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Keychron Q12 Max compared with Keychron Q1 Max
Spec Keychron Q12 Max

Keychron

Keychron Q12 Max

$240

“Wireless southpaw 96% Q with 2.4 GHz and a PC plate”

Keychron

Keychron Q1 Max

$230

“The 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth and wired 75% Q”

Price , different $240 $230
Size , different 96% 75%
Type Pre-built Pre-built
Connectivity Wireless + Wired Wireless + Wired
Released , different 2024 2023
Mounting Gasket Gasket
Case , different Aluminum 6063 Aluminum
Colors , different Carbon Black, Shell White —
Weight , different 2195 g ± 10 g (fully assembled) 1.72kg (fully assembled)
Dimensions , different 145 x 409mm 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 PC PC
Battery , different 4000 mAh, up to 180 hours 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, Tri-mode, 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 typists who want wireless Mouse-heavy workflows that want the numpad out of the way People who like Jupiter switches and gasket feel 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 use the numpad a lot Travelers Anyone wanting hard evidence from reviews 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 Left-hand number pad in a 96% board 2.4 GHz at 1000 Hz, Bluetooth and wired modes PC plate and double-gasket case; Keychron lists 2,195 g Standard mechanical hot-swap sockets, so switch choice is open Battery rated up to 180 hours (Keychron) 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 Southpaw layout may be a struggle if you are not left-handed (Digital Chumps) Heavy at about 2.2 kg No independent review of this exact model found No height adjustment on the sibling Q12 HE (PC Guide) 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 spec-led pick for left-handed users who want wireless and mechanical switches. Review evidence comes from the Q12 HE sibling only. 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.