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Compare Keychron Q0 Max vs Q1 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a dedicated wireless numpad (Q0 Max) and a full 75% keyboard (Q1). The decision is challenging because both boards share a premium CNC aluminum build, gasket mounting, QMK/VIA support, and hot-swappable switches, yet serve fundamentally different roles. The Q0 Max offers 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth connectivity and a macro column with a rotary encoder, while the Q1 is a wired-only complete keyboard available in many ISO layouts. Your choice hinges on whether you need wireless freedom and a customizable auxiliary keypad, or a fully featured main board with more keys and a broader layout selection.

93
Keychron Q0 Max QMK Custom Number Pad - Image: 3
95
Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard - Version 1 - Image: 4

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5.0 (6)
4.9 (42)
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a Numpad layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 1800 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 684 g
  • Sized at 22 x 118 x 137 mm
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Released in 2022
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, JIS layout standard
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Supports Wired, Wired only, connectivity
  • Weighs about 1825 g
  • Sized at 22 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
Scores
  • Performance: 77.9
  • Build Quality: 88.3
  • Productivity: 94.1
  • Customizability: 97.5
  • Portability: 87
Scores
  • Performance: 72
  • Build Quality: 89.5
  • Productivity: 97.6
  • Customizability: 99.8
  • Portability: 62.6
Name
Keychron Q0 Max
Name
Keychron Q1
Release year
2024
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
Numpad
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, 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
Wired, Wired only,
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
1800 mAh
Battery capacity
-
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
ABS, PBT
Dimensions
22 x 118 x 137 mm
Dimensions
22 x 145 x 328 mm
Weight
684g
Weight
1825g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

If your priority is a wireless, portable numpad with a macro column for creative or gaming shortcuts, the Keychron Q0 Max is the clear choice. If you need a full 75% keyboard with extensive layout options, a lower starting price, and no battery dependency, the Keychron Q1 offers excellent value and a solid modding foundation. For most users building a new setup from scratch, the Q1 makes more sense as a primary keyboard, while the Q0 Max serves as a powerful companion for those who already have a main board.

Keychron Q0 Max

  • +Wireless connectivity with both 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.1, supporting up to three devices.
  • +Macro column and rotary encoder knob on the left side for easy shortcut access.
  • +Upgraded acoustic foams (IXPE, PET, Latex) and double-gasket design for a refined typing sound.
  • +Lightweight at 684g, highly portable for travel or desk relocation.
  • +QMK and VIA support for fully customizable keymaps and macros via web configurator.

  • Numpad-only layout offers limited keys; requires a separate keyboard for full input.
  • Battery life rated up to 50 hours with RGB at lowest brightness, requiring periodic charging.
  • Higher starting price compared to the Q1's base model.

Keychron Q1

  • +Full 75% layout with function row, navigation keys, and knob support for a complete typing experience.
  • +Available in six ISO layouts (DE, UK, Nordic, FR, ES, Swiss) to suit regional preferences.
  • +Wired-only connection ensures zero latency and no battery concerns during heavy use.
  • +Lower starting price than the Q0 Max, offering a more affordable entry into a premium mechanical keyboard.
  • +Multiple plate material options (aluminum, steel, polycarbonate) for customizing typing feel.

  • Wired-only connectivity limits desk cable management and portability.
  • Heavier at 1825g, making it less convenient for travel.
  • Lacks the dedicated macro column and wireless features of the Q0 Max.
  • Default OSA profile ABS keycaps may wear faster than PBT over time.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Q0 Max wins for gaming, travel, and content creation thanks to its wireless connectivity, programmable macro column, and lightweight form factor. For programming, the Q1's full 75% layout and extensive ISO layout options give it a clear advantage. In office and modding use cases, both keyboards are equally capable, with the Q0 Max offering desk-customization flexibility and the Q1 providing a more versatile base for a full keyboard build. The choice largely comes down to whether you need wireless and macro-focused auxiliary input versus a complete wired keyboard with more keys.

GamingKeychron Q0 Max
  • 2.4 GHz wireless provides a 1000 Hz polling rate for low-latency gaming without cable clutter.
  • Offers a macro column and rotary encoder knob for quick in-game commands.
  • Bluetooth 5.1 allows connection to three devices, useful for mixed-platform gaming.
OfficeTie
  • Q0 Max brings a numpad and macro column ideal for number entry and shortcuts, with wireless desk freedom.
  • Q1 provides a full 75% keyboard with dedicated multimedia keys and knob support for general productivity.
  • Both feature QMK/VIA support for custom keymaps to streamline workflows.
  • Both have sound dampening materials for a quieter office environment.
ProgrammingKeychron Q1
  • Q1 offers many more keys in a compact 75% layout, including a full function row and navigation cluster.
  • Available in multiple ISO layouts (DE, UK, Nordic, FR, ES, Swiss) to match regional programming needs.
  • Q1's wired-only connection ensures no latency or battery concerns during long coding sessions.
TravelKeychron Q0 Max
  • Q0 Max weighs only 684g versus Q1's 1825g, making it far easier to pack.
  • Wireless connectivity (2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.1) eliminates cable dependency on the go.
  • Compact numpad size (118 x 137 mm) slips into a laptop bag pocket.
ModdingTie
  • Both feature hot-swappable PCBs supporting 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches, screw-in stabilizers, and QMK/VIA firmware.
  • Q0 Max has a steel plate and upgraded acoustic foams (IXPE, PET, Latex) out of the box.
  • Q1 supports multiple plate materials (aluminum, steel, polycarbonate) and a wide aftermarket for 75% parts.
  • Both are built around a gasket mount with double-gasket design, offering a flexible foundation for mods.
Content CreationKeychron Q0 Max
  • Dedicated macro column and rotary encoder knob are ideal for video editing, audio, and design shortcuts.
  • Wireless 2.4 GHz keeps the desk uncluttered during creative sessions.
  • Programmable layers via QMK/VIA allow per-app shortcuts without interfering with the main keyboard's layout.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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