Chilkey ND104 vs Keychron Q6 MaxScreen vs Layout Choice
Choose the Chilkey ND104 for its unique screen and modularity, or the Keychron Q6 Max for broader international layout support and a more established brand.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Chilkey ND104
Screen
- Includes a built-in LCD screen with calculator, clock, and dynamic background modes.
- Features a modular design with a reconfigurable numpad module and a removable storage tray.
- Larger 8000mAh total battery capacity (2x 4000mAh).
- Vendor descriptions note user complaints about limited software functionality and multi-zone RGB control.
- A user review mentions the screen displays every key press without an option to disable it.
- Appears to have more limited immediate ISO layout support, requiring an additional plate.
Get the
Keychron Q6 Max
Layout Choice
- Supports a very wide array of ISO layouts, including German, UK, Nordic, and Swiss.
- Features a double-gasket design and a polycarbonate plate for a cushioned typing feel.
- Includes multiple layers of enhanced acoustic foams such as IXPE, PET, and Latex.
- Smaller 4000mAh battery capacity compared to the Chilkey ND104.
- User reviews report issues with key chatter, double typing, and PCB failures after extended use.
- Some users note a metallic rattling sound from the mode toggle switches on the back.
Your priority should guide your choice. If a customizable screen, unique modular features, and maximum battery life are most important, the Chilkey ND104 is the more innovative pick. However, if you require specific international ISO layouts, prefer a potentially more refined acoustic package, and value a brand with a larger user base, the Keychron Q6 Max is the safer, more traditional option. Be aware of the software caveats mentioned for the Chilkey and the potential for long-term reliability issues noted in some Keychron reviews.
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 Q6 Max
Battery
8,000 mAh
4,000 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Switch options
Clicky, Linear, Silent
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Mount style
Gasket Mount, PCB Mount, Plate Mount
Gasket Mount, PCB Mount
Display
Yes
LED
A case display rather than a typing feature
QMK
No
Yes
The deep option when you want to remap every key
- Chilkey ND104
- Keychron Q6 Max
- Performance
- 8080
- Build quality
- 8991
- Productivity
- 9496
- Customizability
- 90100
- Portability
- 6554
- Layout size: 100%
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Case material: Aluminum
- Knob
What will you mostly use it for?
The keyboards are closely matched for gaming and modding due to shared high-performance specs. The Chilkey ND104 takes the lead for office use and content creation, thanks to its functional screen and modular accessories. The Keychron Q6 Max is the better choice for programmers needing specific ISO layouts and for those prioritizing a slightly lower typing angle. Neither is suited for frequent travel given their size and weight.
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 switch customization.
Chilkey ND104 vs Keychron Q6 Max specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
11 of 27 specs differ
Chilkey ND104
Keychron Q6 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 Q6 Max: your questions
The Chilkey ND104 has a larger total battery capacity at 8000mAh (comprising two 4000mAh batteries). The Keychron Q6 Max has a 4000mAh battery. The vendor page for the Keychron states a working time of up to 180 hours with the backlight off.
Yes, both keyboards are listed as compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux. The Keychron Q6 Max specifically includes Mac and Windows keycaps and has a system toggle switch.
Yes, both keyboards offer triple-mode connectivity: wired via USB-C, 2.4 GHz wireless, and Bluetooth. The Chilkey ND104 listing specifies Bluetooth 5.4, while the Keychron Q6 Max listing specifies Bluetooth 5.1.
The Keychron Q6 Max is the clear choice for ISO users. Its product listing explicitly supports ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, and others. The Chilkey ND104's PCB supports ISO, but its vendor page notes an additional ISO plate is needed.
Yes, both the Chilkey ND104 and the Keychron Q6 Max feature hot-swappable PCBs. This allows you to change mechanical switches without soldering, supporting both 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches.
Both keyboards offer a 1000 Hz polling rate in their wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes, which is suitable for gaming. The Keychron Q6 Max vendor page notes its Bluetooth polling rate is 90 Hz.
Both keyboards come with PBT keycaps. The Chilkey ND104 uses Double Shot PBT keycaps (with a metal-finished MetaPBT set for one colorway). The Keychron Q6 Max offers a choice between KSA double-shot PBT or OSA side-printed double-shot PBT keycaps.
Yes, both are highly programmable. They support VIA and QMK firmware for remapping keys and creating macros. The Keychron Q6 Max can also be programmed using the Keychron Launcher web app.
Both keyboards feature CNC-machined aluminum cases. The Chilkey ND104 uses 6063 aluminum, and the Keychron Q6 Max also uses a CNC aluminum body processed through multiple manufacturing stages.
The Chilkey ND104 includes five layers of sound dampening, such as plate foam, switch foam, PET acoustic pads, and case foam. The Keychron Q6 Max features a double-gasket design and multiple enhanced acoustic foams, including IXPE, PET, and Latex foam layers.
Both product listings include 'Knob Support' as a feature. The Chilkey ND104's vendor description specifies it has a hot-swappable knob that controls volume, media, and the screen. The Keychron Q6 Max is offered in 'Fully Assembled Knob' and 'Barebone Knob' variants.
Some user reviews for the Keychron Q6 Max report issues with key chatter, double typing, and PCB failures after several months of use. A review for the Chilkey ND104 criticizes its software, citing limited RGB control, a persistent key press display on the screen, and other usability quirks.
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