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Compare Keychron Q5 Max vs Q12 HE Differences Side by Side

Explore the comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Keychron Q5 Max and Keychron Q12 HE and view their biggest differences. The detailed comparison table allows you to see all the essential features, specifications, and benefits of each keyboard at a glance. Whether you're looking for performance, value, or specific functionalities, this comparison tool helps you make an informed decision.

96
Keychron Q5 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
93
Keychron Q12 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard

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5.0 (9)
4.0 (2)
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO, ISO-SW layout standard
  • Offers Normal ergonomics
  • Weighs about 2215 g
  • Sized at 23 x 145 x 408 mm
  • Released in 2025
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Magnetic switch options
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Offers Southpaw ergonomics
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Enables rapid trigger functionality
  • Weighs about 2201 g
  • Sized at 31 x 409 x 145 mm
Scores
  • Performance: 82.3
  • Build Quality: 90.8
  • Productivity: 97.5
  • Customizability: 99.8
  • Portability: 56
Scores
  • Performance: 93.2
  • Build Quality: 85.2
  • Productivity: 97.7
  • Customizability: 94.6
  • Portability: 57.4
Name
Keychron Q5 Max
Name
Keychron Q12 HE
Release year
2023
Release year
2025
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Magnetic
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
96%
Layout Size
96%
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO, ISO-SW
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Southpaw
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
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
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
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 408 mm
Dimensions
31 x 409 x 145 mm
Weight
2215g
Weight
2201g
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