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Compare Epomaker QK108 vs Keychron Q1 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a feature-rich, full-size budget board and a premium, compact aluminum workhorse. The Epomaker QK108 offers a complete 104-key layout, a customizable screen, and a massive battery at a lower cost. The Keychron Q1 Max counters with a denser 75% form factor, a CNC aluminum body, and extensive firmware customization. The choice hinges on prioritizing layout and value versus material quality and compactness.

84
EPOMAKER QK108
98
Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard

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3.7 (6)
3.9 (95)
  • Released in 2025
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Silent switch options
  • Available in a 100% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Includes a Yes, LED display
  • Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1180 g
  • Sized at 43 x 439 x 139 mm
  • Made with a ABS case
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-CH, JIS layout standard
  • Includes a No display
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1724 g
  • Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
Scores
  • Performance: 80.7
  • Build Quality: 75.3
  • Productivity: 88.5
  • Customizability: 82.2
  • Portability: 62
Scores
  • Performance: 82
  • Build Quality: 89
  • Productivity: 96.9
  • Customizability: 99.5
  • Portability: 81.3
Name
Epomaker QK108
Name
Keychron Q1 Max
Release year
2025
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Silent
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
100%
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
 
LED
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
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
8000 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, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
43 x 439 x 139 mm
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Weight
1180g
Weight
1724g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

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.

Epomaker QK108

  • +Full 104-key layout with integrated numpad.
  • +Includes a customizable LED screen and programmable knob.
  • +Large 8000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
  • +Comes with multiple sound-dampening foam layers (latex, IXPE, PET, sponge, silicone).
  • +Offers a lower cost entry point with tri-mode connectivity.
  • −ABS plastic case construction feels less premium than aluminum.
  • −Large 439mm width requires substantial desk space.
  • −Uses plate-mounted stabilizers instead of screw-in type.

Keychron Q1 Max

  • +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.
  • +More portable 75% layout in a compact, dense form factor.
  • +Includes enhanced acoustic foams (IXPE, PET, Latex) in a double-gasket design.
  • −Higher price point compared to the QK108.
  • −Smaller 4000mAh battery capacity.
  • −Lacks a dedicated screen for status information or customization.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingTie
  • •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.
OfficeEpomaker QK108
  • •The QK108's 100% layout includes a numpad, essential for data entry.
  • •Its 8000mAh battery offers longer wireless use between charges.
  • •The included silent switch options (like Sea Salt Silent) are better for shared spaces.
ProgrammingKeychron Q1 Max
  • •The Q1 Max's 75% layout keeps arrow and navigation keys accessible while saving space.
  • •Superior QMK and VIA firmware support allows for deep key remapping and macro creation.
  • •The sturdier aluminum construction provides a more stable typing platform for long sessions.
TravelKeychron Q1 Max
  • •The Q1 Max is significantly more compact (328mm wide vs 439mm).
  • •It is lighter (1724g vs 1180g) despite its metal build, making it more portable.
  • •Its 75% layout is easier to fit on limited surfaces like coffee shop tables.
ModdingKeychron Q1 Max
  • •The Q1 Max features a CNC aluminum case and screw-in PCB stabilizers for a higher-end base.
  • •It offers both QMK and VIA support for extensive firmware-level customization.
  • •It is available in a barebones kit version for building from scratch.
Content CreationEpomaker QK108
  • •The QK108's programmable knob can be mapped to timeline scrubbing or brush size controls.
  • •The customizable LED screen can display system stats or custom graphics for streaming.
  • •The full layout provides easy access to function keys and a numpad for shortcut layers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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