Compare Keychron K2 Max vs Q1 Differences Side by Side

Yes, the K2 Max supports 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.1, and wired USB-C connections. Keychron states the Bluetooth link can pair with up to three devices. The 1000 Hz polling rate applies to 2.4 GHz and wired modes.

Yes, the Q1 is listed as wired only with a Type-C connection. It ships with a Type-C cable and a Type-A to Type-C adapter. There is no Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz option on the Q1.

The Q1 offers more starting points for a custom build, including a barebones ISO kit and a double-gasket design with silicone pads between cases. The K2 Max still supports hot-swapping 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches and layers IXPE, PET, and EPDM foams. Buyers who want to choose their own switches and keycaps from scratch will lean toward the Q1 barebones option.

Both are listed with QMK firmware and VIA support, and both can be configured through the Keychron Launcher web app. Remapping, macros, and shortcuts can be handled in the Launcher, which Keychron notes requires a Chromium-based browser. On the Q1, the programmable knob can be mapped through VIA.

Both boards have hot-swappable sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches. Keychron notes the K2 Max hot-swap feature applies to the hot-swappable versions. The Q1 states its PCB supports most 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches from brands such as Gateron, Cherry, and Kailh.

The K2 Max has a 4000mAh battery that Keychron rates for up to 190 hours. Actual runtime will depend on backlight use and connection mode. The Q1 has no battery because it is wired only.

The Q1 weighs about 1825g in the fully assembled version, while the K2 Max is listed at 940g. That difference makes the K2 Max easier to reposition or pack. The Q1's weight comes from its full CNC machined aluminum body.

Yes, the Q1 ISO collection includes fully assembled knob versions, and barebones knob versions are also offered. The programmable rotary encoder can be mapped to keys or macros through VIA. Keychron notes that swapping the knob for a badge or key requires an additional PCB sold separately.

The K2 Max uses OSA profile double-shot PBT keycaps, which Keychron describes as oil resistant. The Q1 fully assembled version ships with OSA profile ABS backlight shine-through keycaps. Buyers who prefer PBT out of the box may favor the K2 Max, while the Q1's ABS caps are aimed at shine-through brightness.

Both cover German, UK, Nordic, and Swiss ISO layouts. The Q1 ISO collection also adds French and Spanish layouts plus Japanese in its metadata. Buyers needing French, Spanish, or JIS should check the Q1 variants, while the K2 Max covers the core German, UK, Nordic, and Swiss sets.

The K2 Max is the more travel-friendly option at 940g with wireless 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.1. The Q1 weighs around 1825g and requires a cable. For a board that moves between desks or bags, the K2 Max is the practical choice.

Yes, both use south-facing RGB lighting, which Keychron notes avoids interference with Cherry-profile keycaps. The K2 Max offers more than 22 RGB backlight settings according to Keychron. The Q1's ABS shine-through keycaps are designed to work with the south-facing LEDs.