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Pick two boards from the directory and see how they differ.
Shaded rows are where they differ.
| Spec |  Keychron Keychron Q12 $150 “Wired southpaw 96% Q with the numpad on the left” | Keychron Keychron Q1 Max $230 “The 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth and wired 75% Q” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $150 | $230 |
| Size , different | 96% | 75% |
| Type | Pre-built | Pre-built |
| Connectivity , different | Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released | 2023 | 2023 |
| Mounting | Gasket | Gasket |
| Case , different | Aluminum | 6063 Aluminum |
| Colors , different | Carbon Black - A, Silver Grey - A, Navy Blue - A, Carbon Black - B, Silver Grey - B, Navy Blue - B, Carbon Black, Silver Grey, Navy Blue | — |
| Weight , different | 2491 ± 10 g (fully assembled) | 1.72kg (fully assembled) |
| Dimensions , different | 96% | 327.5 x 145mm |
| Typing angle , different | Not listed | 5.2° |
| Front height , different | Not listed | 20.7mm |
| Switches | Mechanical | Mechanical |
| Profile | Standard | Standard |
| Keycaps , different | Double-shot PBT | Double-shot PBT, KSA or OSA profile (fully assembled version) |
| PCB , different | Hot-swap | Hot-swap, South-facing RGB |
| Plates , different | Steel | PC |
| Battery , different | — | 4000mAh (up to 180h, backlight off) |
| Compatible switches , different | MX-style | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin |
| Software | QMK, Keychron Launcher | QMK, Keychron Launcher |
| NKRO | Yes | Yes |
| RGB , different | No | Yes |
| Features , different | 96% layout, Wired, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA, Knob | QMK/VIA, Hot-swap, Double Gasket Mount, Aluminum Case, 2.4GHz + Bluetooth 5.1, South-facing RGB, Screw-in Stabilizers, 1000Hz Polling (2.4GHz & wired) |
| Good for , different | Left-handed users who want a metal full-size board Right-handed mouse users who want a numpad on the opposite side Fixed desks that use a cable | Typists who want a wireless 75% with a quiet, cushioned sound Users who want a low-latency dongle option without leaving the Q line People who like to open the board and adjust foam |
| Skip if , different | Typists who want a conventional numpad position Anyone who wants wireless Buyers who want independent reviews to rely on | Buyers who want a low-profile keycap shape or adjustable height Anyone who needs a travel keyboard People who want magnetic switches; the Q1 HE covers that |
| Pros , different | Southpaw layout puts the number pad on the left, for left-handed users or for a closer mouse CNC aluminum case with steel plate and gasket mount Knob, QMK/VIA and the Keychron Launcher Most color options in the Q12 range (PC Guide) No battery to charge | Three connection modes: 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.1 (three devices) and wired, with 1000 Hz on 2.4 GHz and wired Muffled sound with little case resonance from layered foam and a double-gasket design (AppleInsider) Thick aluminum shell that XDA Developers says will not move on the desk; Keychron lists 1,724 g PC plate, hot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches, QMK/VIA and a knob Gateron Jupiter Red, Brown or Banana switches come pre-installed on the assembled version 4000 mAh battery, rated up to 180 hours by Keychron |
| Cons , different | Wired only Very heavy at 2,491 g per Keychron; PC Guide says the steel plate adds about 300 g over the other Q12 models Southpaw layout is unfamiliar to most right-handed typists (Digital Chumps on the Q12 HE) Only one sibling review gives context; no review of this exact model found Steel plate feels firmer than the PC-plate versions | No adjustable feet; the angle is fixed at 5.2 degrees (AppleInsider) Wirecutter criticises the tall keycaps and the steep, non-adjustable case slope Keychron's 1000 Hz rating applies to 2.4 GHz and wired; the sibling Q1 HE drops to 90 Hz on Bluetooth (Tom's Guide) Heavy at about 1.7 kg, so not a portable 75% Wirecutter notes it costs more than its own upgrade pick, and AppleInsider's headline calls it costly |
| Research take , different | A niche but well-specified wired southpaw. Choose it only if the left-hand numpad appeals; independent review coverage for this model is thin. | The most complete mechanical 75% in the Q line: reviewers praised the build, the sound and the 2.4 GHz option. The tall caps and fixed slope are the recurring complaints, so a wrist rest is worth budgeting for. |