Nuphy Gem80 vs Keychron Q11Wireless TKL vs Wired Split Keyboard
Choose the Nuphy Gem80 for wireless freedom and a standard layout, or the Keychron Q11 for a wired, ergonomic split design.
KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
No reviews
from$170at Nuphy
4.7 (13)4.7 · 13 reviews
from$184at Keychron
Which one should you get?
Get the
Nuphy Gem80
Wireless TKL
Build quality in the top 10% of 80% boards under $200.
- Tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired) with a 1000Hz wireless polling rate.
- Omni-mount design allows switching between gasket, top, and bottom mount styles.
- Includes a 4000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- Missing ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic. The other board is sold in those layouts.
- No numpad.
Get the
Keychron Q11
Wired Split Keyboard
- Split layout design promotes ergonomic typing by allowing shoulder-width hand positioning.
- Built with a full aluminum case for a premium, durable feel.
- Includes a programmable aluminum knob for macros and media control.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require wireless connectivity for a clean desk or use across multiple devices, the Nuphy Gem80 is the clear option. If your priority is ergonomic comfort for long typing sessions and you don't mind a wired connection, the Keychron Q11's split design is the better investment. Both are excellent platforms for customization via QMK/VIA.
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.
Nuphy Gem80
Keychron Q11
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Ergonomics
Standard
Split
Case material
Aluminum, Polycarbonate
Aluminum
Switch options
Mechanical
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Mount style
Gasket Mount
Plate Mount, Tray Mount
- Nuphy Gem80
- Keychron Q11
- Performance
- 7967
- Build quality
- 8488
- Productivity
- 8897
- Customizability
- 9498
- Portability
- 7673
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- QMK
- VIA
- Sound dampening
- Keycaps: ABS, PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The Nuphy Gem80 wins for gaming and travel due to its high-performance wireless modes and battery. The Keychron Q11 is the choice for office work and content creation, leveraging its ergonomic split design and programmable knob. For programming, both are equally capable due to their extensive firmware support. Modders will find more hardware flexibility with the Gem80's interchangeable mounting system and optional plates.
Pick the Nuphy Gem80
- Offers tri-mode connectivity with a 1000Hz polling rate over 2.4GHz for wireless gaming.
- Includes a 4000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
- Standard TKL layout is widely compatible with gaming keycap sets and muscle memory.
Nuphy Gem80 vs Keychron Q11 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
14 of 27 specs differ
Nuphy Gem80
Keychron Q11
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
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.
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Nuphy Gem80
- Input Gear
ISO-DE
Out of stockShips to you
Keychron Q11
- Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic
Out of stockShips to you
- Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK
Out of stockDoes not ship to you
Nuphy Gem80 vs Keychron Q11: your questions
No, the Keychron Q11 is a wired-only keyboard. It connects to your computer via a USB-C cable and requires a separate bridge cable to connect its two split halves.
According to Nuphy's product page, the Gem80 is typically sold as a barebone kit. This means the keyboard itself, the PCB, stabilizers, and sound mods are included, but switches and keycaps must be purchased separately.
The Keychron Q11 is designed for ergonomics with its split layout, allowing you to position each half independently to suit your shoulder width and typing posture. The Nuphy Gem80 has a standard, non-split TKL layout.
Yes, the Keychron Q11 can be used as a non-split keyboard. The manufacturer states you can link the two halves together with the included bridge cable to form a unified board.
The Nuphy Gem80 has a 1000Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4GHz wireless modes. Its Bluetooth mode operates at a 125Hz polling rate.
Yes, both the Nuphy Gem80 and Keychron Q11 list Mac and Windows support. The Q11 includes an additional set of keycaps for Mac modifiers, and the Gem80 mentions a system switch for toggling between modes.
Both are highly customizable with QMK/VIA firmware and hot-swap sockets. The Nuphy Gem80 offers unique hardware customization via its omni-mount system and multiple optional plate materials. The Keychron Q11 offers layout customization through its split design and includes a programmable knob.
The Nuphy Gem80 has a 4000mAh battery. Nuphy's lab tests indicate up to 330 hours with RGB off, 34-70 hours with only the homing bars lit, and 24-45 hours with all lights on.
Yes, the Keychron Q11 features a programmable aluminum rotary encoder (knob) that can be customized through VIA software for functions like volume, zoom, or brush size.
The Nuphy Gem80 listing mentions its stabilizers are pre-lubed. The Keychron Q11 features screw-in PCB stabilizers, but the vendor description does not specify if they are pre-lubed.
The Nuphy Gem80 uses an aluminum top case with a polycarbonate bottom case. The Keychron Q11 is constructed with a full aluminum case.
Not sold on either?
Still torn?
Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.