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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 HE $250 “Southpaw 96% magnetic Q for left-handed gamers” | Keychron Keychron Q1 Max $230 “The 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth and wired 75% Q” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $250 | $230 |
| Size , different | 96% | 75% |
| Type | Pre-built | Pre-built |
| Connectivity | Wireless + Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released , different | 2025 | 2023 |
| Mounting | Gasket | Gasket |
| Case , different | Aluminum | 6063 Aluminum |
| Colors , different | Carbon Black, Shell White | — |
| Weight , different | 2201 g ± 10 g | 1.72kg (fully assembled) |
| Dimensions , different | 145.20 x 409.44 mm | 327.5 x 145mm |
| Typing angle , different | Not listed | 5.2° |
| Front height , different | Not listed | 20.7mm |
| Switches , different | Hall Effect | 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 | Aluminum | PC |
| Battery , different | 4000 mAh, up to 100 hours | 4000mAh (up to 180h, backlight off) |
| Compatible switches , different | Keychron magnetic switches | 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, Tri-mode, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA, Knob, Hall effect | 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 gamers who want Rapid Trigger and a numpad Players who keep the mouse on the right and want the numpad away Typists who like soft, damped acoustics | 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 | Right-handed users who rely on the numpad Switch hobbyists Travelers | 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 full-size layout with Hall effect switches; Digital Chumps called a full-size Hall effect prebuilt rare Adjustable actuation, Rapid Trigger, SOCD and Dynamic Keystrokes (PC Guide) Soft, clacky sound with sturdy, wobble-free switches (Digital Chumps) Durable PBT double-shot keycaps (PC Guide) 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth and wired; user-friendly software (PC Guide) | 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 | Anyone who is not left-handed may struggle with the layout (Digital Chumps) No height adjustment (PC Guide) Keycap font looks a bit cheap and legends do not shine through (PC Guide) Heavy weight makes it less portable (PC Guide) Hall effect switches push the price up; PC Guide and Keychron disagree on hot-swap support | 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 distinctive board for left-handed users that two reviewers liked. Check the hot-swap point, because sources disagree, and expect to pay for the Hall effect parts. | 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. |