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Compare Gamakay K87 vs Keychron V1 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a budget-friendly, visually distinct wired keyboard and a more fully-featured wireless custom board. The Gamakay K87 offers a unique acrylic build at a lower price point but is wired-only. The Keychron V1 Max costs more but delivers triple-mode connectivity, extensive programmability, and a gasket-mounted typing experience. The decision hinges on how much you value wireless use and firmware-level customization versus a specific translucent look.

GAMAKAY K87 80% TKL Mechanical keyboard
98
Keychron V1 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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0.0 (0)
4.3 (32)
  • Released in 2022
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear switch options
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 810 g
  • Made with a Acrylic case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-PT, ISO, ANSI layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Compatible with both Mac and Windows
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 770 g
  • Sized at 22 x 149 x 329 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Plastic case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 76.5
  • Build Quality: 48.4
  • Productivity: 54.5
  • Customizability: 63.3
  • Portability: 56.2
Scores
  • Performance: 83.2
  • Build Quality: 86.3
  • Productivity: 97.3
  • Customizability: 99.4
  • Portability: 79.2
Name
Gamakay K87
Name
Keychron V1 Max
Release year
2022
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-PT, ISO, ANSI
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
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
1000 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
-
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
Acrylic
Case Material
ABS, Plastic
Keycaps Material
-
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
22 x 149 x 329 mm
Weight
810g
Weight
770g
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Pros and Trade-offs

For most users, the Keychron V1 Max is the recommended choice. The investment buys significant upgrades in daily usability through wireless connectivity, a premium typing feel, and unparalleled customization via QMK/VIA. Only choose the Gamakay K87 if your budget is strict, you have no need for wireless, and the specific look of its acrylic case is a primary deciding factor for your setup.

Gamakay K87

  • +Unique 360-degree translucent acrylic case for distinctive RGB lighting effects.
  • +Lower cost entry point for a hot-swappable mechanical keyboard.
  • +Includes a full set of 87 keys in a TKL layout.
  • +Wired connection ensures consistent latency without battery concerns.
  • −Wired-only connectivity limits placement and device switching.
  • −Software and firmware support appears less streamlined compared to QMK/VIA.
  • −Build materials and construction are simpler, focusing on the acrylic aesthetic.

Keychron V1 Max

  • +Triple-mode connectivity with 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.1, and wired operation.
  • +Fully programmable via open-source QMK and VIA firmware with a web-based configurator.
  • +Superior typing foundation with gasket mount design, polycarbonate plate, and sound dampening foam.
  • +Includes high-quality components like screw-in stabilizers and double-shot PBT keycaps.
  • −Higher price point compared to the Gamakay K87.
  • −Non-shine-through PBT keycaps may not showcase south-facing RGB LEDs as brightly with certain keycap sets.
  • −Some user reviews mention potential long-term reliability issues with key chatter.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron V1 Max is the decisive winner for most professional and technical use cases, particularly office work, programming, and travel, due to its wireless versatility and software support. It also holds a clear edge for modders thanks to its open design and gasket mount. Gamers will benefit from its high polling rate. The Gamakay K87's primary advantage is its unique acrylic aesthetic, making it a contender for content creators or users who prioritize a specific visual style on a budget, though it is tied with the V1 Max for that specific use case.

GamingKeychron V1 Max
  • •The Keychron V1 Max offers a 1000 Hz polling rate in its 2.4 GHz and wired modes for responsive input.
  • •Its wireless connectivity provides cable-free desk management.
  • •The manufacturer states its powerful MCU makes latency 'hardly noticeable even in competitive games'.
OfficeKeychron V1 Max
  • •Wireless Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity allows pairing with up to three devices, ideal for multitasking.
  • •Includes dedicated Mac and Windows keycaps with a system toggle for seamless OS switching.
  • •The gasket mount design and sound dampening foam, according to its listing, contribute to a quieter typing experience.
ProgrammingKeychron V1 Max
  • •Full QMK and VIA support allows for deep key remapping, layers, and macro programming.
  • •The 75% layout saves space while retaining essential navigation keys.
  • •The manufacturer's web-based Keychron Launcher enables programming from any OS without software installation.
TravelKeychron V1 Max
  • •Wireless operation with a 4000mAh battery eliminates the need for a constant cable connection.
  • •It is slightly lighter at 770g compared to the K87's 810g.
  • •The more compact 75% layout has a smaller footprint than the K87's 80% TKL layout.
ModdingKeychron V1 Max
  • •Extensive modding foundation with gasket mount, polycarbonate plate, screw-in stabilizers, and sound dampening foam.
  • •Open-source QMK firmware allows for community-driven customization and tweaking.
  • •Hot-swappable PCB supports both 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches and is compatible with third-party screw-in stabilizers.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both keyboards feature multimedia keys for media control.
  • •Both have RGB backlighting for aesthetic setup customization.
  • •The V1 Max's wireless connectivity aids in a clean desk setup, while the K87's acrylic case offers a distinctive visual style for streaming backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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