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Compare 80Retros Game 1989 vs Keychron Q1 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a classic wired DIY kit and a modern, fully-featured wireless board. The 80Retros Game 1989 is a barebones TKL kit requiring assembly, while the Keychron Q1 Max is a 75% keyboard offering tri-mode connectivity and comes pre-assembled. The decision hinges on your need for wireless freedom, willingness to build, and preference for layout and firmware support.

72
80Retros Game 1989 TKL Keyboard Kit
98
Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard

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0.0 (0)
3.9 (96)
  • Released in 2024
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Uses a Plate Mount mounting style
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Offers Yes, North-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-CH, JIS layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1724 g
  • Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 70.4
  • Build Quality: 65.6
  • Productivity: 85.5
  • Customizability: 68.8
  • Portability: 61.3
Scores
  • Performance: 82
  • Build Quality: 89.1
  • Productivity: 96.9
  • Customizability: 99.5
  • Portability: 81.2
Name
80Retros Game 1989
Name
Keychron Q1 Max
Release year
2024
Release year
2023
Switch Options
-
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-CH, JIS
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Plate Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
North-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
-
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Weight
-
Weight
1724g
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Pros and Trade-offs

The Keychron Q1 Max is the more versatile and user-friendly choice for most people, thanks to its wireless connectivity, pre-built options, and superior feature set. Only choose the 80Retros Game 1989 if you specifically want a wired-only, from-scratch DIY project in a TKL form factor and are prepared to source your own switches and keycaps.

80Retros Game 1989

  • +Sold as a dedicated barebones DIY kit for a complete build experience.
  • +Includes specific foam layers: 0.5mm IXPE switch pad, 3.5mm poron plate foam, and 1.5mm poron bottom foam.
  • +Features a horizontal flex cut FR4 switch plate.
  • +Offers VIA support for software customization.
  • −Wired-only connectivity with no wireless option.
  • −Is a barebones kit that does not include switches or keycaps, requiring additional purchases and assembly.
  • −Limited to ANSI layout and north-facing RGB LEDs, which may interfere with some keycap profiles.
  • −Uses a plate mount design instead of a gasket mount.

Keychron Q1 Max

  • +Offers tri-mode connectivity: 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.1, and wired.
  • +Available as a fully assembled keyboard with switches and PBT keycaps included.
  • +Supports both QMK and VIA firmware for deep customization.
  • +Features a double-gasket mount design with a polycarbonate plate and multiple acoustic foams (IXPE, PET, Latex).
  • +Includes a 4000mAh battery and supports a wide array of international layouts.
  • −Significantly heavier at 1724g, which reduces portability.
  • −Higher price point compared to the base kit cost of the 80Retros.
  • −Some user reviews mention firmware update issues leading to key chatter.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron Q1 Max wins in most categories due to its wireless flexibility, pre-built availability, and extensive programmability. It is the clear choice for office work, programming, travel, and gaming where low-latency wireless is valued. The 80Retros Game 1989 ties only in modding, as it is fundamentally a DIY kit, but requires the user to source all other components. For content creation, the Q1 Max's additional features provide more utility.

GamingKeychron Q1 Max
  • •The Keychron Q1 Max offers a 1000 Hz polling rate in its 2.4 GHz and wired modes for low latency.
  • •Its wireless connectivity provides cable-free desk management.
  • •South-facing RGB LEDs avoid interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.
OfficeKeychron Q1 Max
  • •The Keychron Q1 Max supports Bluetooth 5.1 for connecting to multiple devices like computers and tablets.
  • •It is available as a fully assembled unit with switches and keycaps included.
  • •Its 75% layout saves desk space while retaining essential keys.
ProgrammingKeychron Q1 Max
  • •The Keychron Q1 Max supports QMK and VIA for extensive key remapping and macro programming.
  • •It offers extensive layout compatibility including ISO, JIS, and multiple European layouts.
  • •Pre-built availability means immediate use without sourcing components.
TravelKeychron Q1 Max
  • •The Keychron Q1 Max has wireless connectivity, eliminating the need for a cable on the go.
  • •Its 75% layout is more compact than the 80Retros' TKL form factor.
  • •It includes a 4000mAh battery for cordless operation.
ModdingTie
  • •Both keyboards are hot-swappable for easy switch changes.
  • •Both feature aluminum cases and sound-dampening foam layers.
  • •The 80Retros is a dedicated DIY kit, while the Keychron offers a gasket mount design and screw-in stabilizers for modding.
Content CreationKeychron Q1 Max
  • •The Keychron Q1 Max offers knob support for potential media control.
  • •Multi-device Bluetooth connectivity aids in switching between editing machines and tablets.
  • •Pre-built configurations allow for immediate productivity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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