Keychron Q8 Max

The Q8 Max is the wireless Alice-layout Q. Keychron lists 2.4 GHz at 1000 Hz, Bluetooth for three devices and wired USB-C, Gateron Jupiter Red, Brown or Banana switches, a CNC aluminum case with gasket mount and PC plate, KSA double-shot PBT keycaps, a knob, a 4000 mAh battery rated up to 180 hours, 136 x 358 mm and 1,745 g.

Machi Log's Japanese-language owner review after about two weeks gave it a 4-out-of-5 recommendation rating. The author called the typing feel excellent, said there is less echo than on the Keychron Q1 they had used before, and described the calm, knocking sound as addictive; they described Alice as a layout meant to let the arms sit in a V-shape, but did not find it noticeably easier on the arms after two weeks, since arms already angle that way on a normal board. PCWorld's review of the wired Q8 adds that the layout has a steep learning curve and the build is fantastic.

A wrist rest made for the Q8 is available separately, which the Machi Log author suggested for comfort.

Versions: this page also covers the wired Q8 and the Bluetooth Q8 Pro, which share the 65% Alice layout, knob and CNC aluminum gasket-mount case. Per Keychron's pages, the original Q8 is wired only, with a steel plate, Gateron G Pro switches and 1820 g. The Q8 Pro adds Bluetooth 5.1 for three devices, a PC plate, K Pro switches and a battery rated up to 300 hours, at 1657 g. The Q8 Max adds the 2.4 GHz dongle and Gateron Jupiter switches; Keychron rates its battery at up to 180 hours.