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

Compare Keychron Q10 vs Q8 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for users deciding between Keychron's two premium wired Alice ergonomic keyboards. The choice hinges on whether you prioritize the extra keys and functionality of a 75% layout (Q10) or the greater desk space savings of a 65% layout (Q8). Both share high-end features like aluminum cases, gasket mounts, and extensive programmability, making the layout size the primary differentiator.

95
Keychron Q10 (Alice Layout) QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
93
Keychron Q8 (Alice Layout) QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard

Select a keyboard to compare

2.8 (70)
4.7 (34)
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW layout standard
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Weighs about 2460 g
  • Sized at 20 x 157 x 385 mm
  • Available in a 65% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, ISO-Nordic layout standard
  • Weighs about 1820 g
  • Sized at 20 x 136 x 358 mm
Scores
  • Performance: 72
  • Build Quality: 89.4
  • Productivity: 100
  • Customizability: 99.7
  • Portability: 62.7
Scores
  • Performance: 65.5
  • Build Quality: 89.5
  • Productivity: 97.7
  • Customizability: 97.3
  • Portability: 70.4
Name
Keychron Q10
Name
Keychron Q8
Release year
2022
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
65%
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, ISO-Nordic
Layout Ergonomics
Alice
Layout Ergonomics
Alice
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
Wired, Wired only
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
-
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
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
20 x 157 x 385 mm
Dimensions
20 x 136 x 358 mm
Weight
2460g
Weight
1820g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

Your decision should be based on your need for dedicated keys versus desk space. Opt for the Keychron Q10 if you regularly use function keys, navigation clusters, or want dedicated macro keys for productivity and creative workflows. Choose the Keychron Q8 if you prefer a minimalist, space-saving Alice layout and are comfortable using layers for secondary functions.

Keychron Q10

  • +75% layout includes a dedicated function row and navigation cluster.
  • +Features extra programmable macro keys on the left side.
  • +Includes a programmable aluminum knob on the left side.
  • +CNC machined aluminum case with a double gasket design for sound dampening.
  • +Full QMK and VIA support for extensive key remapping.

  • Larger and heavier (2460g) than the Q8, taking up more desk space.
  • Wired-only connectivity.
  • Some users in reviews noted the lack of a dedicated End key in the default layout.

Keychron Q8

  • +More compact 65% size (358mm x 136mm) saves desk space.
  • +Lighter weight (1820g) than the Q10.
  • +CNC machined aluminum case with a double gasket design.
  • +Full QMK and VIA support for key remapping.
  • +Manufacturer notes the top case has sharper corners for better third-party keycap compatibility.

  • Lacks dedicated function and navigation keys, requiring use of layers.
  • Wired-only connectivity.
  • No extra column of macro keys like the Q10.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Q10 is the clear choice for office work, programming, and content creation due to its extra keys and left-side macro column. The Q8 wins for travel and space-constrained desks thanks to its smaller, lighter footprint. For gaming and modding, the keyboards are functionally equivalent, sharing core performance and customization features.

GamingTie
  • Both have a 1000 Hz polling rate for low latency.
  • Both use a south-facing RGB design that avoids interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.
  • Both are wired-only, ensuring a stable connection.
OfficeKeychron Q10
  • The Q10's 75% layout includes dedicated function keys and navigation cluster for easier access.
  • The Q10 has extra macro keys on the left side, programmable for workflow shortcuts.
  • Both support Mac and Windows layouts with included keycaps.
ProgrammingKeychron Q10
  • The Q10's dedicated function row and navigation keys reduce reliance on layers for common actions.
  • The extra left-side macro keys on the Q10 can be programmed for IDE shortcuts.
  • Both have full QMK and VIA support for deep key remapping.
TravelKeychron Q8
  • The Q8 is smaller (358mm x 136mm vs 385mm x 157mm).
  • The Q8 is lighter (1820g vs 2460g).
  • Both are wired-only and lack a battery, but the Q8's reduced size and weight make it slightly more portable.
ModdingTie
  • Both are hot-swappable for 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches.
  • Both feature a double gasket mount design and screw-in PCB stabilizers.
  • Both are available in barebone kits and support QMK/VIA for firmware customization.
Content CreationKeychron Q10
  • The Q10's programmable knob, positioned on the left, can be mapped to timeline scrubbing or brush size without interfering with mouse hand.
  • The extra macro keys provide more one-touch shortcuts for editing software.
  • Both keyboards allow knob programming for zoom, volume, or brightness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

95
$86
Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard - Version 1
Keychron Q1
75%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

92
$59
Keychron V10 (Alice Layout) QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V10
75%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

98
$94
Keychron V1 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V1 Max
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

93
$59
Keychron Q2 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q2
65%,
Hotswap,
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

92
$59
Keychron Q4 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q4
60%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

94
$94
Keychron V3 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3 Max
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

92
$59
Keychron Q7 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q7
70%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

94
$67
Keychron K2 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron K2 Pro
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

94
$59
Keychron K8 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron K8 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount