Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare Keychron Q1 Max vs Niz Plum ATOM68 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a feature-rich, enthusiast-grade keyboard and a compact, specialized alternative. The Keychron Q1 Max offers extensive modding support and a robust aluminum build, while the Niz Plum ATOM68 focuses on portability with its lighter weight and electro-capacitive switches. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize customizability and a traditional mechanical experience or a lighter, more niche typing feel for on-the-go use.

98
Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
NIZ Plum ATOM68 Wireless Gaming Keyboard Electro-Capacitive

Select a keyboard to compare

3.9 (96)
0.0 (0)
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Supports hot-swappable switches
  • 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
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • 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
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2024
  • Available in a 65% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Weighs about 780 g
  • Sized at 30 x 110 x 319 mm
  • Offers No RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 82
  • Build Quality: 89.1
  • Productivity: 96.9
  • Customizability: 99.5
  • Portability: 81.2
Scores
  • Performance: 45.6
  • Build Quality: 50.3
  • Productivity: 58.6
  • Customizability: 44.1
  • Portability: 85.5
Name
Keychron Q1 Max
Name
Niz Plum ATOM68
Release year
2023
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
-
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
65%
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
-
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
-
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Dimensions
30 x 110 x 319 mm
Weight
1724g
Weight
780g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

For most users, the Keychron Q1 Max is the recommended choice due to its superior feature set, build quality, and customization potential. It is a complete package for enthusiasts and professionals who value a premium, tunable typing experience. Only consider the Niz Plum ATOM68 if your primary need is a very lightweight, portable keyboard and you are specifically interested in trying electro-capacitive switches, accepting its limitations in programmability and layout options.

Keychron Q1 Max

  • +Extensive customizability with hot-swap sockets, QMK/VIA firmware, and a gasket mount design.
  • +Premium build with a CNC aluminum case, polycarbonate plate, and multiple acoustic foam layers.
  • +High polling rate of 1000 Hz in wireless 2.4 GHz and wired modes for responsive input.
  • +Wide layout compatibility including ANSI, multiple ISO variants, and JIS.
  • +Includes a large 4000mAh battery and south-facing RGB backlighting.

  • Very heavy at 1724g, making it less portable.
  • The vendor description notes a potential firmware update issue that could cause key chatter.
  • Higher front height may require a wrist rest for comfortable typing.

Niz Plum ATOM68

  • +Lightweight at 780g, making it highly portable.
  • +Features unique electro-capacitive switches with a light 35gf operating force.
  • +Compact 65% form factor saves desk space.
  • +Comes with PBT keycaps and pre-installed silencing rings according to the vendor.

  • Lacks RGB lighting and has no mentioned programmability or hot-swap support.
  • Only supports ANSI layout, limiting regional options.
  • No specified polling rate, battery capacity, or details on stabilizer type.
  • Appears to be out of stock at the listed vendor.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron Q1 Max is the more versatile choice, winning in categories that benefit from its extensive features, programmability, and robust construction. It is better suited for stationary setups like gaming, programming, and office work. The Niz Plum ATOM68 claims an advantage only in travel, due to its substantially lower weight and more compact 65% form factor. For modding and content creation, the Q1 Max's open firmware and hardware customization options are decisive.

GamingKeychron Q1 Max
  • The Keychron Q1 Max has a specified 1000 Hz polling rate in its 2.4 GHz and wired modes for lower latency.
  • It features N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
  • South-facing RGB lighting is listed, which may be preferred for certain keycap compatibility.
OfficeKeychron Q1 Max
  • The Q1 Max supports multiple layout standards including ISO, ANSI, and JIS, offering wider regional compatibility.
  • It includes multi-media keys and dedicated Mac/Windows support with included keycaps.
  • The vendor description mentions Bluetooth 5.1 for connecting to three devices, aiding multitasking.
ProgrammingKeychron Q1 Max
  • The 75% layout retains function keys and navigation cluster, which are often used in IDEs.
  • Full programmability is supported via QMK and VIA firmware.
  • Hot-swappable PCB allows for easy switch changes to tailor the typing feel.
TravelNiz Plum ATOM68
  • The Niz Plum ATOM68 is significantly lighter at 780g compared to the Q1 Max's 1724g.
  • Its 65% layout is more compact, with dimensions of 319 x 110 x 30 mm.
  • It also offers tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, wired) for wireless flexibility.
ModdingKeychron Q1 Max
  • The Q1 Max is explicitly hot-swappable for 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches.
  • It features a gasket mount design with a polycarbonate plate and screw-in stabilizers for acoustic tuning.
  • The vendor description details multiple acoustic foam layers (IXPE, PET, Latex) and a double-gasket design for sound modification.
Content CreationKeychron Q1 Max
  • Programmable macros can be set via QMK/VIA for software shortcuts.
  • The inclusion of a knob (on supported versions) provides quick media or parameter control.
  • The 75% layout offers dedicated arrow keys and some navigation keys, which are useful in editing workflows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

95
$149
Keychron Q1 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q1 Pro
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

97
$239
Keychron Q10 Max (Alice Layout) QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q10 Max
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

94
$194
Lemokey L1 QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Gaming Keyboard
Keychron Lemokey L1
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

100
$160
Keychron Q1 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q1 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

95
$205
Keychron Q2 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q2 Max
65%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

96
$149
Keychron Q3 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q3 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

91
$199
Keychron Q16 HE 8K Magnetic Switch Keyboard
Keychron Q16 HE
65%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Metal case,
Gasket Mount

98
$219
Keychron Q3 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q3 HE
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Metal case,
Gasket Mount

84
$259
Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3 CNC Aluminum Barebones DIY Keyboard Kit
Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3
65%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Screen,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

95
$189
Keychron Q3 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q3 Max
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount