Keychron Q5 Max vs X-Bows X Bows Knight PlusWireless vs Ergonomic Layout
Choose the Keychron Q5 Max for wireless flexibility and a compact layout, or the X-Bows Knight Plus for a dedicated ergonomic design to reduce strain.
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5.0 (4)5.0 · 4 reviews
from$219at MK
No reviews
from$269at X-Bows
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron Q5 Max
Wireless
Build quality in the top 5% of 96% boards under $300.
- Triple-mode connectivity with 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.1, and wired operation.
- Extensive modding features: gasket mount, hot-swap PCB, multiple acoustic foams, and screw-in stabilizers.
- Includes a control knob and dedicated media keys.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.
Get the
X-Bows X Bows Knight Plus
Ergonomic Layout
Build quality in the top 40% of Numpad boards under $300.
- Patented radial-columnar layout designed to reduce finger strain and tendon fatigue.
- Includes a magnetic, detachable numpad that can be placed on the left or right.
- Hot-swappable switch sockets allow for switch customization.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
- Numpad only. This is not a full keyboard.
Your primary need dictates the choice. For a versatile, wireless-ready keyboard with top-tier customizability and a compact form, the Keychron Q5 Max is the comprehensive option. If your main goal is to address ergonomic concerns and you are willing to learn a new layout, the X-Bows Knight Plus offers a specialized design focused on comfort during long typing sessions. Consider the Q5 Max for its features and the X-Bows for its focused ergonomic philosophy.
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.
Keychron Q5 Max
X-Bows X Bows Knight Plus
Layout size
96%
Numpad
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Hot-swappable
Yes
No
Switch changes without soldering
Switch options
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
Knob
Yes
No
- Keychron Q5 Max
- X-Bows X Bows Knight Plus
- Performance
- 8168
- Build quality
- 9172
- Productivity
- 9768
- Customizability
- 9880
- Portability
- 5568
- Case material: Aluminum
- QMK
- VIA
What will you mostly use it for?
The Keychron Q5 Max wins in scenarios demanding wireless freedom, gaming latency, and deep hardware modding potential. The X-Bows Knight Plus is the clear choice for office users prioritizing ergonomics and strain reduction. For programming, both offer powerful firmware, making it a tie based on layout preference. The Q5 Max is better for travel and content creation due to its wireless features and media knob.
Pick the Keychron Q5 Max
- The Q5 Max has a specified 1000 Hz polling rate for its 2.4 GHz and wired modes, which is listed for low latency.
- Its wireless connectivity allows for cable-free desk setups.
- The south-facing RGB is compatible with Cherry-profile keycaps for customization.
Keychron Q5 Max vs X-Bows X Bows Knight Plus specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
15 of 28 specs differ
Keychron Q5 Max
X-Bows X Bows Knight Plus
Switch options
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
VIAL
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Keychron Q5 Max
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW
In stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-SW
In stockDoes not ship to you
X-Bows X Bows Knight Plus
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Keychron Q5 Max vs X-Bows X Bows Knight Plus: your questions
No, the X-Bows Knight Plus is a wired-only keyboard. The Keychron Q5 Max offers 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.1, and wired connectivity.
The X-Bows Knight Plus is specifically engineered for this purpose. Its vendor description states it uses a patented radial-columnar layout to reduce tendon fatigue and is marketed for RSI and wrist pain prevention.
Yes, both keyboards are hot-swappable. The Keychron Q5 Max listing confirms hot-swap support for 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches. The X-Bows Knight Plus vendor page also states it has hot-swappable sockets for Gateron and Kailh switches.
Yes, the Keychron Q5 Max is a 96% layout keyboard, which integrates a numpad into a compact design by removing some of the navigation cluster spacing. The X-Bows Knight Plus has a separate, detachable magnetic numpad.
Both support QMK and VIA for deep customization. The X-Bows Knight Plus also lists support for VIAL firmware in its metadata.
The Keychron Q5 Max comes with double-shot PBT keycaps. The X-Bows Knight Plus comes with ABS keycaps, according to its specification list.
The vendor description includes user reviews stating it takes a few days to adapt. The layout is radically different from a standard staggered keyboard, so a learning period should be expected.
Yes, the X-Bows vendor description explicitly states the magnetic numpad can be attached to the left side, which is recommended for ergonomics to keep your mouse closer.
The Keychron Q5 Max has a 1000 Hz polling rate in its 2.4 GHz and wired modes, as specified in its product description. The polling rate for the X-Bows Knight Plus is not stated.
The Keychron Q5 Max is built for sound modding. Its description details a double-gasket mount, a polycarbonate plate, and multiple layers of acoustic foam including IXPE, PET, and Latex foam.
Yes, both the Keychron Q5 Max and the X-Bows Knight Plus list compatibility with macOS and Windows systems. The Q5 Max includes specific Mac keycaps and a system toggle.
Not sold on either?
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