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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 Q5 $90 “Wired 96% aluminum Q with a number pad” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $168 | $90 |
| Size , different | 75% | 96% |
| Type , different | Barebones | Pre-built |
| Connectivity , different | Wireless + Wired | Wired |
| Released , different | 2023 | 2022 |
| Mounting | Gasket | Gasket |
| Case , different | 6063 Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Colors , different | Carbon Black, Shell White, Silver Grey, Navy Blue | Carbon Black - B, Silver Grey - B, Navy Blue - B, Carbon Black - A, Silver Grey - A, Navy Blue - A, Carbon Black, Silver Grey, Navy Blue |
| Weight , different | 1.74kg (fully assembled) | 2310 g ± 10g (fully assembled) |
| Dimensions , different | 327.5 x 145 x 35.8mm | 96% |
| 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 | Steel |
| Battery , different | 4000mAh (up to 300h, backlight off) | — |
| 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, Wired, 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 | Number-pad users who want a more compact board Spreadsheet and data-entry work on a fixed desk Buyers who want QMK/VIA customization on a metal case |
| 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 | Anyone who wants wireless People who need adjustable feet or a low slope Travelers |
| 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 | 96% layout keeps a number pad in a smaller footprint than a full-size board Durable CNC aluminum case with steel plate; Keychron lists 2,310 g How-To Geek and MakeUseOf both praised the typing feel and build Double gasket with foam and silicone padding controls most pinging (How-To Geek) QMK/VIA with the Keychron Launcher for remapping and macros Hot-swap sockets and an optional knob |
| 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) | Wired only MakeUseOf found it very heavy and the keyboard pitch somewhat uncomfortable without a wrist rest No adjustable feet (How-To Geek, MakeUseOf) How-To Geek heard slight pings from Backspace and Enter when pressed hard How-To Geek noted that software setup is a bit rough at first |
| 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 heavyweight, well-built wired 96% that reviewers praised for feel and customization and marked down for weight and fixed angle. The Q5 Max or Q5 Pro are the wireless alternatives. |