Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

Dagk Alloy40 V2 vs Keychron Q9Wireless vs Customization

Choose the Dagk Alloy40 V2 for wireless freedom, or the Keychron Q9 for deep firmware customization and a more refined build.

KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Dagk Alloy40 V2

Wireless

Build quality in the top 45% of 40% boards under $150.

If you want

  • Tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired) for maximum flexibility.
  • Includes a five-layer sound dampening package with PORON and PET foams.
  • Lighter weight (930g) for better portability.

Rules this board out

  • South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
  • No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.

Get the

Keychron Q9

Customization

Build quality in the top 5% of 40% boards under $150.

If you want

  • Full QMK and VIA support for extensive key remapping and macros.
  • Available with a programmable knob and split spacebar layout (Plus Version).
  • Features a double gasket design with silicone pads for improved acoustics.

Rules this board out

  • South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.

Bottom line

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you must have wireless connectivity for a clean desk or multi-device workflow, the Dagk Alloy40 V2 is the obvious pick. If you value the ability to reprogram every key, add a knob, or deeply modify your keyboard's firmware and feel, the wired Keychron Q9 is the superior and more versatile platform, despite its higher weight and lack of wireless.

What actually differs

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.

Dagk Alloy40 V2

Keychron Q9

  • Connection

    Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

    Wired

    Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency

  • Ergonomics

    Standard

    Split Spacebar

  • Mount style

    Gasket Mount

    Gasket Mount, PCB Mount, Plate Mount

  • Knob

    No

    Yes

  • Weight

    930 g

    1,050 g

    Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Dagk Alloy40 V2
  • Keychron Q9
Performance
58
65
Build quality
71
91
Productivity
60
94
Customizability
76
96
Portability
90
70

What they share

  • Layout size: 40%
  • Hot-swappable
  • Case material: Aluminum
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Keychron Q9 is the clear choice for users who prioritize customization, whether for programming, modding, or content creation, thanks to its robust firmware and layout options. The Dagk Alloy40 V2 wins for mobile and office-centric use cases where wireless connectivity and a lighter weight are more valuable than deep programmability. Gamers leaning towards wired performance will prefer the Q9.

For gaming

Pick the Keychron Q9

  • The Keychron Q9 has a specified 1000 Hz polling rate for lower latency.
  • Its listing mentions the latency is hardly noticeable in competitive games.
  • The Dagk Alloy40 V2's wireless modes may introduce latency not ideal for fast-paced gaming.

Full specs

Dagk Alloy40 V2 vs Keychron Q9 specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

12 of 25 specs differ

Dagk Alloy40 V2

Keychron Q9

Typing & switches

Switch options

—
Clicky, Linear, Tactile

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount, PCB Mount, Plate Mount

Sound dampening

No
Yes

Screw-in stabilizers

No
Yes

Layout

Layout size

40%
40%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI, ISO

Ergonomics

Standard
Split Spacebar

Knob

No
Yes

Display

None
None

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wired

Max polling rate

—
1,000 Hz

Battery

3,000 mAh
Wired only

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum
Aluminum

Plate material

—
Steel

Keycaps

—
PBT

Weight

930 g
1,050 g

Dimensions

22 x 100 x 289 mm
20 x 94 x 326 mm

Typing angle

—
5°

Backlight

RGB, south-facing
RGB, south-facing

Firmware & software

QMK

No
Yes

VIA

No
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2024
2022

For EU buyers

ISO layouts by store

Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.

Dagk Alloy40 V2

No ISO layout at the stores we track.

Keychron Q9

  • Input Gear

    ISO

    In stockShips to you

  • Input Gear

    ISO

    In stockShips to you

  • Keychron

    ISO

    In stockShips to you

  • Keychron (DE)

    ISO

    Out of stockDoes not ship to you

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

Keychron Q95 stores

FAQ

Dagk Alloy40 V2 vs Keychron Q9: your questions

Only the Dagk Alloy40 V2 offers wireless connectivity. It supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired USB-C. The Keychron Q9 is a wired-only keyboard, connecting solely via its USB-C cable.

A customer review for the Dagk Alloy40 V2 states they could not find software to remap keys and were stuck with the default layout. This suggests its programmability is limited compared to the Keychron Q9's QMK/VIA support.

Yes, the Keychron Q9 is available in a 'Knob' version. According to Keychron, this programmable rotary encoder can be customized for volume, zoom, or other macros via VIA software.

The Dagk Alloy40 V2 is equipped with a 3000mAh battery. A customer review specifically noted 'amazing battery life,' but the exact runtime will depend on usage patterns and RGB lighting settings.

Both aim for a good sound profile but use different methods. The Dagk uses a five-layer foam package. The Keychron Q9 uses a double gasket design with silicone pads to reduce metal resonance and includes sound dampening features.

Yes, but only if you purchase the 'Fully Assembled' version. This version includes double-shot PBT keycaps in the OSA profile. The 'Barebone' version does not include keycaps or switches.

The Keychron Q9 has a 1000 Hz polling rate out of the box. Keychron states this makes the latency hardly noticeable, which is beneficial for gaming and fast typing.

Yes, both keyboards feature south-facing RGB LEDs. Keychron specifically notes this design prevents interference with Cherry or OEM profile keycaps, making them fully compatible.

The Keychron Q9 offers more variety. It comes in ANSI and ISO layouts, with or without a knob, and in a 'Plus Version' with a split spacebar. The Dagk Alloy40 V2 appears to be a single, standard 40% ANSI layout.

Yes, both the Dagk Alloy40 V2 and the Keychron Q9 have hot-swappable PCBs. This allows you to change switches without soldering. The Keychron Q9's PCB supports both 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches.

Both keyboards use aluminum for their cases. The Dagk Alloy40 V2 case is fully CNC-cut aluminum alloy. The Keychron Q9 body is made from 6063 aluminum that is CNC machined, anodized, and sandblasted.

Yes, the Keychron Q9 includes a system toggle switch and an extra set of keycaps for both macOS and Windows. This allows you to save two different layouts on the keyboard, one for each operating system.

Still torn?

Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.