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Compare Keychron Q1 Max vs Mxrskey CK820 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a premium, fully-featured wireless keyboard and a more budget-conscious DIY kit. Both are 75% aluminum gasket-mount boards with hot-swap sockets, making the choice difficult for enthusiasts who value build quality and wireless connectivity. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize a complete, polished experience with advanced firmware or a lower-cost foundation for a personalized project.

98
Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
79
MXRSKEY CK820 DIY Kit

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3.9 (95)
0.0 (0)
  • 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
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1724 g
  • Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Released in 2022
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Equipped with a 3000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 960 g
  • Sized at 30 x 105 x 346 mm
Scores
  • Performance: 82
  • Build Quality: 89
  • Productivity: 96.9
  • Customizability: 99.5
  • Portability: 81.3
Scores
  • Performance: 53.7
  • Build Quality: 73.1
  • Productivity: 91.5
  • Customizability: 85.8
  • Portability: 83.5
Name
Keychron Q1 Max
Name
Mxrskey CK820
Release year
2023
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
-
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
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
-
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
3000 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, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
-
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Dimensions
30 x 105 x 346 mm
Weight
1724g
Weight
960g
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Pros and Trade-offs

For most users seeking a high-end, ready-to-use wireless keyboard with top-tier performance and customization, the Keychron Q1 Max is the clear recommendation. Its verified polling rate, extensive modding features, and firmware support justify its higher cost. Choose the Mxrskey CK820 if your budget is strict, you prefer a lighter board for travel, and you enjoy sourcing your own switches and keycaps for a truly personalized, from-scratch build.

Keychron Q1 Max

  • +Comprehensive wireless performance with a specified 1000 Hz polling rate on 2.4 GHz and wired connections.
  • +Extensive acoustic tuning with multiple foam layers (IXPE, PET, Latex) and a double-gasket design.
  • +Full QMK and VIA firmware support for deep customization and macro programming.
  • +Wide layout compatibility including multiple ISO regional variants.
  • +Larger 4000mAh battery capacity.
  • −Very heavy at 1724g, which reduces portability.
  • −Higher price point compared to the CK820.
  • −Some user reviews mention firmware update issues causing key chatter.

Mxrskey CK820

  • +More affordable price point for an aluminum gasket-mount kit.
  • +Significantly lighter weight of 960g.
  • +Comes as a DIY kit with necessary tools included (wrench, puller).
  • +Includes two magnetic keyboard brackets for angle adjustment.
  • −Lacks specified polling rate information for performance comparison.
  • −No mention of advanced firmware support like QMK or VIA.
  • −Smaller 3000mAh battery.
  • −Limited to ANSI layout only.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron Q1 Max is the more capable choice for most stationary use cases, particularly gaming, office work, programming, and content creation, due to its superior performance specs, international layout support, and deep software customizability. The Mxrskey CK820's primary advantage is its lower weight and smaller footprint, making it a more portable option for travel. For modding, the Q1 Max offers a more refined starting platform with premium foams and plate material, though the CK820 presents a more affordable entry point.

GamingKeychron Q1 Max
  • •The Keychron Q1 Max specifies a 1000 Hz polling rate in its 2.4 GHz and wired modes for lower latency.
  • •It features N-key rollover in both wireless and wired modes for reliable simultaneous key presses.
  • •The manufacturer promotes its 2.4 GHz connection with a 1000 Hz rate for peak gaming performance.
OfficeKeychron Q1 Max
  • •The Q1 Max offers extensive layout support including ISO-DE, ISO-UK, and ISO-Nordic for international users.
  • •It includes dedicated Mac and Windows keycaps and a system toggle for seamless cross-platform use.
  • •Its larger 4000mAh battery may offer longer wireless working time, with the vendor citing up to 180 hours with backlight off.
ProgrammingKeychron Q1 Max
  • •The Q1 Max supports QMK and VIA firmware for deep, open-source key remapping and macro programming.
  • •It is available in a fully assembled configuration, saving setup time.
  • •The vendor description highlights positive reviews from programmers praising the typing experience.
TravelMxrskey CK820
  • •The Mxrskey CK820 is significantly lighter at 960g compared to the Q1 Max's 1724g.
  • •It has a slightly more compact depth of 105mm versus 145mm, potentially saving bag space.
  • •It is sold as a kit, which may allow for a lighter final build if keycaps and switches are chosen accordingly.
ModdingKeychron Q1 Max
  • •The Q1 Max features a more sophisticated acoustic package with multiple named foam layers (IXPE, PET, Latex) and a double-gasket design.
  • •It uses a polycarbonate plate, which is typically more flexible for a bouncier typing feel than the CK820's plastic plate.
  • •It offers extensive firmware customizability through QMK and VIA, a feature not mentioned for the CK820.
Content CreationKeychron Q1 Max
  • •The Q1 Max includes a knob for media control, a feature also present on the CK820.
  • •Its support for extensive macros and shortcuts via QMK/VIA can streamline editing workflows.
  • •The availability of a fully assembled version with switches and keycaps means it's ready to use immediately for production.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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