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Compare Keychron Q0 vs Q1 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a standalone numpad and a full 75% keyboard, both from Keychron's metal-bodied Q series. The Q0 is a wired-only, compact number pad designed to sit beside another keyboard for extra keys or data entry. The Q1 Max is a complete 75% keyboard with tri-mode wireless, a double-gasket mount, and upgraded acoustic foams. The decision is hard because both share similar build materials, hot-swap capability, and QMK/VIA support, but they serve very different roles on your desk. Users who already have a main keyboard may only need the Q0, while those seeking an all-in-one typing and productivity upgrade will prefer the Q1 Max.

84
Keychron Q0 QMK Custom Number Pad
98
Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard

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5.0 (3)
3.9 (95)
  • Released in 2022
  • Available in a Numpad layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 2200 g
  • Sized at 20 x 129 x 89 mm
  • Released in 2023
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-CH, JIS layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Compatible with both Mac and Windows
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1724 g
  • Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm
Scores
  • Performance: 62.8
  • Build Quality: 85
  • Productivity: 71.7
  • Customizability: 93.3
  • Portability: 68.3
Scores
  • Performance: 82
  • Build Quality: 89
  • Productivity: 96.9
  • Customizability: 99.5
  • Portability: 81.3
Name
Keychron Q0
Name
Keychron Q1 Max
Release year
2022
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
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-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
Wired, Wired only
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
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
Tray 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
20 x 129 x 89 mm
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Weight
2200g
Weight
1724g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

If you already own a primary keyboard and simply need a high-quality numpad or macro pad, the Q0 is a compact, metal solution that integrates well via QMK/VIA. However, if you are building a new workstation or want one keyboard that covers typing, gaming, and productivity with wireless freedom, the Q1 Max delivers a more complete experience with superior acoustic engineering and tri-mode connectivity. The Q1 Max is the better choice for most users seeking a single, versatile mechanical keyboard.

Keychron Q0

  • +Compact numpad form factor saves desk space and can be moved off to the side when not in use.
  • +All-metal CNC-machined 6063 aluminum body with steel plate provides a dense, solid feel.
  • +Hot-swappable PCB with screw-in PCB stabilizers for easy switch and keycap customization.
  • +Dedicated number pad for quick data entry and macro assignments via QMK/VIA.

  • Wired-only connectivity via Type-C, limiting placement flexibility on the desk.
  • Heavy for its size at 2200 grams, making it inconvenient to reposition frequently.
  • Tray mount design offers less typing flexibility compared to gasket-mounted boards.

Keychron Q1 Max

  • +Tri-mode wireless (2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.1, wired) with a 1000 Hz polling rate in 2.4 GHz and wired modes.
  • +Double-gasket mount with a PC plate and multiple acoustic foam layers (IXPE, PET, Latex) for a refined typing sound.
  • +Full 75% layout with a rotary knob, multimedia keys, and an included Mac/Windows toggle.
  • +Large 4000mAh battery offering up to 180 hours of use with backlight off, or 100 hours at lowest RGB brightness.

  • Significantly heavier and larger than typical 75% keyboards, with a weight of 1724 grams, making it less portable.
  • Bluetooth polling rate is limited to 90 Hz, which may affect competitive gaming when not using the 2.4 GHz receiver.
  • KSA and OSA keycaps are not shine-through, so RGB illumination is less visible from directly above.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Q1 Max wins five of six use cases due to its full 75% layout, wireless flexibility, and advanced acoustic design. It is better suited for gaming, office productivity, programming, travel, and content creation. For modding, both keyboards tie because each offers distinct mount styles and plate choices while sharing hot-swap and QMK/VIA support. The Q0 only excels as a dedicated numpad or macro pad for users who already have a main keyboard.

GamingKeychron Q1 Max
  • The Q1 Max offers a 2.4 GHz wireless mode with a 1000 Hz polling rate for low-latency gaming.
  • The Q0 is a wired numpad not designed for primary gaming input.
  • The Q1 Max includes N-Key Rollover for simultaneous key presses.
OfficeKeychron Q1 Max
  • The Q1 Max has a full 75% layout with multimedia keys and a knob for efficient workflow.
  • Bluetooth 5.1 allows connection to three devices, ideal for multitasking across a computer, phone, and tablet.
  • The Q1 Max includes a Mac/Windows toggle and dual keycap sets for cross-platform offices.
ProgrammingKeychron Q1 Max
  • The Q1 Max provides a complete 75% layout with dedicated navigation keys and a knob for quick scrolling.
  • Its double-gasket design and multiple acoustic foam layers (IXPE, PET, Latex) deliver a quieter, refined typing sound preferred for long coding sessions.
  • Both keyboards support QMK/VIA, but the Q1 Max offers more keys to remap for macros.
TravelKeychron Q1 Max
  • The Q1 Max is wireless (2.4 GHz and Bluetooth), while the Q0 is wired-only.
  • The Q1 Max has an integrated 4000mAh battery for cord-free use, though its weight (1724g) limits true portability.
  • The Q0 is also heavy at 2200g, making neither ideal for travel, but the Q1 Max at least offers wireless flexibility.
ModdingTie
  • Both keyboards feature hot-swappable PCBs supporting 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches, plus QMK/VIA firmware for full key remapping.
  • The Q0 uses a steel plate and tray mount, while the Q1 Max uses a polycarbonate plate and double-gasket mount, offering different modding experiences.
  • Both use screw-in PCB stabilizers for stable big key performance.
Content CreationKeychron Q1 Max
  • The Q1 Max provides a full keyboard with a knob for timeline scrubbing, volume control, or play/pause.
  • Triple connectivity (2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, wired) fits multi-device editing setups without cable clutter.
  • The Q0 can function as a macro pad for shortcuts, but lacks a knob and the layout density of the Q1 Max.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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