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Compare Keychron Q1 Max vs WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two premium, wireless, gasket-mounted aluminum keyboards. The Keychron Q1 Max offers a space-saving 75% layout and support for Hall effect switches, while the WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80 provides a more traditional TKL layout with a significantly larger battery. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize a compact footprint with advanced switch options or a longer wireless runtime in a slightly larger form factor.

98
Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
89
PMO Aurora 80 TKL Aluminum Mechanical Keyboard

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3.9 (96)
0.0 (0)
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • 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
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1724 g
  • Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Released in 2025
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 2300 g
  • Sized at 36 x 360 x 140 mm
Scores
  • Performance: 82
  • Build Quality: 89.1
  • Productivity: 96.9
  • Customizability: 99.5
  • Portability: 81.2
Scores
  • Performance: 81
  • Build Quality: 85.5
  • Productivity: 94.8
  • Customizability: 90.4
  • Portability: 88
Name
Keychron Q1 Max
Name
WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80
Release year
2023
Release year
2025
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
-
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
80%
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
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
8000 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
36 x 360 x 140 mm
Weight
1724g
Weight
2300g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. Opt for the Keychron Q1 Max if you want a compact, highly customizable keyboard with support for Hall effect switches and multiple regional layouts. Choose the WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80 if you prefer a traditional TKL layout, need maximum wireless battery life, and value included accessories like a dust cover. Both deliver premium aluminum builds and extensive programmability.

Keychron Q1 Max

  • +Compact 75% layout saves desk space.
  • +Supports Hall effect switches for advanced customization.
  • +Extensive layout compatibility (ANSI, ISO, JIS, multiple regional ISO).
  • +Detailed acoustic treatment with multiple foam layers (IXPE, PET, Latex).
  • +Available as a barebones kit for custom builds.
  • −Smaller 4000mAh battery offers less wireless runtime.
  • −Compact layout lacks dedicated function row and navigation cluster.
  • −Higher price point compared to the Aurora 80.

WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80

  • +Large 8000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
  • +TKL layout retains dedicated function and navigation keys.
  • +Includes useful accessories like a dust-proof cover and pullers.
  • +Features a five-layer acoustic filling structure for sound dampening.
  • −Only supports ANSI layout, limiting regional compatibility.
  • −Larger and heavier (2300g) than the Q1 Max.
  • −No mention of Hall effect switch compatibility.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron Q1 Max wins for gaming, programming, travel, and modding, largely due to its compact layout, Hall effect support, and extensive layout options. The WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80 is better suited for office use, thanks to its larger battery and TKL layout with dedicated keys. For content creation, the keyboards are evenly matched on core features like RGB and programmability.

GamingKeychron Q1 Max
  • •Supports Hall effect switches, which are favored for gaming.
  • •Compact 75% layout frees up more desk space for mouse movement.
  • •Both offer a 1000 Hz polling rate and N-key rollover for reliable input.
OfficeWhatGeek PMO Aurora 80
  • •Larger 8000mAh battery provides longer wireless runtime for all-day use.
  • •TKL layout retains dedicated function and navigation keys for productivity.
  • •Includes a dust-proof cover in the box for protection during storage.
ProgrammingKeychron Q1 Max
  • •Offers extensive layout support including ISO, JIS, and multiple regional variants.
  • •Includes dedicated Mac and Windows keycaps for cross-platform developers.
  • •Compact layout is efficient for keyboard-centric workflows.
TravelKeychron Q1 Max
  • •Smaller 75% footprint is more portable than the TKL Aurora 80.
  • •Lighter weight at 1724g compared to 2300g.
  • •Smaller dimensions (328mm length vs 360mm) fit more easily in bags.
ModdingKeychron Q1 Max
  • •Explicitly supports Hall effect switches for advanced customization.
  • •Vendor description details multiple acoustic foam layers (IXPE, PET, Latex) for sound tuning.
  • •Available in a barebones kit option for building from scratch.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both feature south-facing RGB lighting for shine-through keycaps.
  • •Both support QMK and VIA for extensive macro programming.
  • •Both include a multi-media control knob for quick adjustments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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