Epomaker QK108 vs Keychron Q1 MaxFull-Size vs 75% Layout Choice
Choose the Epomaker QK108 for a full-size layout and high-value features on a budget, or the Keychron Q1 Max for a premium, compact aluminum build with superior firmware support.
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3.6 (9)3.6 · 9 reviews
from$54at Epomaker
90-day lowLowest price in 90 days
4.3 (25)4.3 · 25 reviews
from$209at MK
Which one should you get?
Get the
Epomaker QK108
Full-Size
Build quality in the top 15% of 100% boards under $100.
- Full 104-key layout with integrated numpad.
- Includes a customizable LED screen and programmable knob.
- Large 8000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
- 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 Q1 Max
75% Layout Choice
Build quality in the top 5% of 75% boards under $200.
- CNC machined aluminum case for a premium, solid feel.
- Extensive layout support including multiple ISO and JIS variants.
- Superior customizability with QMK/VIA support and screw-in PCB stabilizers.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- No numpad.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require a numpad, value extra features like a screen and knob, and have a tighter budget, the Epomaker QK108 delivers exceptional functionality. If you prefer a compact, premium aluminum keyboard with top-tier firmware support for deep customization and are willing to invest more, the Keychron Q1 Max is the definitive option. Consider your desk space and how much you value metal construction versus included gadgets.
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.
Epomaker QK108
Keychron Q1 Max
Layout size
100%
75%
Battery
8,000 mAh
4,000 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Case material
ABS
Aluminum
Switch options
Linear, Silent, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Mount style
Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount, Plate Mount
- Epomaker QK108
- Keychron Q1 Max
- Performance
- 8182
- Build quality
- 7689
- Productivity
- 8897
- Customizability
- 8198
- Portability
- 6281
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Knob
- VIA
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Epomaker QK108 wins for office work and content creation, where its numpad, programmable knob, and screen add tangible utility. The Keychron Q1 Max is the stronger choice for programming, travel, and modding, thanks to its compact, premium build and superior firmware. For gaming, both are capable, leaving the decision to layout preference.
It's a tie
- Both offer a 1000Hz polling rate and N-key rollover for responsive inputs.
- The QK108's full layout provides dedicated macro keys, while the Q1 Max's compact form saves desk space for mouse movement.
- Both support 2.4 GHz wireless for low-latency gaming.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Epomaker QK108
9 owner reviews
“A nice Full sized mechanical keyboard under 100$ is a good deal and it's type experience is really good.”
“Working so I sent it to place to fix it and they quoted me something crazy but the other keyboard I ordered still works I do not understand why it stopped working”
Keychron Q1 Max
25 owner reviews
“As a software analyst who do a lot of coding, emailing and editing this is the one. Why would I build one when there is one ready that is better than what I could build?”
“This product is a downgrade relative to the previous version. I deeply regret not unpacking it and testing it out in the return period: (1) The keyboard is much louder -- on the Pro, keypresses were basically silent with the right switches; now, they are very…”
Epomaker QK108 vs Keychron Q1 Max specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
14 of 27 specs differ
Epomaker QK108
Keychron Q1 Max
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
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Epomaker QK108
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Keychron Q1 Max
Input Gear
ISO-DE
Out of stockShips to you
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-CH
Out of stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-CH
In stockDoes not ship to you
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.
Epomaker QK108 vs Keychron Q1 Max: your questions
The Epomaker QK108 has a larger 8000mAh battery compared to the Keychron Q1 Max's 4000mAh battery. According to Epomaker's specifications, with RGB and the screen off, the QK108 can last up to 229 hours. Keychron states the Q1 Max lasts up to 180 hours with backlighting off.
Yes, the Keychron Q1 Max is listed as compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux. The manufacturer states it includes Mac modifier keycaps and has a system toggle to switch between macOS and Windows layouts. The Epomaker QK108 also lists Mac compatibility and includes additional Mac keycaps.
Yes, both the Epomaker QK108 and the Keychron Q1 Max feature hot-swappable sockets. This allows you to change the mechanical switches without soldering. The QK108 uses 5-pin sockets, while the Q1 Max is compatible with both 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches.
The Epomaker QK108 uses an ABS plastic case, while the Keychron Q1 Max features a CNC machined aluminum case. The aluminum construction of the Q1 Max contributes to its heavier weight (1724g) and typically provides a more solid, premium feel and sound profile compared to plastic.
The Epomaker QK108 may have an edge for quiet environments as its listed switch types include silent linear options, such as the Sea Salt Silent V2 switch. The Keychron Q1 Max vendor description lists linear, tactile, and clicky switches, but does not specifically mention silent variants in the provided data.
Yes, both keyboards offer tri-mode connectivity: 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and wired USB-C. The Epomaker QK108 lists specific latency figures (3ms wired, 5ms 2.4G, 15ms Bluetooth), while the Keychron Q1 Max specifies a 1000Hz polling rate for its 2.4GHz and wired modes.
The Epomaker QK108 supports VIA for key remapping and macro programming. The Keychron Q1 Max supports both QMK and VIA firmware, offering deeper, open-source customization capabilities through the Keychron Launcher web app in addition to VIA.
Yes, the Keychron Q1 Max includes knob support, and the vendor page shows 'Fully Assembled Knob' as a configuration option. The Epomaker QK108 also features an adjustable, programmable knob.
Based on the vendor descriptions, the Epomaker QK108 includes a keyboard, USB-C cable, 2.4GHz receiver, 2-in-1 puller, manual, 3 additional Mac keycaps, and 2 additional switches. The listed contents for the Keychron Q1 Max Fully Assembled version are the keyboard with keycaps and switches, but a full accessory list is not detailed in the provided text.
The Epomaker vendor description states the QK108 is ideal for consoles like PS4/5, Switch, and X-Box. The provided data for the Keychron Q1 Max does not mention specific console compatibility.
Both keyboards come with PBT keycaps for better durability. The Epomaker QK108 uses dye-sublimated Cherry profile keycaps. The Keychron Q1 Max offers a choice between KSA double-shot PBT keycaps or OSA side-printed double-shot PBT keycaps, depending on the configuration.
The Epomaker QK108 uses plate-mounted stabilizers. The Keychron Q1 Max uses screw-in PCB stabilizers, which are generally considered more stable and less prone to rattle, and are user-replaceable for modding.
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