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 V2 Max $115 “Tri-mode 65% with a gasket mount and optional knob” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $168 | $115 |
| Size , different | 75% | 65% |
| Type , different | Barebones | Pre-built |
| Connectivity | Wireless + Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released , different | 2023 | 2024 |
| Mounting | Gasket | Gasket |
| Case , different | 6063 Aluminum | Plastic |
| Colors , different | Carbon Black, Shell White, Silver Grey, Navy Blue | Carbon Black |
| Weight , different | 1.74kg (fully assembled) | 696 ± 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 190 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 | A wireless 65% with arrow keys on a modest budget Switching between a laptop and a desktop People who want gasket-mount feel in a plastic board |
| 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 an all-metal body Buyers who want published typing and sound measurements Those who would not want to open the case if a chatter problem appears |
| 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 | Tri-mode: 2.4GHz at 1000Hz, Bluetooth 5.1 and wired USB-C Gasket mount with PC plate, with more sound-absorbing layers than the V2 (Greenkeys) Both USB-C and USB-A receivers are included Optional programmable knob, QMK and Launcher support Hot-swap sockets with Gateron Jupiter switches 696 g (Keychron's figure) is light for a desk board, and Keychron rates the battery at up to 190 hours with the backlight off |
| 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) | ABS plastic case; there is no metal option on this model No full independent review was found, so feel and sound claims rely on the maker and a sibling model Max-series double-press and chatter reports led to a Keychron statement in July 2025 (TechPowerUp) |
| 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 logical wireless update to the V2 on paper, with a softer mount and tri-mode connectivity. Independent coverage is thin, so lean on the V1 Max reviews as a guide and buy from a recent batch with a good return window. |