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 Q5 Ultra 8K $240 “Wireless 8 kHz 96% Q with ZMK and a 660-hour battery” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $168 | $240 |
| Size , different | 75% | 96% |
| Type , different | Barebones | Pre-built |
| Connectivity | Wireless + Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released , different | 2023 | 2026 |
| Mounting | Gasket | Gasket |
| Case , different | 6063 Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Colors , different | Carbon Black, Shell White, Silver Grey, Navy Blue | Black, White |
| Weight , different | 1.74kg (fully assembled) | 2098g ± 10g |
| 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 | PC | PC |
| Battery , different | 4000mAh (up to 300h, backlight off) | 4000 mAh, up to 660 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 , 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, 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 | Players who want 8 kHz wireless with a number pad Users who dislike charging Buyers who like to swap switches and keycaps |
| 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 | People who specifically want QMK/VIA Typists who prefer tactile switches and short keycaps Anyone who needs independent reviews before buying |
| 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 (Keychron) Battery rated up to 660 hours with ZMK firmware Number pad in a 96% layout CNC aluminum, gasket mount and PC plate at 2,098 g, lighter than the Q5 Max Sibling reviews praise sound and build |
| 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 independent review of the Q5 Ultra 8K found; sibling reviews are used Tom's Hardware found the Q6 Ultra's switches heavy and less tactile Tall KSA keycaps may not suit smaller hands (Tom's Guide on the Q3 Ultra) Runs ZMK rather than QMK/VIA Expensive per the sibling reviews |
| 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 a niche: wireless 8 kHz with a number pad and a huge battery rating. Treat feel and sound claims as inferred from the Q3 and Q6 Ultra reviews. |