gasket mount, hot-swap sockets and screw-in stabilizers in an aluminum 65% at 1,489 g Battery rated up to 300 hours (Keychron) ANSI and ISO layouts, knob and QMK/VIA |
| 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 2.4 GHz receiver; Wirecutter notes this against the Q2 Max Switch and Click found the stabilizers need work and the stock keycaps are not great, and did not rate the sound as the best Wirecutter says it does not feel as nice to type on as the Q2 Max Heavy for a 65%; not a commuter board |
| 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 capable Bluetooth 65% that Switch and Click uses as a daily driver while flagging stabilizers, keycaps and sound. The Q2 Max is the step up if you want 2.4 GHz and a better stock feel. |