Compare Keychron Q5 Max vs Q1 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Keychron's two premium wireless Max series keyboards. The choice is difficult because both share identical core features like a CNC aluminum body, triple-mode wireless, QMK/VIA support, and a gasket-mounted design. The decision ultimately hinges on whether you prioritize the full 96% layout with a numpad or the space-saving 75% form factor.

Model
	96	98	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	5.0 stars (9 reviews)	3.7 stars (88 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Available in a 96% layout Built with the ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO, ISO-SW layout standard Weighs about 2215 g Sized at 23 x 145 x 408 mm	Available in a 75% layout Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-CH, JIS layout standard Weighs about 1724 g Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm
Score	Scores Performance: 82 Build Quality: 91 Productivity: 97.3 Customizability: 99.8 Portability: 56.2	Scores Performance: 81.5 Build Quality: 89.1 Productivity: 96.8 Customizability: 99.3 Portability: 81.3
Name	Name Keychron Q5 Max	Name Keychron Q1 Max
Release year	Release year 2023	Release year 2023
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 96%	Layout Size 75%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO, ISO-SW	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-CH, JIS
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 4000 mAh	Battery capacity 4000 mAh
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Gasket Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight Rgb, South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum	Case Material Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 23 x 145 x 408 mm	Dimensions 23 x 145 x 328 mm
Weight	Weight 2215g	Weight 1724g

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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need for a numpad dictates the choice. If you regularly input numbers for work, finance, or content creation, the Keychron Q5 Max is the logical pick. For everyone else, the Keychron Q1 Max offers the same premium build and features in a more versatile, space-saving form factor that is easier to live with daily and transport.

Keychron Q5 Max

+96% layout includes a full numpad and navigation cluster.
+CNC aluminum case with a double-gasket mount design.
+Includes multiple acoustic foam layers (IXPE, PET, Latex) for sound dampening.
+Triple-mode connectivity with 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.1, and wired USB-C.
+Fully hot-swappable PCB with support for QMK and VIA firmware.

−Very heavy at 2215 grams and wide at 408mm, limiting portability.
−Large footprint requires significant desk space.
−Higher weight and size may not suit all ergonomic setups.

Keychron Q1 Max

+More compact 75% layout saves desk space while keeping arrow and function keys.
+Lighter weight at 1724 grams compared to the Q5 Max.
+CNC aluminum case with the same double-gasket and acoustic foam design.
+Identical premium features: triple-mode wireless, QMK/VIA, hot-swap.
+Smaller dimensions (328mm wide) are easier to transport.

−Lacks a dedicated numpad, requiring a separate pad or use of a function layer.
−The compact layout may have a steeper learning curve for those used to full-size keyboards.
−Some user reviews mention firmware update issues causing key chatter.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Q5 Max is the clear choice for office work and content creation where a numpad is essential. The Q1 Max wins for programming and travel due to its more compact, lightweight form. For gaming and modding, the keyboards are functionally identical, making the decision purely about layout preference and desk space.

GamingTie

•Both offer a 1000 Hz polling rate in 2.4 GHz and wired modes for low latency.
•Both feature N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
•Their identical aluminum construction provides a stable, heavy base.

OfficeKeychron Q5 Max

•The Q5 Max's 96% layout includes a dedicated numpad for data entry.
•Its full layout reduces reliance on layers for number input.
•Both share Mac and Windows compatibility with included keycaps.

ProgrammingKeychron Q1 Max

•The Q1 Max's 75% layout saves desk space while retaining arrow and function keys.
•Its smaller footprint allows more room for a mouse or notebook.
•Both support full key remapping and macros via QMK and VIA.

TravelKeychron Q1 Max

•The Q1 Max is significantly lighter at 1724g versus 2215g.
•Its dimensions (328mm wide) are more compact than the Q5 Max (408mm wide).
•Both have the same 4000mAh battery and wireless connectivity.

ModdingTie

•Both are hot-swappable for 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches.
•Both feature a gasket mount, polycarbonate plate, and screw-in stabilizers.
•Both support advanced customization through QMK and the Keychron Launcher web app.

Content CreationKeychron Q5 Max

•The Q5 Max's numpad is useful for timeline scrubbing and numerical shortcuts in editing software.
•The knob present on both models can be mapped to volume or brush size controls.
•The full layout provides dedicated media keys without using a function layer.