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 | MonsGeek MonsGeek M1 V5 $90–$130 “The M3's 75% sibling” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $168 | $90–$130 |
| Size | 75% | 75% |
| Type | Barebones | Barebones |
| Connectivity | Wireless + Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released , different | 2023 | 2025 |
| Mounting | Gasket | Gasket |
| Case , different | 6063 Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Colors , different | Carbon Black, Shell White, Silver Grey, Navy Blue | Black, and special editions |
| Weight , different | 1.74kg (fully assembled) | About 1650g barebone |
| Dimensions , different | 327.5 x 145 x 35.8mm | 333 x 146 x 32.6mm |
| Typing angle , different | 5.2° | Not listed |
| Front height , different | 22.6mm | 32.6mm case height |
| Switches | Mechanical | Mechanical |
| Profile | Standard | Standard |
| Keycaps , different | Double-shot PBT, KSA profile (fully assembled version) | Not included on the barebone |
| PCB , different | Hot-swap, South-facing RGB | Hot-swap, south-facing RGB |
| Plates | PC | PC |
| Battery , different | 4000mAh (up to 300h, backlight off) | 8000mAh |
| Compatible switches | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin |
| Software , different | QMK, VIA, Keychron Launcher | VIA |
| 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) | 75% aluminum, Gasket, Tri-mode, Hot-swap, 8000mAh, Quick release, VIA on the VIA kit |
| 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 | Buyers who want a metal, tweakable 75% at a modest price Beginners who will open the case more than once People who want wireless and VIA together |
| 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 prioritizes stock switch feel Buyers who want magnetic switches (see the M1 V5 HE or TMR) Travelers who need a light board |
| 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 | CNC aluminum case that opens without screws, so foam and plate changes are quick 8,000 mAh battery; all three reviewers rated battery life highly Tri-mode connectivity with VIA remapping and QMK source available Gasket mount, Poron and IXPE foams and pre-lubed stabilizers in the box South-facing hot-swap PCB that accepts 3-pin and 5-pin switches Basic Tutorials and ComputerBase both single out material quality 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) | Mode switch sits under the caps key (Basic Tutorials, ComputerBase) Stock Akko Piano Pro switches can vary in feel and feel slightly scratchy (ComputerBase) Occasional Bluetooth issues (Basic Tutorials) Knob can touch the case if pressed off-centre (Techxreviews) Heavy, and ComputerBase notes there are no recesses for lifting it VIA edition does not work with MonsGeek's driver; order the right version |
| 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 well-reviewed, heavy 75% whose strengths are the case, battery and ease of modding rather than the stock switches. Check you are buying the VIA edition if you want VIA. |