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 V3 8K $75 “Wired 80% TKL with 8000Hz polling and a knob” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $168 | $75 |
| Size , different | 75% | TKL |
| Type , different | Barebones | Pre-built |
| Connectivity , different | Wireless + Wired | Wired |
| Released , different | 2023 | 2026 |
| Mounting , different | Gasket | Tray Mount |
| Case , different | 6063 Aluminum | Plastic |
| Colors , different | Carbon Black, Shell White, Silver Grey, Navy Blue | Black |
| Weight , different | 1.74kg (fully assembled) | 1005 g ± 10 g |
| Dimensions , different | 327.5 x 145 x 35.8mm | 140.56 x 366.7 mm |
| 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 | Not listed |
| 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 | Yes | Yes |
| 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) | TKL 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 | Wired gamers who want 8000Hz on a TKL People who prefer a firm, solid typing feel QMK users who want a knob and a function row |
| 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 Typists who want a soft gasket feel (the V3 Max does that) Compact-desk users, given the full TKL width |
| 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 | 8000Hz polling over wired USB-C, with QMK and the Launcher web app Steel plate and tray mount give a stable, stiff surface (APH Networks) Foam and film layers produce a satisfying, slightly quiet sound (APH Networks) Screw-in stabilizers that APH found smooth and rattle-free Hot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches, and a knob Full TKL arrow, navigation and function sections |
| 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 Typing feel was good but not great for APH, with slightly squishy switches (Apex Red on its sample) The volume knob sits in the middle of the function row, which APH did not like The smaller kickstands were loose (APH Networks) 1005 g (Keychron's figure) and a tray mount are heavier and stiffer than the V3 Max |
| 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 wired TKL for people who want 8000Hz and a firm feel; APH Networks rated it 7.2/10 on its own scale. If wireless or a softer feel matters more than polling rate, move to the V3 Max. |