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

Compare Keychron Q1 Max vs Tech Bear Studio TB 65F Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for keyboard enthusiasts deciding between a high-end, ready-to-use wireless board and a more experimental barebones kit. The decision is difficult because both support QMK/VIA firmware and gasket mounting, but they target different stages of the enthusiast journey. The Q1 Max is a polished, fully-assembled product, while the TB65F is a canvas for builders who want to supply their own switches and keycaps.

98
Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
66
[Pre Order] TB-65F Custom Mechanical Keyboard Kit

Select a keyboard to compare

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
  • Compatible with both Mac and Windows
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Connects via USB-C
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1724 g
  • Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2024
  • Available in a 65% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Sized at 19 x 327 x 118 mm
  • Offers No RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 82
  • Build Quality: 89.1
  • Productivity: 96.9
  • Customizability: 99.5
  • Portability: 81.2
Scores
  • Performance: 47.7
  • Build Quality: 70.9
  • Productivity: 51.8
  • Customizability: 71.3
  • Portability: 80.4
Name
Keychron Q1 Max
Name
Tech Bear Studio TB 65F
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
1000 Hz
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
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
-
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
-
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Dimensions
19 x 327 x 118 mm
Weight
1724g
Weight
-
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice hinges on whether you want a complete, high-performance tool or a foundational project. The Keychron Q1 Max delivers a refined, feature-rich experience out of the box with excellent wireless performance and sound tuning. The Tech Bear Studio TB65F is for the hands-on enthusiast who values the build process, experimental mounting, and the ability to hand-pick every component from the ground up.

Keychron Q1 Max

  • +Comprehensive wireless connectivity with 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.1, and wired modes.
  • +Premium construction with a CNC aluminum case, polycarbonate plate, and PBT keycaps.
  • +Enhanced acoustics from multiple foam layers (IXPE, PET, Latex) and a double-gasket design.
  • +Highly customizable via hot-swap sockets, QMK/VIA firmware, and screw-in stabilizers.
  • +Includes a 4000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
  • −It is a heavy keyboard at 1724 grams, limiting portability.
  • −The 75% layout is larger than a 65% board, taking up more desk space.
  • −Being a pre-built product, it offers less foundational assembly customization than a barebones kit.

Tech Bear Studio TB 65F

  • +Offers four distinct mounting systems for highly customizable typing feel.
  • +Designed as a DIY kit, ideal for enthusiasts who want to choose their own switches and keycaps.
  • +Features a unique quick snap assembly system for easy modding access.
  • +Includes a carrying case and a comprehensive set of assembly parts.
  • −It is a barebones kit, requiring separate purchase of switches and keycaps.
  • −Lacks RGB lighting and a pre-built option for users wanting a complete product.
  • −Vendor information indicates it is a pre-order item, suggesting potential wait times for delivery.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron Q1 Max is the more versatile choice for most ready-to-use scenarios, winning in gaming, office, programming, and content creation due to its wireless features, inclusive layout, and multimedia controls. The Tech Bear TB65F finds its niche in travel for its smaller size and in modding for its barebones, experimental nature. It appeals to users who prioritize the building process and unique mounting flexibility over out-of-the-box functionality.

GamingKeychron Q1 Max
  • •The Q1 Max offers a 1000 Hz polling rate on both its 2.4 GHz wireless and wired connections.
  • •It includes N-key rollover for reliable simultaneous key presses.
  • •The 75% layout retains dedicated arrow and navigation keys for in-game controls.
OfficeKeychron Q1 Max
  • •The Q1 Max has multi-device Bluetooth connectivity for switching between computers.
  • •It includes dedicated media keys and a knob for quick adjustments.
  • •Its Mac and Windows compatibility with included keycaps suits shared or multi-OS environments.
ProgrammingKeychron Q1 Max
  • •The 75% layout provides function keys and navigation cluster without a full-size footprint.
  • •It supports multiple ISO layouts including UK, German, and Nordic for international developers.
  • •Programmable QMK firmware allows for deep key remapping and macro creation.
TravelTech Bear Studio TB 65F
  • •The TB65F's 65% layout is more compact than the Q1 Max's 75% layout.
  • •Its listed dimensions are smaller in height and depth.
  • •The kit includes a carrying case for transport.
ModdingTech Bear Studio TB 65F
  • •The TB65F is sold as a DIY kit, requiring the user to supply switches and keycaps.
  • •It offers four different mounting systems (gasket with tadpole, gasket with spring capsule, classic gasket, bottom mount) to experiment with feel.
  • •Its quick snap assembly system is designed for easy access to the PCB assembly.
Content CreationKeychron Q1 Max
  • •South-facing RGB backlighting with multiple effects can enhance visual setups.
  • •The inclusion of a knob provides tactile control for timelines or volume.
  • •Programmable macros via QMK/VIA can streamline 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

New
$149
Pixtendo x Keykobo Pixel67 Keyboard - Barebone
Keykobo Pixel67
65%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
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

95
$159
Keychron Q10 Pro (Alice Layout) QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q10 Pro
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu 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

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

91
$200
Neo65 Cu Barebones Kit
Neo Neo65
65%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount