Chilkey ND104 vs Keychron Q1 HEFull-Size Screen vs Hall Effect Gaming

The Keychron Q1 HE is better for gaming. It is specifically designed with Hall Effect magnetic switches that feature adjustable actuation points, dynamic rapid trigger, and support for assigning multiple actions to a single keystroke based on press depth. The Chilkey ND104 has a standard 1000Hz polling rate but lacks these advanced gaming-specific features.

Yes, the Chilkey ND104 is a full-size keyboard with a 106-key layout that includes a dedicated number pad. It also has a numpad control key and an F13 key, providing a complete set of keys for data entry and productivity tasks.

No. The Keychron Q1 HE's hot-swap socket is compatible exclusively with Gateron double-rail magnetic switches. According to Keychron, it does not support other magnetic switches like the Gateron Magnetic Jade or KS-20, and it is not compatible with standard mechanical switches.

The Chilkey ND104 has a larger total battery capacity at 8000mAh (2x 4000mAh), which should typically last longer between charges. The Keychron Q1 HE has a 4000mAh battery, with Keychron stating it can last up to 100 hours with the backlight off. Actual battery life will depend on usage patterns and lighting settings.

The Chilkey ND104 offers more physical modularity. Its navigation cluster can be removed and replaced with a storage tray, and the module above the numpad can be reconfigured to hold a screen and knob, two keys and a knob, or three keys. Both keyboards support firmware customization via QMK/VIA and have sound-dampening foam.

Yes, both the Chilkey ND104 and the Keychron Q1 HE list Mac and Windows compatibility. The Keychron Q1 HE includes an additional set of keycaps for macOS and has a system toggle switch, according to its product description.

According to the vendor description, the Chilkey ND104's built-in screen has three modes: a calculator, a clock, and dynamic backgrounds. A hot-swappable knob controls the screen, volume, and media. User reviews note that the screen's software customization can be limited.

The Keychron Q1 HE is suitable for typing with its premium aluminum build and PBT keycaps. However, its 75% layout lacks a dedicated numpad, which can be a significant drawback for office work involving frequent data entry. The Chilkey ND104's full-size layout is generally better suited for such tasks.

Both keyboards offer 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and wired USB-C connectivity. The Chilkey ND104 uses Bluetooth 5.4 and can connect to three devices wirelessly. The Keychron Q1 HE uses Bluetooth 5.2 and also supports three-device connectivity. Both offer a 1000 Hz polling rate in their 2.4 GHz modes.

The Keychron Q1 HE is more portable. It has a 75% layout with dimensions of 328mm in length and weighs approximately 1735g. The Chilkey ND104 is a full-size keyboard measuring 438mm in length, making it significantly larger and heavier, which is less ideal for travel.

The Chilkey ND104 comes with PBT keycaps. The Shadow Black colorway uses MetaPBT keycaps with a metal finish, while other colorways use Double Shot PBT keycaps. The Keychron Q1 HE comes with OSA profile double-shot PBT keycaps that are not shine-through, and it includes keycaps for both Windows and macOS layouts.