Compare Keychron Q1 Max vs Q2 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers torn between a feature-rich 75% wireless board and a compact, affordable 65% wired alternative. The Q1 Max brings 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth connectivity plus a full function row, while the Q2 offers a smaller footprint and a lower price point. Both share a full aluminum body, double-gasket design, and extensive QMK/VIA customization. The hardest decision is whether wireless versatility and extra keys justify the Q1 Max's higher cost over the Q2's more portable and budget-friendly 65% layout.

Model
	98	93	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	3.8 stars (82 reviews)	4.8 stars (481 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	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 Features N-key rollover 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 Features PBT keycaps	Released in 2021 Available in a 65% layout Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW layout standard Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity Weighs about 1645 g Sized at 20 x 121 x 328 mm Features PBT, ABS keycaps
Score	Scores Performance: 81.4 Build Quality: 89.1 Productivity: 96.8 Customizability: 99.4 Portability: 81.2	Scores Performance: 66.4 Build Quality: 90.3 Productivity: 94.8 Customizability: 99.8 Portability: 70.6
Name	Name Keychron Q1 Max	Name Keychron Q2
Release year	Release year 2023	Release year 2021
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 75%	Layout Size 65%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-CH, JIS	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 4000 mAh	Battery capacity -
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Gasket Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight Rgb, South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum	Case Material Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT, ABS
Dimensions	Dimensions 23 x 145 x 328 mm	Dimensions 20 x 121 x 328 mm
Weight	Weight 1724g	Weight 1645g

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Pros and Trade-offs

Overall, the Keychron Q1 Max is the better choice if you need wireless connectivity, a function row, and the latest acoustic foam design. If you prefer a more compact desk footprint, a wired-only setup, and a lower price, the Keychron Q2 still delivers a premium aluminum experience. Both are excellent for modding and programming, so choose based on whether your priority is wireless freedom or saving space and money.

Keychron Q1 Max

+2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.1 wireless with a 1000 Hz polling rate in 2.4 GHz and wired modes
+75% layout with a dedicated function row and programmable knob
+Multiple acoustic foam layers (IXPE, PET, Latex) for an enhanced typing sound
+Large 4000 mAh battery rated for up to 180 hours with backlight off
+Double-shot PBT keycaps available in KSA or OSA profiles

−Higher price than the Q2
−Heavier and wider for travel at 1724g and 145 mm width
−Bluetooth polling rate drops to 90 Hz, less ideal for competitive gaming over Bluetooth

Keychron Q2

+More affordable, making it a budget-friendly aluminum entry point
+Compact 65% layout at 121 mm width and 1645g weight for better portability
+Steel plate provides a stiffer typing feel and a different acoustic profile
+Double-shot PBT OSA keycaps included with the fully assembled version

−Wired-only connectivity with no Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz wireless support
−65% layout lacks a dedicated function row, requiring layers for F-keys
−Fewer acoustic foam layers compared to the Q1 Max, resulting in a less refined stock sound

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron Q1 Max wins for Gaming, Office, and Content Creation thanks to its wireless flexibility, function row, and longer battery life. For Travel, the more compact and lighter Q2 is easier to carry. Both tie for Programming and Modding because they share the same QMK/VIA customization, hot-swappable sockets, and stabilizer design, making personalization equally straightforward on either board. The Q2's extra portability compared to the Q1 Max is minimal but noticeable.

GamingKeychron Q1 Max

•2.4 GHz wireless with a 1000 Hz polling rate, matching wired latency
•75% layout includes dedicated function row keys for game shortcuts
•Up to 180 hours of battery life with backlight off for long sessions

OfficeKeychron Q1 Max

•Bluetooth 5.1 for easy switching between computer, phone, and tablet
•75% layout offers a function row and navigation cluster for productivity
•Double-shot PBT keycaps resist oil and wear from daily use

ProgrammingTie

•Both offer QMK and VIA support for full key remapping and macros
•Both feature hot-swappable PCBs for switch customization
•Both have screw-in PCB stabilizers for stable big keys
•Q2's 65% layout saves desk space, Q1 Max's function row may be preferred for shortcuts

TravelKeychron Q2

•Q2 is smaller and lighter at 1645g versus 1724g for the Q1 Max
•Q2's 65% width (121 mm) makes it easier to fit in a bag compared to 145 mm for the Q1 Max
•Wired-only design eliminates the need to carry a receiver or charge a battery

ModdingTie

•Both have hot-swappable PCBs supporting 3-pin and 5-pin switches
•Both use screw-in PCB stabilizers that can be swapped for third-party options
•Both are fully disassemble-able with QMK firmware for deep customization
•Q1 Max adds a PC plate and multiple foam layers (IXPE, PET, Latex), Q2 uses a steel plate with sound dampening

Content CreationKeychron Q1 Max