Pick two boards from the directory and see how they differ.
Shaded rows are where they differ.
| Spec | Keychron Keychron R3 $80 “Retro-styled 80% wireless hot-swap board with QMK and Launcher” | Keychron Keychron Q1 Max $230 “The 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth and wired 75% Q” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $80 | $230 |
| Size , different | TKL | 75% |
| Type , different | Barebones | Pre-built |
| Connectivity | Wireless + Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released , different | 2026 | 2023 |
| Mounting , different | Integrated Plate | Gasket |
| Case , different | Not listed | 6063 Aluminum |
| Colors , different | Retro | — |
| Weight , different | 1004.8 g | 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 | Not listed | PC |
| Battery , different | 4000 mAh, around 310 hours with backlight off | 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, Tri-mode, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA | 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 | Desk-bound typists who like a retro look People who want wireless QMK on a TKL | 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 | Quiet offices Anyone who carries a keyboard daily | 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 | Hot-swap with Keychron Super switches Tri-mode connection with three Bluetooth slots QMK and the Launcher web app Heavy and stable on the desk (owner write-up) Large 4000 mAh battery, around 310 hours backlight off (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 | Loud and clacky (Zidooka owner) Heavy for travel at about 1 kg The Bluetooth 1-2-3 system confused the reviewer at first The owner's first unit failed over USB and was replaced | 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 retro hot-swap TKL with wireless and QMK. Evidence is thin: Keychron's specs and one owner write-up. | 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. |