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Keychron Q3 compared with Keychron Q1 Max
Spec Keychron Q3

Keychron

Keychron Q3

$90–$100

“Wired 80% TKL aluminum Q with a steel plate”

Keychron

Keychron Q1 Max

$230

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

Price , different $90–$100 $230
Size , different TKL 75%
Type Pre-built Pre-built
Connectivity , different Wired Wireless + Wired
Released , different 2022 2023
Mounting Gasket Gasket
Case , different Aluminum 6063 Aluminum
Colors , different Carbon Black - B, Silver Grey - B, Navy Blue - B, Shell White, Retro, Carbon Black - A, Silver Grey - A, Navy Blue - A, Transparent Black, Carbon Black, Silver Grey, Navy Blue, Red, Champagne Gold —
Weight , different 2000 g ± 10g (fully assembled) 1.72kg (fully assembled)
Dimensions , different TKL 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 TKL 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 a tenkeyless layout with a premium metal body First-time modders who want hot-swap and QMK/VIA without wireless Mac and Windows users who want a quiet-ish, gasket-style 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 Anyone who needs Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz Users who need a number pad People who want a perfectly damped sound without modding 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 80% layout keeps arrows, navigation block and function row without a numpad Full CNC aluminum case with steel plate and gasket mount, 2,000 g per Keychron iMore described a thocky sound with little metallic ping from the double-gasket design QMK/VIA plus the Keychron Launcher for remapping, macros and RGB Hot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches Windows Central called it great value for a customizable board 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 (iMore) Windows Central found the stock dampening weaker than on more expensive custom boards Windows Central did not like where the knob sits Very heavy for an 80% board; iMore put it over four pounds Keychron's site also shows the Q3 HE 8K and Q3 Ultra 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 wired TKL: solid metal, gasket feel and QMK/VIA. Reviewers flagged price, lack of wireless and modest stock dampening. Choose it if a cable is fine; otherwise compare the Q3 Max or Q3 Pro. 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.