80Retros Game 1989 vs Keychron Q1 MaxDIY Kit vs Wireless Powerhouse
Choose the Keychron Q1 Max for its wireless versatility and pre-built options, or the 80Retros Game 1989 if you prefer a dedicated wired DIY project.
Which one should you get?
Get the
80Retros Game 1989
DIY Kit
- 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.
- 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.
Get the
Keychron Q1 Max
Wireless Powerhouse
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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.
80Retros Game 1989
Keychron Q1 Max
Layout size
80%
75%
Hall effect (magnetic)
Yes
No
Connection
Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Mount style
Plate Mount
Gasket Mount, Plate Mount
Knob
No
Yes
- 80Retros Game 1989
- Keychron Q1 Max
- Performance
- 7182
- Build quality
- 6689
- Productivity
- 8597
- Customizability
- 6998
- Portability
- 6181
- Hot-swappable
- Case material: Aluminum
- VIA
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
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.
Pick the Keychron 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.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
80Retros Game 1989
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…”
80Retros Game 1989 vs Keychron Q1 Max specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
14 of 28 specs differ
80Retros Game 1989
Keychron Q1 Max
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
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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80Retros Game 1989 vs Keychron Q1 Max: your questions
The Keychron Q1 Max is available as a fully assembled version that includes switches, double-shot PBT keycaps, and a battery, making it ready to use. The 80Retros Game 1989 is strictly a barebones DIY kit that requires you to purchase and install your own switches and keycaps.
Yes. According to Keychron, the Q1 Max features a 2.4 GHz wireless connection with a 1000 Hz polling rate, which is suitable for gaming. It also has a wired mode with the same polling rate for the lowest possible latency.
No. The 80Retros Game 1989 is a wired-only keyboard, connecting via a USB-C to USB-A cable. It does not have any wireless capabilities or a battery.
The Keychron Q1 Max has broader firmware support, being compatible with both QMK and VIA. The 80Retros Game 1989 supports VIA but is listed as not QMK compatible, according to its vendor page.
The 80Retros Game 1989 is an 80% (TKL) layout with 88 keys. The Keychron Q1 Max is a 75% layout, which is more compact as it clusters the function and navigation keys closer to the main alphas.
Yes. Both keyboards feature CNC-machined aluminum cases. The 80Retros mentions a powder spray finish, while Keychron describes its case as made from 6063 aluminum.
Both are hot-swappable and have sound-dampening foam. The Keychron Q1 Max has a potential advantage with its double-gasket mount design and screw-in stabilizers, which are favored for modding. The 80Retros uses a plate mount and includes specific poron and IXPE foams.
The Keychron Q1 Max fully assembled version includes double-shot PBT keycaps. The 80Retros Game 1989 is a barebones kit and does not include any keycaps.
The 80Retros Game 1989 has north-facing RGB LEDs. The Keychron Q1 Max has south-facing RGB LEDs, which avoids interference with Cherry-profile keycaps and often provides better shine-through.
Yes, both keyboards list Mac and Windows compatibility. The Keychron Q1 Max specifically includes a system toggle and extra keycaps for both operating systems.
The 80Retros Game 1989 has a 6° typing angle. The Keychron Q1 Max has a slightly shallower 5.2° typing angle.
Some user reviews for the Keychron Q1 Max mention experiencing key chatter after updating the firmware, advising caution with firmware updates. It's recommended to consult the manufacturer's guidance before updating.
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