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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

Cidoo ABM098 vs Keychron Q1 HEFull-Size vs Hall Effect Gaming

Choose the Cidoo ABM098 for a full-size layout with a numpad, or the Keychron Q1 HE for cutting-edge magnetic switch performance in a compact form.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Cidoo ABM098

Full-Size

Build quality in the bottom 40% of 98% boards under $150.

If you want

  • Includes a full numpad in a space-saving 1800-compact layout.
  • Offers VIA programmability for key remapping and macros.
  • Comes with sound-dampening materials including Poron PCB foam, an IXPE switch sheet, and silicone bottom foam.

Rules this board out

  • No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
  • Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.

Get the

Keychron Q1 HE

Hall Effect Gaming

Build quality in the top 5% of 75% boards under $200.

If you want

  • Equipped with Gateron double-rail magnetic switches featuring adjustable actuation points (0.2-3.8mm) and rapid trigger.
  • Built with a 6063 aluminum body and offers a polycarbonate plate option for a premium feel.
  • Supports both QMK and VIA for extensive firmware customization.

Rules this board out

  • Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
  • South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
  • No numpad.

Bottom line

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require a numpad for work or prefer a more affordable, fully-featured keyboard, the Cidoo ABM098 is a compelling option. If your budget allows and you prioritize cutting-edge gaming performance, a premium metal build, and a compact footprint, the Keychron Q1 HE's magnetic switches and customization depth are unmatched. Consider how often you use a numpad versus how much you value ultra-responsive keystrokes.

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.

Cidoo ABM098

Keychron Q1 HE

  • Layout size

    98%

    75%

  • Hall effect (magnetic)

    No

    Yes

    Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing

  • Rapid trigger

    No

    Yes

    Faster resets help in games and not in normal typing

  • Battery

    3,000 mAh

    4,000 mAh

    A larger battery means fewer cables during the day

  • Switch options

    Clicky, Linear

    Clicky, Linear, Magnetic, Tactile

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Cidoo ABM098
  • Keychron Q1 HE
Performance
54
100
Build quality
61
92
Productivity
75
97
Customizability
78
100
Portability
52
81

What they share

  • Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
  • Hot-swappable
  • Knob
  • VIA
  • Sound dampening
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Keychron Q1 HE is the clear choice for gaming and travel due to its magnetic switch technology and compact size. The Cidoo ABM098 wins for office use and content creation where its numpad and media knob are key assets. For programming, both are capable, trading key count for desk space. Modders will find more premium materials and kit options with the Keychron.

For gaming

Pick the Keychron Q1 HE

  • The Keychron Q1 HE features magnetic switches with adjustable actuation points from 0.2 to 3.8 mm and dynamic rapid trigger.
  • It offers a 1000 Hz polling rate in its 2.4 GHz and wired modes, as stated by the manufacturer.
  • It supports assigning multiple actions to a single key based on press depth.

Full specs

Cidoo ABM098 vs Keychron Q1 HE specs

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

14 of 29 specs differ

Cidoo ABM098

Keychron Q1 HE

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky, Linear
Clicky, Linear, Magnetic, Tactile

Hall effect (magnetic)

No
Yes

Rapid trigger

No
Yes

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount, PCB Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Screw-in stabilizers

No
Yes

Layout

Layout size

98%
75%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, JIS

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Knob

Yes
Yes

Display

None
LED

Media keys

Yes
Yes

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Max polling rate

—
8,000 Hz

Battery

3,000 mAh
4,000 mAhBetter

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

—
Aluminum

Plate material

—
Aluminum, Polycarbonate

Keycaps

PBT
ABS, PBT

Weight

—
4,000 g

Dimensions

—
23 x 145 x 328 mm

Typing angle

—
5°, 6°, 7°

Backlight

RGB
RGB, south-facing

Firmware & software

QMK

No
Yes

VIA

Yes
Yes

N-key rollover

No
Yes

Mac & Windows

No
Yes

Extras

Released

2023
2023

For EU buyers

ISO layouts by store

Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.

Cidoo ABM098

No ISO layout at the stores we track.

Keychron Q1 HE

  • Keychron

    ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW

    In stockShips to you

  • Input Gear

    ISO-DE

    Out of stockShips to you

  • Keychron (DE)

    ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-IT, ISO-SW

    In stockDoes not ship to you

  • Keychron (DE)

    ISO-DE, ISO-FR, ISO-ES

    In stockDoes not ship to you

Where to buy

Compare prices

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

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.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

Cidoo ABM0982 stores

FAQ

Cidoo ABM098 vs Keychron Q1 HE: your questions

The Cidoo ABM098 is generally better for office work due to its inclusion of a dedicated numpad, which is essential for data entry. Its vendor description explicitly mentions the numpad is useful for office working. Both keyboards offer gasket mounts and sound-dampening foams for a comfortable typing experience.

No. The Keychron Q1 HE's product description states it is compatible exclusively with Gateron double-rail magnetic switches. It does not support other magnetic switches like the Gateron Magnetic Jade, nor does it support traditional mechanical switches.

Yes. The Cidoo ABM098 supports three connectivity modes: Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz wireless via an included receiver, and wired USB-C. The manufacturer states it can connect to up to three devices via Bluetooth.

Rapid trigger is a feature that allows a key to reset (deactivate) as soon as you start releasing it, rather than waiting for it to return to a fixed point. This enables faster keystroke repetition. Only the Keychron Q1 HE lists rapid trigger as a specified feature in its technical specifications.

Both are highly customizable. The Cidoo ABM098 supports programming via the VIA software. The Keychron Q1 HE supports both QMK open-source firmware and VIA, and also includes the Keychron Launcher web app for adjusting magnetic switch settings like actuation points.

Both keyboards have south-facing RGB LEDs. However, the Keychron Q1 HE uses OSA profile double-shot PBT keycaps which are listed as 'not shine-through'. The Cidoo ABM098 uses ABS or PBT double-shot keycaps and includes light pipes to make the RGB brighter, suggesting better backlighting for its key legends.

Yes. The Cidoo ABM098 has a hot-swappable PCB that supports both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches. This allows you to change switches easily using a switch puller, which is included in the box.

The Keychron Q1 HE features a body crafted from 6063 aluminum. The plate material options include aluminum and polycarbonate. It also uses a double-gasket mounting design with silicone pads for sound dampening.

The Keychron Q1 HE is heavier relative to its size, with a listed weight of approximately 1735g for the fully assembled version. The Cidoo ABM098 weighs 2000g but is in a much larger form factor. The Q1 HE's aluminum construction contributes to its dense feel.

Yes, both are compatible. The Keychron Q1 HE specifically lists Mac/Win support and includes an extra set of keycaps for both operating systems. The Cidoo ABM098's compatibility is implied through its standard ANSI layout and connectivity options.

The Cidoo ABM098 uses a Poron PCB foam, an IXPE switch sheet, and a silicone bottom foam. The Keychron Q1 HE uses a double-gasket design with silicone pads between the case halves and includes an acoustic pad on the keyboard's bottom, which can be removed for more flex.

Yes, the Keychron Q1 HE is designed with competitive gaming in mind. Its specifications include a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired and 2.4 GHz modes, adjustable actuation points for magnetic switches, and rapid trigger functionality, all of which are aimed at reducing input latency and improving responsiveness.

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