Compare
Pick two boards from the directory and see how they differ.
Shaded rows are where they differ.
| Spec |  Keychron Keychron Q2 $80–$90 “Wired 65% aluminum Q with a steel plate” | Keychron Keychron Q1 Max $230 “The 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth and wired 75% Q” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $80–$90 | $230 |
| Size , different | 65% | 75% |
| Type | Pre-built | Pre-built |
| Connectivity , different | Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released , different | 2021 | 2023 |
| Mounting | Gasket | Gasket |
| Case , different | Aluminum | 6063 Aluminum |
| Colors , different | Carbon Black - B, Silver Grey - B, Navy Blue - B, Carbon Black - A, Silver Grey - A, Navy Blue - A, Carbon Black, Silver Grey, Navy Blue, Shell White | — |
| Weight , different | 1645 g ± 10g (fully assembled) | 1.72kg (fully assembled) |
| Dimensions , different | 65% | 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 | 65% 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 | Typists who want the smallest layout that keeps arrow keys Mac or Windows users who want QMK/VIA on a wired metal board Anyone building up a hot-swap collection | 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 | People who need Bluetooth or a 2.4 GHz dongle Heavy users of function keys Buyers who want a travel keyboard | 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 | Compact 65% footprint in a 1,645 g CNC aluminum case that stays put Extra silicone gasket reduced the Q1's ping (The Verge); Ars Technica heard no metallic ping Stabilizers that did not rattle in The Verge's and Ars Technica's reviews; Ars heard hollow clunks from large keys Optional rotary knob in place of Insert, programmable in three ways (Ars Technica) QMK/VIA, hot-swap and screw-in stabilizers Gateron G Pro Red, Blue or Brown switches to choose from | 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 | No wireless of any kind No function row: F-keys sit on the Fn layer (The Verge, iMore) Basic cable only, no coiled cable (iMore) Heavy for its size Keychron now lists the Q2 HE and Q2 HE 8K as newer 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 well-regarded compact wired board: reviewers liked the ping control, stabilizers and programmable knob, and accepted the lost function row. Wireless buyers should look at the Q2 Pro or Q2 Max instead. | 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. |