Chilkey ND104 vs Keychron Q1 MaxFull-Size vs 75% Layout Choice
Choose the Chilkey ND104 for a full-size layout with a screen and massive battery, or the Keychron Q1 Max for a more compact, portable 75% form factor.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Chilkey ND104
Full-Size
- Full-size 106-key layout with dedicated numpad and F13 key.
- Built-in LCD screen with calculator, clock, and dynamic background modes.
- Large 8000mAh total battery capacity (2x 4000mAh).
- Very large footprint (438mm wide) is less portable and demands more desk space.
- Vendor description notes software limitations, including lack of multi-zone RGB control.
- Some colorways require an additional plate to support ISO layouts.
Get the
Keychron Q1 Max
75% Layout Choice
- Compact 75% layout saves considerable desk space.
- Extensive ISO layout support including DE, UK, Nordic, Swiss, and JIS.
- Features a double-gasket design with a polycarbonate plate for a cushioned typing feel.
- Smaller 4000mAh battery offers less wireless runtime than the ND104.
- Lacks a built-in screen or dedicated numpad.
- Some user reviews mention firmware update issues leading to key chatter.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require a numpad for data entry, want a built-in screen for utility, and have ample desk space, the Chilkey ND104 is the more feature-complete workstation keyboard. If you value a clean, compact setup for typing and gaming, need specific ISO layouts, or plan to move the keyboard frequently, the Keychron Q1 Max is the more practical and portable premium option.
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.
Chilkey ND104
Keychron Q1 Max
Layout size
100%
75%
Battery
8,000 mAh
4,000 mAh
Switch options
Clicky, Linear, Silent
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Mount style
Gasket Mount, PCB Mount, Plate Mount
Gasket Mount, Plate Mount
Display
Yes
None
- Chilkey ND104
- Keychron Q1 Max
- Performance
- 8082
- Build quality
- 8989
- Productivity
- 9497
- Customizability
- 9098
- Portability
- 6581
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Case material: Aluminum
- Knob
- VIA
What will you mostly use it for?
The Chilkey ND104 is the clear choice for office work and content creation where its numpad, screen, and high-capacity battery are major assets. The Keychron Q1 Max wins for travel and programming, thanks to its compact 75% form factor and broader ISO layout support. For gaming and modding, both keyboards are equally capable, sharing core performance and customization features.
It's a tie
- Both offer a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired and 2.4 GHz modes for low latency.
- Both feature N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
- Both have hot-swappable PCBs for customizing switch feel.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Chilkey ND104
No owner reviews collected yet.
Keychron Q1 Max
25 owner reviews
“As a software analyst who do a lot of coding, emailing and editing this is the one. Why would I build one when there is one ready that is better than what I could build?”
“This product is a downgrade relative to the previous version. I deeply regret not unpacking it and testing it out in the return period: (1) The keyboard is much louder -- on the Pro, keypresses were basically silent with the right switches; now, they are very…”
Chilkey ND104 vs Keychron Q1 Max specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
12 of 27 specs differ
Chilkey ND104
Keychron Q1 Max
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Chilkey ND104 vs Keychron Q1 Max: your questions
The Chilkey ND104 has a larger total battery capacity of 8000mAh (2x 4000mAh), which should provide longer wireless usage between charges compared to the Keychron Q1 Max's single 4000mAh battery. Actual runtime depends on usage patterns like RGB brightness and connection mode.
Yes, both keyboards are listed as compatible with macOS and Windows. The Keychron Q1 Max product page specifically mentions it includes keycaps for both systems and a system toggle switch. The Chilkey ND104 vendor description also lists Mac compatibility.
Yes. The Chilkey ND104 lists 'Silent' as a switch type option in its metadata. The Keychron Q1 Max is hot-swappable, allowing you to install compatible silent MX-style switches from brands like Gateron or Cherry, even though its pre-built options are linear, tactile, or clicky.
The Chilkey ND104 is a full-size (100%) keyboard with 106 keys, including a full numpad and navigation cluster. The Keychron Q1 Max is a 75% layout, which omits the numpad and condenses the navigation cluster into a compact block next to the main typing area to save space.
Both are designed for a premium acoustic experience but use different methods. The Chilkey ND104 uses five layers of foam including plate foam, switch foam, and PET acoustic pads. The Keychron Q1 Max uses a double-gasket mount with a polycarbonate plate and multiple acoustic foams like IXPE, PET, and Latex for a dampened, cushioned sound.
Yes, both keyboards are fully programmable. They support the open-source QMK firmware and the VIA graphical configurator for real-time key remapping, macro creation, and layer configuration without flashing firmware.
Yes, the Keychron Q1 Max is available in a 'Knob' version, which includes a rotary encoder. The product metadata and description confirm knob support as a feature.
According to the vendor description, the Chilkey ND104's built-in screen has three modes: a calculator, a clock, and dynamic backgrounds. The hot-swappable knob can control the screen, along with volume and media functions.
Yes, both keyboards use PBT keycaps. The Keychron Q1 Max specifically uses double-shot PBT keycaps. The Chilkey ND104 vendor description states that most colorways use Double Shot PBT keycaps, with one colorway using MetaPBT keycaps with a metal finish.
The Chilkey ND104 vendor description lists five specific layers of sound dampening: plate foam, switch foam, PET acoustic pads, and case foam. The Keychron Q1 Max description mentions multiple layers including IXPE, PET, and Latex foams, but does not specify an exact count of distinct layers.
Yes. The vendor description states the module above the numpad can be reconfigured. It can be set as a screen plus knob, two keys plus a knob, or three keys. However, keycaps for the extra key configurations are not included.
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