Compare
Pick two boards from the directory and see how they differ.
Shaded rows are where they differ.
| Spec |  Keychron Keychron Q8 $80–$90 “Wired Alice-layout 65% aluminum Q with a knob” |  Keychron Keychron Q8 Max $240 “Tri-mode Alice 65% Q with 2.4 GHz and a knob” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $80–$90 | $240 |
| Size | Alice | Alice |
| Type | Pre-built | Pre-built |
| Connectivity , different | Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released , different | 2022 | 2024 |
| Mounting | Gasket | Gasket |
| Case | Aluminum | 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 | Carbon Black, Shell White |
| Weight , different | 1820 g ± 10g (fully assembled) | 1745 g ± 10 g (fully assembled) |
| Dimensions | 358 x 136 mm | 358 x 136 mm |
| Typing angle | Not listed | Not listed |
| Front height | Not listed | Not listed |
| Switches | Mechanical | Mechanical |
| Profile | Standard | Standard |
| Keycaps | Double-shot PBT | Double-shot PBT |
| PCB | Hot-swap | Hot-swap |
| Plates , different | Steel | PC |
| Battery , different | — | 4000 mAh, up to 180 hours |
| Compatible switches | MX-style | MX-style |
| Software | QMK, Keychron Launcher | QMK, Keychron Launcher |
| NKRO | Yes | Yes |
| RGB | No | No |
| Features , different | Alice layout, Wired, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA, Knob | Alice layout, Tri-mode, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA, Knob |
| Good for , different | Typists curious about Alice and a mildly ergonomic layout Users who want arrows and a knob in a 65% Anyone who wants QMK/VIA on an Alice board | Alice fans who want wireless and a quiet gasket sound Typists trying to improve their home-row posture Users who want 2.4 GHz in a 65% board |
| Skip if , different | Anyone who dislikes learning a new layout Buyers who want wireless People who swap keycap sets often | Anyone who dislikes learning a new layout Buyers who want a very light keyboard People who want a large pool of compatible keycaps |
| Pros , different | Alice-style layout with a gentle ergonomic curve (PCWorld) Fantastic build quality and easy customization (PCWorld) Full arrow keys and a volume knob (PCWorld) Steel plate and gasket mount per Keychron; PCWorld also notes foam gaskets and screw-in stabilizers QMK and VIA support; hot-swap sockets | 2.4 GHz at 1000 Hz, Bluetooth and wired modes in an Alice layout Excellent typing feel with less echo than the Q1 (Machi Log) Alice shape is meant to keep the arms in a V angle (Machi Log), although the author did not find it noticeably easier after two weeks CNC aluminum build, PC plate and gasket mount Battery rated up to 180 hours (Keychron) QMK/VIA, knob and hot-swap |
| Cons , different | Steep learning curve; PCWorld says some typists will find it frustrating Wired only Heavy at 1,820 g per Keychron Function layer needs adjusting for new Alice users (PCWorld) Few keycap sets are made for Alice layouts | Steep learning curve for Alice layouts (PCWorld on the Q8) Heavy at 1,745 g Fewer keycap sets support Alice layouts Owner review is Japanese-language and from a single user A dedicated wrist rest is sold separately (Machi Log) |
| Research take , different | A well-built entry to Alice that PCWorld rated highly while warning about adaptation. Think carefully about the layout before buying. | The most capable Alice 65% in the Q line on paper, backed by one positive owner review and a PCWorld review of the wired Q8. |