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Head to head · Prices checked Oct 21, 2026

BAROCCOMISTEL MD600 Alpha Split vs X-Bows X Bows CrystalCompact vs Feature-Rich Split

Choose the BAROCCOMISTEL MD600 for a lighter, more portable split layout, or the X-Bows Crystal for a more feature-rich, customizable typing experience.

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

BAROCCOMISTEL MD600 Alpha Split

Compact

If you want

  • More portable due to its lighter weight of 970g and shorter length of 343mm.
  • Includes internal sound-dampening with EVA foam padding to reduce typing noise.
  • Features adjustable height via magnetic detachable feet for ergonomic positioning.

And can live with

  • Limited to a 60% layout with 64 keys, requiring more use of layers for missing functions.
  • Hot-swappable sockets are listed as supporting 3-pin switches, potentially limiting 5-pin switch compatibility.
  • Lacks the advanced programmability of QMK or VIA firmware.
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Get the

X-Bows X Bows Crystal

Feature-Rich Split

If you want

  • Offers extensive programmability through open-source QMK firmware.
  • Hot-swappable sockets support both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches.
  • Features a unique radial-columnar layout with a central thumb cluster designed for ergonomics.

And can live with

  • Much heavier at 1750g, making it less portable.
  • The proprietary radial-columnar layout requires a significant adaptation period, as noted in user testimonials.
  • Lacks any mentioned internal sound-dampening foam.
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Bottom line

Your priority should guide this choice. If you value a lighter, more traditional split Alice keyboard that's easy to move and has built-in sound dampening, the BAROCCOMISTEL MD600 is the suitable pick. Opt for the X-Bows Crystal if your workflow benefits from deep programmability via QMK, you prefer a larger layout with a unique thumb cluster, and you don't mind the extra weight and learning curve. Both are competent wireless ergonomic boards at a similar price.

What actually differs

The differences that matter

Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.

BAROCCOMISTEL MD600 Alpha Split

X-Bows X Bows Crystal

  • Layout size

    60%

    70%

  • Ergonomics

    Alice

    Alice, Split Spacebar

  • Case material

    PBT

    Acrylic

  • Switch options

    Linear, Tactile

    Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile

  • QMK

    No

    Yes

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • BAROCCOMISTEL MD600 Alpha Split
  • X-Bows X Bows Crystal
Performance
47
70
Build quality
41
69
Productivity
80
79
Customizability
64
90
Portability
90
79

What they share

  • Connection: Bluetooth, Wired
  • Hot-swappable
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The X-Bows Crystal wins in categories demanding high customizability and specific ergonomic features, such as Programming, Modding, and Content Creation, largely due to its QMK firmware and unique layout. The BAROCCOMISTEL MD600 is the clear choice for Travel due to its substantially lower weight and more compact dimensions. For Gaming and Office use, the outcomes are split or tied, reflecting a trade-off between the Crystal's macro features and the MD600's sound-dampening and portability.

For gaming

Pick the X-Bows X Bows Crystal

  • The X-Bows Crystal's listing mentions support for complex macros via QMK firmware, which can be advantageous for game bindings.
  • Its larger 70% layout retains more dedicated keys that gamers may prefer over the MD600's 60% size.
  • The vendor page for the X-Bows Crystal highlights a central thumb cluster that can be programmed for high-frequency actions.
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Full specs

BAROCCOMISTEL MD600 Alpha Split vs X-Bows X Bows Crystal specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

10 of 20 specs differ

BAROCCOMISTEL MD600 Alpha Split

X-Bows X Bows Crystal

Typing & switches

Switch options

Linear, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Sound dampening

Yes
No

Layout

Layout size

60%
70%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Alice
Alice, Split Spacebar

Display

None
None

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, Wired
Bluetooth, Wired

Battery

2,000 mAh
—

USB-C

Yes
No

Build & materials

Case material

PBT
Acrylic

Keycaps

PBT
—

Weight

970 g
—

Dimensions

27 x 343 x 133 mm
—

Backlight

RGB
RGB

Firmware & software

QMK

No
Yes

VIA

No
Yes

VIAL

No
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2023
2025

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

BAROCCOMISTEL MD600 Alpha Split2 stores

  • MechkeysCN

    In stock
    $270Visit

  • AmazonGlobal

    Check price
    ~$270Visit
X-Bows X Bows Crystal2 stores

  • X-BowsUS

    In stock
    $249Visit

  • AmazonGlobal

    Check price
    ~$249Visit

Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

FAQ

BAROCCOMISTEL MD600 Alpha Split vs X-Bows X Bows Crystal: your questions

The BAROCCOMISTEL MD600 is significantly more portable. It weighs 970g compared to the X-Bows Crystal's 1750g, and it has a shorter length (343mm vs 395mm). This makes the MD600 easier to carry in a bag or move between workspaces.

Only the X-Bows Crystal offers deep, open-source reprogrammability via QMK firmware, as stated on its product page. The BAROCCOMISTEL MD600 listing mentions support for most keys mapping and macro programming, but does not specify QMK or VIA support.

Yes, both the BAROCCOMISTEL MD600 and the X-Bows Crystal are listed as supporting both Mac and Windows operating systems. The X-Bows page also mentions Linux compatibility.

The X-Bows Crystal explicitly supports both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches in its hot-swappable sockets. The BAROCCOMISTEL MD600 vendor description states its sockets support 3-pin switches, but does not mention 5-pin compatibility.

The BAROCCOMISTEL MD600 has a specific design advantage for noise reduction. Its vendor description highlights a sound-absorbing padded design using EVA foam layers to reduce empty resonance. The X-Bows Crystal listing does not mention any internal sound-dampening materials.

Neither keyboard includes a dedicated number pad. The BAROCCOMISTEL MD600 is a 60% layout, and the X-Bows Crystal is a 70% layout. Numbers would be accessed via the number row, likely requiring a function layer on the 60% MD600.

The BAROCCOMISTEL MD600 is equipped with a 2000mAh battery for its wireless Bluetooth operation. The X-Bows Crystal product description does not specify its battery capacity.

The MD600 uses a standard Alice layout with a center split. The X-Bows Crystal uses a patented radial-columnar geometry, which arranges keys in columns that follow finger motion and features a prominent central thumb cluster, a distinct approach from traditional Alice designs.

Yes, the X-Bows vendor page includes multiple user testimonials mentioning an adaptation period, often citing about two weeks to get fully accustomed to the unique radial-columnar layout and central thumb keys.

According to its specifications, the X-Bows Crystal includes the keyboard, a Type A to C cable, and a 2-in-1 keycap and switch puller. The BAROCCOMISTEL MD600 listing does not detail included accessories.

The BAROCCOMISTEL MD600 includes magnetic detachable feet that allow users to adjust the keyboard's height. The X-Bows Crystal has a fixed typing angle of 6.0 degrees, as listed in its specs.

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