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Compare Endgame Gear KB65HE vs Keychron Q1 HE Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two popular Hall Effect magnetic switch keyboards. The choice is difficult because both offer rapid trigger, adjustable actuation points, and hot-swappable magnetic switches, but they target vastly different budgets and feature sets. The Endgame Gear KB65HE is a wired-only 65% board focused on delivering core gaming performance at an aggressive price. The Keychron Q1 HE is a premium 75% wireless keyboard with extensive customization, a gasket mount, and multi-device connectivity.

-29% off
77
Endgame Gear KB65HE Rapid Trigger Magnetic HE CNC Aluminum Hotswap Keyboard
100
Keychron Q1 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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0.0 (0)
4.0 (34)
  • Has Magnetic switch options
  • Available in a 65% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a Plate Mount mounting style
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
  • Has Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-DE, ANSI, JIS layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only connectivity
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 4000 g
  • Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Features PBT, ABS, keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 96.4
  • Build Quality: 69.7
  • Productivity: 78
  • Customizability: 74.7
  • Portability: 74.3
Scores
  • Performance: 100
  • Build Quality: 90
  • Productivity: 96.9
  • Customizability: 99.5
  • Portability: 81.1
Name
Endgame Gear KB65HE
Name
Keychron Q1 HE
Release year
2023
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Magnetic
Switch Options
Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
65%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-DE, ANSI, 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
Wired, Wired only
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only
Polling Rate
1000 Hz;8000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz;8000 Hz
Battery capacity
-
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
Plate Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS,
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Weight
-
Weight
4000g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your budget and need for wireless flexibility are the deciding factors. The Endgame Gear KB65HE delivers the essential Hall Effect gaming experience—rapid trigger, adjustable actuation, solid build—at a compelling price, making it an excellent first magnetic switch keyboard. If you require wireless connectivity, desire deep programmability with QMK/VIA, and prefer a more premium typing feel from a gasket mount, the Keychron Q1 HE justifies its higher cost with a top-tier feature set.

Endgame Gear KB65HE

  • +Significantly more affordable entry point for Hall Effect technology.
  • +Compact 65% layout saves desk space.
  • +Includes a silicone sound dampener and lubed stabilizers out of the box.
  • +CNC machined aluminum case provides a solid foundation.
  • +Wired-only design simplifies setup with no battery management.

  • Wired-only connectivity limits placement and multi-device use.
  • Lacks support for QMK or VIA firmware for advanced customization.
  • Plate mount design offers less typing flex compared to gasket mounts.
  • Smaller 65% layout requires using function layers for arrow and navigation keys.

Keychron Q1 HE

  • +Tri-mode connectivity with 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.2, and wired operation.
  • +Extensive customization via QMK and VIA open-source firmware.
  • +Premium build with a gasket mount, double-gasket design, and all-aluminum body.
  • +75% layout offers arrow and function keys while remaining relatively compact.
  • +Includes a 4000mAh battery for extended wireless use.

  • Commands a premium price significantly higher than the KB65HE.
  • Heavy weight (listed as 4000g) reduces portability.
  • According to Keychron, it is only compatible with their specific Gateron double-rail magnetic switches.
  • More complex feature set may have a steeper learning curve for beginners.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron Q1 HE is the more versatile choice, winning in Office, Programming, Modding, and Content Creation due to its wireless connectivity, 75% layout, and deep software customization. The Endgame Gear KB65HE is better for travel thanks to its smaller size and lack of a battery. For pure gaming performance, both are evenly matched on core Hall Effect features, making the decision one of budget versus extra features.

GamingTie
  • Both keyboards feature Hall Effect magnetic switches with rapid trigger technology.
  • Both support adjustable actuation points for per-key sensitivity tuning.
  • Both offer a 1000 Hz polling rate in their primary wired mode for low latency.
OfficeKeychron Q1 HE
  • The Keychron Q1 HE offers wireless Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz connectivity for multi-device use.
  • Its 75% layout retains dedicated arrow and function keys, which the 65% KB65HE lacks.
  • Keychron's listing mentions included Mac and Windows keycaps for system compatibility.
ProgrammingKeychron Q1 HE
  • The Keychron Q1 HE's 75% layout provides dedicated arrow and navigation keys without a full-size footprint.
  • It supports QMK and VIA firmware for deep key remapping and macro programming.
  • The vendor description states it can save two different layouts for macOS and Windows systems.
TravelEndgame Gear KB65HE
  • The Endgame Gear KB65HE has a more compact 65% layout, saving bag space.
  • It is wired-only, eliminating the need to manage or charge a battery.
  • Its simpler construction likely makes it lighter than the 4kg Q1 HE.
ModdingKeychron Q1 HE
  • The Keychron Q1 HE features a gasket mount design and a double-gasket structure for sound and feel tuning.
  • It offers extensive firmware customization via open-source QMK and VIA.
  • It is available in a barebones kit form and uses screw-in PCB stabilizers for easier modification.
Content CreationKeychron Q1 HE
  • The Keychron Q1 HE supports assigning multiple actions to a single key based on press depth, useful for macros.
  • Wireless connectivity allows for a cleaner desk setup for filming or streaming.
  • QMK/VIA support enables complex macro and shortcut layers for editing software.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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