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Compare Keychron Black Myth Wukong vs Q1 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a themed collector keyboard and a versatile modding platform. Both are 75%, gasket-mounted, wireless aluminum keyboards from Keychron with similar core specs. The decision is difficult because the Black Myth Wukong offers exclusive aesthetics and a gourd-shaped knob, while the Q1 Max provides more layout options, VIA support, and a double-gasket design. Neither option has a built-in screen, but their differences in customization and design will guide your choice.

84
Black Myth Wukong Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (US ANSI Layout)
98
Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard

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0.0 (0)
3.9 (96)
  • Released in 2025
  • Has Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-CH, JIS layout standard
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Weighs about 1724 g
  • Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm
Scores
  • Performance: 79.7
  • Build Quality: 78.9
  • Productivity: 94
  • Customizability: 83.6
  • Portability: 83.6
Scores
  • Performance: 82
  • Build Quality: 89.1
  • Productivity: 96.9
  • Customizability: 99.5
  • Portability: 81.2
Name
Keychron Black Myth Wukong
Name
Keychron Q1 Max
Release year
2025
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Linear, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
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
 
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
4000 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
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Weight
-
Weight
1724g
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Pros and Trade-offs

If you want a keyboard that stands out with a unique game-themed design and collectible accessories, the Keychron Black Myth Wukong delivers a complete visual package. If your priority is a flexible modding platform with broad layout support and proven community backing, the Keychron Q1 Max is the more practical choice. The Wukong is for fans and collectors, while the Q1 Max serves those who value customization and usability above all.

Keychron Black Myth Wukong

  • +Exclusive Chinese mythology themed design with gold paint and jade paint keycaps.
  • +Includes a gourd-shaped knob made from durable resin with a painted finish.
  • +Deluxe Edition features a solid brass Ebongold Spaulder keycap.
  • +Pre-lubed TTC switches (Bluish white or Golden Pink) for smooth actuation.
  • +Decorative backplate featuring a Dragon Palace scene from Journey to the West.
  • −Only available in US ANSI layout, limiting compatibility for international users.
  • −Lacks VIA support, relying on the Keychron Launcher web app for configuration.
  • −Limited to 1000 units for the Deluxe Edition, making it harder to obtain.
  • −Higher price range suggests paying a premium for the themed design over hardware features.

Keychron Q1 Max

  • +Available in multiple ANSI and ISO layout options, including UK, German, and Nordic.
  • +Features a double-gasket design with silicone pads between top and bottom cases to reduce metal resonance.
  • +Supports VIA software for easy and offline key remapping and macro creation.
  • +Offered as a barebones kit, allowing full customization of switches and keycaps from the start.
  • +Heavily reviewed (95 reviews) with a 3.95/5 average rating, providing verified user feedback.
  • −Lacks the exclusive themed aesthetics and game-inspired accessories of the Wukong model.
  • −Heavier than typical travel keyboards at 1724g, according to user reviews.
  • −The included keycaps are not shine-through in the standard version, limiting RGB visibility.
  • −Bluetooth polling rate drops to 90 Hz, which may be noticeable in competitive gaming.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

For office and programming, the Q1 Max edges ahead with VIA support, a double-gasket design, and more keycap options. In gaming, travel, and content creation, the two keyboards are evenly matched due to identical wireless specs, battery life, and QMK support. The Q1 Max is the clear winner for modding thanks to its barebones option and wider layout variety. The Black Myth Wukong’s advantage lies entirely in its exclusive appearance and themed components.

GamingTie
  • •Both have 1000 Hz polling in 2.4 GHz and wired modes for low-latency gaming.
  • •Each offers triple connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, wired) for flexible setups.
  • •Both feature hot-swappable switches, allowing gamers to swap in their preferred feel.
  • •Either can be programmed with QMK firmware for custom gaming macros.
OfficeKeychron Q1 Max
  • •The Q1 Max offers both KSA and OSA side-printed shine-through keycap options for different typing preferences.
  • •It features a double-gasket design for enhanced sound dampening, reducing noise in shared workspaces.
  • •The Q1 Max has proven user reviews (95 reviews) indicating a refined typing feel for long hours.
  • •It comes with VIA support for easy key remapping without needing a separate web app.
ProgrammingKeychron Q1 Max
  • •The Q1 Max offers multiple layout standards (ANSI and many ISO variants), accommodating different regional typing habits.
  • •It features an ARM Cortex-M4 chip with 256K flash, providing robust performance for complex keymaps and macros.
  • •User reviews specifically mention it as excellent for programming due to its typing feel.
  • •VIA support allows on-the-fly key remapping for efficient coding workflows.
TravelTie
  • •Both have a 75% layout, balancing compactness with dedicated function keys.
  • •Each includes a 4000mAh battery, supporting extended wireless use without frequent charging.
  • •Both use aluminum cases, which are durable but add weight, making them less ideal for frequent transport.
  • •Neither is described as lightweight, with the Q1 Max listed at 1724g, indicating similar portability limitations.
ModdingKeychron Q1 Max
  • •The Q1 Max is available as a barebones kit, allowing users to choose their own switches and keycaps from the start.
  • •It supports VIA for easy firmware customization without the need for a web-only interface.
  • •The double-gasket design offers an innovative structure for experimentation with typing feel and acoustics.
  • •Multiple ISO layout options provide a wider range of keycap compatibility for international modders.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both support QMK firmware for creating complex macros and shortcuts, useful for video and audio editing.
  • •Each has a knob, allowing for intuitive control over volume, timeline scrubbing, or brush size.
  • •Triple connectivity means they can switch between a desktop, laptop, and tablet seamlessly.
  • •Both offer south-facing RGB, which is compatible with Cherry-profile keycaps often preferred by creators.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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