KeebFinder
Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare Keychron P1 HE DayZ vs Q1 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two advanced 75% keyboards from Keychron, one built around next-generation magnetic switch technology and the other a highly customizable, traditional mechanical powerhouse. The P1 HE DayZ offers features like adjustable actuation points and rapid trigger, but the Q1 Max provides greater layout support and a broader ecosystem for modding. The choice largely depends on whether you value the potential speed of magnetic Hall effect sensors or the established versatility of standard mechanical switches.

DayZ Special Edition Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard (US ANSI Layout)
98
Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard

Select a keyboard to compare

0.0 (0)
3.9 (95)
  • Released in 2025
  • Has Magnetic switch options
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Offers No RGB lighting
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Supports hot-swappable switches
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-CH, JIS layout standard
  • Compatible with both Mac and Windows
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Connects via USB-C
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Features N-key rollover
  • 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 1724 g
  • Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 56.8
  • Build Quality: 44.9
  • Productivity: 47.6
  • Customizability: 43.4
  • Portability: 58.6
Scores
  • Performance: 82
  • Build Quality: 89
  • Productivity: 96.9
  • Customizability: 99.5
  • Portability: 81.3
Name
Keychron P1 HE DayZ
Name
Keychron Q1 Max
Release year
2025
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Magnetic
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
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
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
-
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
-
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Weight
-
Weight
1724g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

If your priority is achieving the fastest possible response with features like adjustable actuation and rapid trigger, the Keychron P1 HE DayZ is the specialized tool to choose. However, for users who value a deep customization ecosystem and the ability to tailor every aspect of the typing experience with standard switches, the Keychron Q1 Max is the more versatile and established platform. Your decision ultimately hinges on whether you want to adopt the new magnetic switch standard or invest in the deeply flexible QMK/VIA mechanical ecosystem.

Keychron P1 HE DayZ

  • +Features exclusive DayZ-themed design elements including a custom knob and antenna sticker.
  • +Equipped with high-performance Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic Nebula switches.
  • +Supports innovative Dynamic Rapid Trigger technology and adjustable actuation points from 0.2 to 3.8 mm.
  • +Integrates a 4000mAh battery for long wireless use and a full metal body for durability.
  • +Includes a mix of acoustic foams (3mm thick foam, 2.5mm EPDM, PET film) for a refined sound profile.
  • −Switch compatibility is limited exclusively to Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic switches sold on Keychron and Lemokey.
  • −Lower build quality and customizability scores compared to the Q1 Max based on available data.
  • −Does not support standard mechanical switches, limiting modding options for switch feel.

Keychron Q1 Max

  • +Offers extensive layout support including ANSI, ISO, and various ISO regional variants.
  • +Supports full open-source customization with both QMK and VIA firmware.
  • +Highly moddable with a hot-swappable PCB that accepts almost all 3-pin and 5pin MX style switches.
  • +Features a CNC-machined 6063 aluminum body for a premium, solid feel.
  • +Utilizes a double-gasket design and multiple acoustic foams (IXPE, PET, Latex) for an enhanced typing sound.
  • −Heavier build at 1724g, which some user reviews mention makes it less ideal for travel.
  • −Bluetooth polling rate is limited to 90 Hz, which is lower than the P1 HE DayZ's 125 Hz in Bluetooth mode.
  • −The default typing angle of 5.2 degrees may require a wrist rest for some users, as noted in reviews.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

For gaming, the P1 HE DayZ is the clear winner with its magnetic switches and rapid trigger technology. For programming and modding, the Q1 Max offers more flexibility with its QMK/VIA support and compatibility with a wide range of standard mechanical switches. In office and content creation use cases, the choice is a tie, as both keyboards provide a premium, compact layout with wireless connectivity and a rotary knob. The P1 HE DayZ holds a slight edge for travel due to its lower weight.

GamingKeychron P1 HE DayZ
  • •Equipped with Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic Nebula switches for Hall effect sensing.
  • •Offers adjustable actuation points from 0.2 to 3.8 mm with 0.1 mm precision.
  • •Features Dynamic Rapid Trigger technology for faster key resets.
  • •Includes Last Keystroke Prioritization and Snap Click modes.
OfficeTie
  • •Both keyboards offer a 75% layout and dedicated function keys suitable for productivity.
  • •Both support wireless connectivity via Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz for a clean desk setup.
  • •The Q1 Max provides a more traditional typing feel with Gateron Jupiter switches in linear, tactile, or clicky variations.
ProgrammingKeychron Q1 Max
  • •Supports robust QMK and VIA open-source firmware for deep key remapping and macro creation.
  • •The Keychron Launcher web app allows for customizing keymaps, macros, and shortcuts.
  • •Accepts almost all 3-pin and 5pin MX style mechanical switches, allowing for a tailored typing feel.
  • •Has higher build quality and productivity scores based on user reviews and data.
TravelKeychron P1 HE DayZ
  • •Lighter build weight at 1639g compared to the Q1 Max's 1724g.
  • •Offers a variety of connectivity options, including 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, and wired.
  • •Provides up to 100 hours of battery life with backlighting off.
ModdingKeychron Q1 Max
  • •Supports hot-swappable 3-pin and 5pin MX style mechanical switches from a wide range of manufacturers.
  • •Uses a standard gasket mount design with a PC plate, offering flexibility in sound and feel.
  • •Offers a barebones version for builders who want to source their own switches and keycaps.
  • •Higher customizability score based on data, reflecting a larger ecosystem of parts.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both keyboards include a rotary knob for quick volume or timeline scrubbing adjustments.
  • •Both support a web-based Launcher configurator for customizing shortcuts and macros to streamline editing workflows.
  • •Both offer PBT keycaps which are durable and resistant to oil and shine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

98
$219
Keychron Q3 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q3 HE
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Metal case,
Gasket Mount

95
$149
Keychron Q1 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q1 Pro
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

72
$224
Akko MOD007B-HE Aluminium Magnetic Switches Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Akko MOD007B HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

94
$194
Lemokey L1 QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Gaming Keyboard
Keychron Lemokey L1
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

97
$239
Keychron Q10 Max (Alice Layout) QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q10 Max
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

100
$160
Keychron Q1 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q1 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

96
$149
Keychron Q3 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q3 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

-18% off
96
$238$195
Lemokey L1 HE Aluminum 75% RGB Keyboard
Keychron Lemokey L1 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Metal case,
Gasket Mount

95
$194
Lemokey L3 QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard (US Layout)
Keychron Lemokey L3
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

95
$205
Keychron Q2 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q2 Max
65%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount