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Head to head · Prices checked Oct 28, 2026

Keychron Q0 vs Q9Numpad or 40% layout

Choose the Q0 for a dedicated number pad, or the Q9 for a compact 40% typing layout with more programmable controls.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Keychron Q0

Build quality in the top 10% of 60% boards under $100.

If you want

  • Keychron describes the Q0 as a custom number pad.
  • Aluminum case, steel plate, and PBT keycaps.
  • Hot-swappable switches with QMK and VIA support.

Rules this board out

  • South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
  • No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
  • Compact layout only. No function row, dedicated arrow keys, or numpad.

Get the

Keychron Q9

Knob

Build quality in the top 5% of 40% boards under $150.

If you want

  • 40% layout is offered in ANSI and ISO versions.
  • Knob support adds a programmable rotary control, with Keychron describing VIA assignment for keys and macros.
  • Gasket mount, plus Keychron's double-gasket design with silicone pads between the case halves.

Rules this board out

  • South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
  • Compact layout only. No function row, dedicated arrow keys, or numpad.

Bottom line

Choose the Q0 if your main need is a separate number pad for numeric entry. Choose the Q9 if you want a compact keyboard for typing, with ANSI and ISO variants, optional split-spacebar versions, and knob support. Both offer wired operation, hot-swappable switches, and QMK/VIA customization.

What actually differs

The differences that matter

Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.

Keychron Q0

Keychron Q9

  • Layout size

    60%

    40%

  • Ergonomics

    Standard

    Split Spacebar

  • Mount style

    Tray Mount

    Gasket Mount, PCB Mount, Plate Mount

  • Knob

    No

    Yes

  • Weight

    2,200 g

    1,050 g

    Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Keychron Q0
  • Keychron Q9
Performance
65
66
Build quality
85
91
Productivity
72
94
Customizability
92
96
Portability
69
70

What they share

  • Connection: Wired
  • Hot-swappable
  • Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
  • Case material: Aluminum
  • Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
  • QMK
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Q0 is the more direct fit when a standalone number pad is the priority. The Q9 takes the lead for compact primary typing, travel weight, and customization options such as its knob and gasket construction. Both are wired, hot-swappable QMK/VIA boards with aluminum cases and steel plates. Neither choice is a conventional full-size keyboard, and the Q9's 40% layout requires comfort with a compact arrangement.

For gaming

Pick the Keychron Q9

  • The Q9 is a 40% keyboard intended for typing, while the Q0 is a dedicated number pad.
  • Both list wired connectivity and a 1000 Hz polling rate.
  • The Q9 supports QMK and VIA for key remapping.

From real owners

What owners say

Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.

Keychron Q0

5.0

3 owner reviews

Praise
“It's great to have the option to add a numpad for productivity, then move it off to the side when you need more desk space for gaming. This thing is built with quality materials and has very satisfying sound with each keystroke. I've used both Keychron banana…”
P.Z.· via Keychron

Keychron Q9

4.7

6 owner reviews

Praise
“Love the keyboard and goes well with the switches i got. Size was bigger than expected but weight is truly high quality Could do with a force break mod though as it is a little pingy”
Zeke D.Verified buyer· via Keychron

Full specs

Keychron Q0 vs Q9 specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

9 of 24 specs differ

Keychron Q0

Keychron Q9

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Tactile

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Tray Mount
Gasket Mount, PCB Mount, Plate Mount

Sound dampening

No
Yes

Screw-in stabilizers

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

60%
40%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI, ISO

Ergonomics

Standard
Split Spacebar

Knob

No
Yes

Display

None
None

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Wired
Wired

Max polling rate

1,000 Hz
1,000 Hz

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum
Aluminum

Plate material

Steel
Steel

Keycaps

PBT
PBT

Weight

2,200 g
1,050 g

Dimensions

20 x 129 x 89 mm
20 x 94 x 326 mm

Typing angle

5°
5°

Backlight

RGB, south-facing
RGB, south-facing

Firmware & software

QMK

Yes
Yes

VIA

Yes
Yes

Mac & Windows

No
Yes

Extras

Released

2022
2022

For EU buyers

ISO layouts by store

Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.

Keychron Q0

No ISO layout at the stores we track.

Keychron Q9

  • Input Gear

    ISO

    In stockShips to you

  • Input Gear

    ISO

    In stockShips to you

  • Keychron

    ISO

    In stockShips to you

  • Keychron (DE)

    ISO

    Out of stockDoes not ship to you

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

Keychron Q03 stores
Keychron Q95 stores

FAQ

Keychron Q0 vs Q9: your questions

Keychron describes the Q0 as a custom number pad, and its vendor listing identifies the layout as Numpad. It is the option here for adding dedicated numeric keys rather than choosing a compact primary typing keyboard.

The Q0 is a dedicated number pad, while the Q9 is a 40% keyboard with ANSI and ISO options. The Q9 also lists knob support, which the Q0 does not.

The Q9 is a 40% compact keyboard, and its compatibility notes say it has no numpad. For a separate dedicated number pad, the Q0 is the relevant model.

Yes, the Q9 is listed in ANSI and ISO layouts, and Keychron's product options include barebone ISO versions. The Q0 does not offer an ISO layout.

Keychron says the Q9's rotary encoder can be assigned keys or macros through VIA. Its examples include adjusting volume or brush size and selecting video clips or photos.

Both product listings include hot-swappable switches. Keychron specifically says the Q9 supports 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches.

Both list QMK and VIA support. Keychron also describes using its Launcher web app with the Q9 for key remapping and macros.

The Q9 is listed at 1050 g, while the Q0 is listed at 2200 g. Both are wired-only, so neither is a wireless travel keyboard.

No, both listings specify wired-only connectivity. The Q9 vendor description specifies Type-C wired connectivity.

Both use south-facing RGB, and their compatibility notes say shine-through legends stay dark. Those notes also warn that some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.

The Q9 metadata lists gasket, PCB, and plate mounting, and Keychron describes a double-gasket design. The Q0 is listed as tray mount.

The Q9 listing includes Mac/Win support, and Keychron describes a system toggle and additional keycaps for both systems. The Q0 vendor description specifically says it works with macOS.

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