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Compare Akko ACR PRO68 vs Keychron Q1 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a value-oriented DIY entry and a high-end, fully-featured pre-built. The Akko ACR Pro is a compelling, affordable kit requiring you to source switches and keycaps. The Keychron Q1 Max is a more expensive, fully assembled wireless keyboard with extensive programmability. The decision hinges on your budget, desire for wireless connectivity, and willingness to build.

62
Akko ACR PRO68 Mechanical Keyboard
98
Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard

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0.0 (0)
3.9 (95)
  • Available in a 65% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 1470 g
  • Sized at 76 x 406 x 300 mm
  • Made with a Acrylic case
  • Offers No RGB lighting
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-CH, JIS layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Compatible with both Mac and Windows
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1724 g
  • Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 45.3
  • Build Quality: 68.7
  • Productivity: 66.3
  • Customizability: 51.8
  • Portability: 70.4
Scores
  • Performance: 82
  • Build Quality: 89
  • Productivity: 96.9
  • Customizability: 99.5
  • Portability: 81.3
Name
Akko ACR PRO68
Name
Keychron Q1 Max
Release year
2023
Release year
2023
Switch Options
-
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
65%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-CH, JIS
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Acrylic
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
76 x 406 x 300 mm
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Weight
1470g
Weight
1724g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your budget and need for wireless connectivity are the primary deciding factors. The Akko ACR Pro is an outstanding value for anyone wanting to build a custom, wired keyboard on a tight budget. The Keychron Q1 Max justifies its higher cost with a premium metal build, versatile wireless connectivity, high-performance specs, and best-in-class firmware support, making it a complete package for demanding users.

Akko ACR PRO68

  • +Extremely affordable starting point for a custom mechanical keyboard.
  • +Comes as a DIY kit including both an aluminum and polycarbonate plate.
  • +Features a unique acrylic case construction with CNC machining.
  • +Includes multiple sound-dampening materials: silicone pad, Poron plate foam, and EVA case foam.
  • +Lightweight design at 1470g compared to many metal alternatives.

  • Wired-only connectivity lacks the flexibility of wireless modes.
  • Is a barebones kit, requiring separate purchase of switches and keycaps.
  • No RGB backlighting is available.
  • Limited to ANSI layout, with no ISO support mentioned.

Keychron Q1 Max

  • +Offers tri-mode connectivity: 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.1, and wired USB-C.
  • +High-performance 1000 Hz polling rate on 2.4 GHz and wired modes.
  • +Extensive programmability via open-source QMK and VIA firmware.
  • +Premium build with a CNC-machined aluminum case and multiple acoustic foams (IXPE, PET, Latex).
  • +Comes fully assembled with PBT keycaps, switches, and supports a wide range of ISO layouts.

  • Significantly more expensive than the Akko ACR Pro.
  • Heavier at 1724g, which reduces portability.
  • Some user reviews mention firmware update issues causing key chatter.
  • Battery-dependent for wireless use, requiring periodic charging.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron Q1 Max is the more versatile choice, winning in gaming, office, programming, and content creation due to its wireless features, high polling rate, and extensive programmability. The Akko ACR Pro wins for travel solely based on its lower weight and more compact size. For modding, both are excellent platforms with the ACR Pro offering a blank-slate kit and the Q1 Max providing top-tier firmware support and acoustic tuning out of the box.

GamingKeychron Q1 Max
  • The Keychron Q1 Max offers a 1000 Hz polling rate in its 2.4 GHz and wired modes for lower latency.
  • Its tri-mode wireless connectivity provides cable-free flexibility.
  • The listing mentions N-key rollover is supported in both wireless and wired modes.
OfficeKeychron Q1 Max
  • The Keychron Q1 Max supports Bluetooth 5.1 for connecting to three devices, easing multitasking between a computer, phone, and tablet.
  • It is a fully assembled unit with keycaps and switches included, ready to use out of the box.
  • It includes dedicated Mac and Windows keycaps and a system toggle for seamless OS switching.
ProgrammingKeychron Q1 Max
  • The Keychron Q1 Max supports QMK and VIA firmware for deep, open-source key remapping and macro programming.
  • Its 75% layout retains function and navigation keys while saving desk space.
  • The product listing highlights positive reviews from programmers praising the typing experience.
TravelAkko ACR PRO68
  • The Akko ACR Pro is significantly lighter at 1470g compared to the Keychron Q1 Max's 1724g.
  • Its 68-key layout is more compact than the 75% layout of the Q1 Max.
  • As a wired-only keyboard, it requires no battery management or charging cables when moving between desks.
ModdingTie
  • Both keyboards are hot-swappable, support screw-in stabilizers, and feature gasket mount designs.
  • The Akko ACR Pro is a DIY kit that includes both an aluminum and a polycarbonate plate for experimentation.
  • The Keychron Q1 Max offers extensive firmware customization via QMK/VIA and features multiple acoustic foam layers (IXPE, PET, Latex) for sound tuning.
Content CreationKeychron Q1 Max
  • The Keychron Q1 Max's programmable layers and macros via QMK/VIA can streamline complex editing shortcuts.
  • Wireless connectivity reduces desk clutter for a cleaner workspace.
  • South-facing RGB backlighting with multiple effects is included, which the Akko ACR Pro lacks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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