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Compare Keychron Q1 Max vs P1 HE Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two premium 75% wireless keyboards from Keychron. The choice is difficult because both share a CNC aluminum body, gasket mount, hot-swappable PCBs, and extensive programmability via QMK/VIA. The core decision hinges on whether you prioritize the advanced gaming features of magnetic switches or the refined acoustic experience and layout flexibility of the Q1 Max.

98
Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
96
Lemokey P1 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Gaming Keyboard

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3.9 (94)
5.0 (5)
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-CH, JIS layout standard
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Weighs about 1724 g
  • Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2025
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Magnetic switch options
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE layout standard
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Enables rapid trigger functionality
  • Weighs about 1800 g
  • Sized at 32 x 140 x 322 mm
  • Made with a Metal, Aluminum case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 81.9
  • Build Quality: 89.1
  • Productivity: 97
  • Customizability: 99.6
  • Portability: 81.4
Scores
  • Performance: 93.5
  • Build Quality: 88.2
  • Productivity: 97.4
  • Customizability: 97.4
  • Portability: 81.8
Name
Keychron Q1 Max
Name
Keychron P1 HE
Release year
2023
Release year
2025
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Magnetic
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-CH, JIS
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE
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
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
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
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Metal, Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Dimensions
32 x 140 x 322 mm
Weight
1724g
Weight
1800g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary use case dictates the winner. For competitive gaming where adjustable actuation and rapid trigger provide a tangible edge, the Keychron P1 HE (sold as Lemokey P1 HE) is the superior tool. For typists, programmers, and modders who value acoustic quality, broader switch compatibility, and layout flexibility, the Keychron Q1 Max is the more versatile and refined choice. Consider the P1 HE a specialized gaming instrument and the Q1 Max a high-end, customizable daily driver.

Keychron Q1 Max

  • +Extensive layout support for ANSI, JIS, and multiple ISO regional variants.
  • +Includes multiple layers of acoustic foam (IXPE, PET, Latex) for sound dampening.
  • +Hot-swappable for standard 3-pin/5-pin MX switches, offering broad compatibility.
  • +South-facing RGB LEDs prevent interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.
  • +Polycarbonate plate contributes to a more flexible typing feel.
  • −Lacks the advanced magnetic switch features and rapid trigger of the P1 HE.
  • −Comes with Gateron Jupiter switches, which may not appeal to those seeking magnetic switches.
  • −Slightly more expensive at its typical price point.

Keychron P1 HE

  • +Equipped with Gateron double-rail magnetic switches featuring adjustable actuation (0.2-3.8mm).
  • +Includes gaming-specific features like rapid trigger, LKP, Snap Click, and Analog Mode.
  • +Typically available at a lower price point.
  • +Features north-facing RGB with shine-through PBT keycap options.
  • +Uses a rigid aluminum plate for a consistent typing feel.
  • −Hot-swappable socket is compatible only with Gateron double-rail magnetic switches.
  • −North-facing RGB LEDs can cause interference with some Cherry-profile keycaps.
  • −Supports fewer regional ISO layout options compared to the Q1 Max.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The P1 HE is the clear choice for gamers seeking cutting-edge magnetic switch features like rapid trigger and adjustable actuation. The Q1 Max wins for office and programming use due to its extensive international layout support and Mac/Windows flexibility. For modders, the Q1 Max offers greater versatility with standard switch compatibility and detailed acoustic foams. Travel and content creation are draws, with both offering similar portability and programmable controls.

GamingKeychron P1 HE
  • •Features Gateron double-rail magnetic switches with adjustable actuation points from 0.2 to 3.8mm.
  • •Includes a dedicated rapid trigger function for faster key repetition.
  • •Lists specific gaming features like Last Keystroke Prioritization (LKP), Snap Click, and Analog Mode.
OfficeKeychron Q1 Max
  • •Supports a wider range of regional ISO layouts, including JIS, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, and ISO-CH.
  • •Vendor description highlights seamless switching between Mac and Windows layouts with included keycaps.
  • •Longer advertised wireless battery life of up to 180 hours with backlight off.
ProgrammingKeychron Q1 Max
  • •Broader layout support is beneficial for programmers using non-ANSI keymaps.
  • •South-facing RGB LEDs ensure compatibility with Cherry-profile keycaps, a popular choice for custom sets.
  • •Polycarbonate plate may offer a slightly more forgiving typing feel for long sessions.
TravelTie
  • •Both have identical 75% layouts and similar weights (1724g vs ~1800g).
  • •Both offer triple-mode connectivity (2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired) with a 4000mAh battery.
  • •Neither is particularly lightweight or compact compared to smaller form factors.
ModdingKeychron Q1 Max
  • •Hot-swappable PCB is compatible with standard 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches.
  • •Uses a polycarbonate plate and includes multiple acoustic foam layers (IXPE, PET, Latex) for sound tuning.
  • •South-facing RGB allows for use of thicker Cherry-profile keycaps without interference.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both include a programmable knob for media control or shortcuts.
  • •Both support extensive key remapping and macros via QMK/VIA and web configurators.
  • •Both use PBT keycaps for durability during frequent use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Keychron Q1 Max vs P1 HE: Hall Effect Gaming vs Acoustic Typing