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

Compare Dareu A84 Pro vs Keychron Q1 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two premium 75% aluminum wireless keyboards. The decision is challenging because both offer gasket-mounted designs, triple-mode connectivity, and PBT keycaps. The Keychron Q1 Max is widely available and excels in firmware support and layout options, while the Dareu A84 Pro is a niche product with a unique audio-reactive lighting feature but is priced higher and sold by a single vendor.

62
DAREU A84PRO Aluminium Alloy Three Mode Mechanical Keyboard
98
Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard

Select a keyboard to compare

0.0 (0)
3.9 (95)
  • Released in 2022
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Supports hot-swappable switches
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-CH, JIS layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Weighs about 1724 g
  • Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 50.9
  • Build Quality: 54
  • Productivity: 82.3
  • Customizability: 57
  • Portability: 80.5
Scores
  • Performance: 82
  • Build Quality: 89
  • Productivity: 96.9
  • Customizability: 99.5
  • Portability: 81.3
Name
Dareu A84 Pro
Name
Keychron Q1 Max
Release year
2022
Release year
2023
Switch Options
-
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-CH, JIS
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
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
-
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
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Weight
-
Weight
1724g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

For nearly all users, the Keychron Q1 Max is the clear recommendation. It offers superior value, proven community support, extensive customization, and better verified specs for a lower price. Only consider the Dareu A84 Pro if its audio-reactive lighting is a non-negotiable, centerpiece feature for your setup, and you are comfortable with its premium cost and limited availability.

Dareu A84 Pro

  • +Unique integrated microphone for audio-reactive RGB lighting that syncs to ambient sound.
  • +Features a true gasket-mounted structure with silicone padding for sound dampening, according to the vendor.
  • +Includes fine-tuned stabilizers and a high-quality polycarbonate plate.
  • +Offers one-key switching between Windows and Mac systems.
  • −Priced significantly higher and is only available from one vendor with no user reviews.
  • −Vendor description does not mention hot-swappable switches, suggesting it is a pre-built unit only.
  • −Lacks stated support for open-source firmware like QMK or VIA for key remapping.

Keychron Q1 Max

  • +Extensive programmability via open-source QMK and VIA firmware with a web configurator.
  • +Supports a wide range of layout standards (ANSI, JIS, ISO, and multiple European ISO variants).
  • +Confirmed hot-swappable PCB for easy switch changes and available as a barebones kit.
  • +Specifies a 1000 Hz polling rate in 2.4 GHz/wired modes and includes multiple acoustic foam layers (IXPE, PET, Latex).
  • −It is a very heavy keyboard at 1724 grams, which reduces portability.
  • −Some user reviews mention firmware update issues leading to key chatter, advising caution.
  • −The front height is 22.6mm without keycaps, which may require a wrist rest for comfortable typing.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron Q1 Max is the more versatile and capable keyboard for most practical uses, dominating in gaming, office, programming, and modding due to its verified performance specs, extensive layout support, and deep customizability. The Dareu A84 Pro finds its sole strong advantage in content creation, thanks to its unique audio-reactive lighting feature. For travel, both are similarly equipped on paper, though the Keychron's confirmed heavy weight may be a consideration.

GamingKeychron Q1 Max
  • •The Keychron Q1 Max lists a 1000 Hz polling rate for its 2.4 GHz and wired modes, which is a stated spec for gaming responsiveness.
  • •It features N-key rollover in both wireless and wired modes according to its specifications.
  • •The Dareu A84 Pro vendor description does not mention a specific polling rate or N-key rollover.
OfficeKeychron Q1 Max
  • •The Keychron Q1 Max supports a vast array of layout standards including ANSI, ISO, and multiple European ISO variants, accommodating international users.
  • •Its vendor page explicitly states compatibility with macOS, Windows, and Linux, and includes keycaps for both Mac and Windows.
  • •It has a 4000mAh battery with stated wireless working times of up to 180 hours with backlighting off.
ProgrammingKeychron Q1 Max
  • •The Keychron Q1 Max offers extensive programmability via open-source QMK and VIA firmware support, as stated in its specs and vendor description.
  • •It is available in a barebones kit version for those who want to choose their own switches and keycaps from the start.
  • •It supports multiple layout standards, which can be crucial for programmers using different keyboard layouts.
TravelTie
  • •Both keyboards have a compact 75% layout and offer triple-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired).
  • •Both feature a 4000mAh rechargeable battery.
  • •The Keychron Q1 Max is notably heavier at 1724g, while the Dareu A84 Pro's weight is not specified, making a direct portability comparison difficult.
ModdingKeychron Q1 Max
  • •The Keychron Q1 Max is confirmed hot-swappable for 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches and is available as a barebones kit.
  • •It features a double-gasket mount design and multiple, specified acoustic foam layers (IXPE, PET, Latex) for sound tuning.
  • •It uses screw-in PCB stabilizers, which are favored for modding. The Dareu A84 Pro is listed as a pre-built unit without a mentioned hot-swap feature.
Content CreationDareu A84 Pro
  • •The Dareu A84 Pro's defining feature is its integrated microphone for audio-reactive RGB lighting that syncs to ambient sound, a unique visual tool for streamers or video creators.
  • •It supports macro definition, as per its vendor description.
  • •Both keyboards have RGB backlighting, but the Dareu's is specifically designed to interact with audio content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

74
$359
ROG Azoth Gasket OLED Mechanical Keyboard
Rog Azoth
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Screen,
RGB,
Knob,
Rapid trigger,
Metal case,
Gasket Mount

95
$149
Keychron Q1 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q1 Pro
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

63
$309
Keydous NJ80 Pro Display Screen with Knob Aluminium Alloy Mechanical Keyboard
Keydous NJ80 Pro
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Screen,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
Alu case

94
$194
Lemokey L1 QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Gaming Keyboard
Keychron Lemokey L1
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

100
$160
Keychron Q1 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q1 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

84
$349
[In Stock] Virtual 87 80% Mechanical Barebone Keyboard Kit
Velocifire Virtual 87
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

96
$149
Keychron Q3 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q3 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

98
$219
Keychron Q3 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q3 HE
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Metal case,
Gasket Mount