Pick two boards from the directory and see how they differ.
Shaded rows are where they differ.
| Spec | Keychron Keychron Q3 Ultra 8K $230 “Wireless 8 kHz 80% Q with a 660-hour battery” | Keychron Keychron Q1 Max $230 “The 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth and wired 75% Q” |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $230 | $230 |
| Size , different | TKL | 75% |
| Type | Pre-built | Pre-built |
| Connectivity | Wireless + Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released , different | 2026 | 2023 |
| Mounting | Gasket | Gasket |
| Case , different | Aluminum | 6063 Aluminum |
| Colors , different | Black, White | — |
| Weight , different | 1787g ± 10g | 1.72kg (fully assembled) |
| Dimensions , different | 137 x 365mm | 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 660 hours | 4000mAh (up to 180h, backlight off) |
| Compatible switches , different | MX-style | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin |
| Software , different | ZMK, Keychron Launcher | QMK, Keychron Launcher |
| NKRO | Yes | Yes |
| RGB , different | No | Yes |
| Features , different | TKL layout, Tri-mode, Hot-swap, ZMK, Knob, 8K polling | 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 | Players who want 8 kHz without a cable Long-battery users who dislike charging Typists who prefer smooth, quiet Silk POM switches | 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 specifically wants QMK/VIA People who prefer shorter keycap profiles UK buyers, if availability has not changed | 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 | 8000 Hz polling over 2.4 GHz and wired, per Keychron and Tom's Guide Battery rated up to 660 hours (Keychron; Tom's Guide lists it as a plus) Smooth Silk POM switches and a pleasant sound (Tom's Guide) Adjustable double-gasket design for tuning comfort (Tom's Guide) ZMK firmware with the Keychron Launcher web app Tenkeyless layout in a CNC aluminum case with knob | 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 | Tall KSA keycap profile can be awkward for smaller hands (Tom's Guide) On the expensive side (Tom's Guide) Not available in the UK at the time of Tom's Guide's review Runs ZMK rather than QMK/VIA Heavy at about 1.8 kg | 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 strong wireless TKL on paper and in Tom's Guide's review, with an unusually long battery rating. Tall keycaps, price and ZMK are the caveats. | 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. |