Is the Keychron Q10 wireless?

No. The Q10 is listed as wired only, using Type-C connectivity with a 1000 Hz polling rate. If you need Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz, the Q8 Max is the wireless option in this comparison.

Does the Keychron Q8 Max work with Mac and Windows?

Yes. Keychron lists macOS, Windows, and Linux compatibility for the Q8 Max, and it ships with a system toggle plus Mac and Windows keycaps so you can save two layouts. The Q10 also supports Mac and Windows with its own toggle and keycap set.

What is the difference between the Q10 steel plate and Q8 Max PC plate?

The Q10 uses a steel plate, which gives a firmer, more rigid feel under the gasket mount. The Q8 Max uses a polycarbonate plate paired with IXPE, PET, and latex foams, which Keychron positions as a softer, more damped typing experience.

How long does the Keychron Q8 Max battery last?

Keychron rates the 4000mAh battery at up to 180 hours with the backlight off and up to 100 hours at the lowest RGB brightness. Actual runtime depends on backlight use and wireless mode.

Can I use the Keychron Q10 with ISO keycaps?

Yes. The Q10 is listed with ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, and ISO-SW layout support, and Keychron offers an ISO collection with regional keycaps. The Q8 Max listing shows ANSI only.

Are both keyboards hot-swappable?

Yes. Both the Q10 and Q8 Max use hot-swap sockets that accept 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches, and both offer barebone knob versions for builders. This means you can change switches without soldering on either board.

Which keyboard is better for gaming, Q10 or Q8 Max?

The Q8 Max is the stronger fit because Keychron lists 1000 Hz polling on 2.4 GHz and wired modes plus N-Key Rollover in both. The Q10 also runs 1000 Hz wired, but it has no wireless mode and is heavier at 2460g.

Does the Keychron Q10 have macro keys?

Yes. The Q10 is a 75% Alice layout with extra left-side macro columns and a left-mounted programmable knob. Reviewers mention using those macros in design work and the knob for volume without leaving the mouse.

What is the weight difference between the Q10 and Q8 Max?

The Q10 weighs 2460g fully assembled, while the Q8 Max weighs 1745g fully assembled according to Keychron. The Q8 Max is therefore the more portable of the two, though both use aluminum cases.

Do both keyboards support QMK and VIA?

Yes. Both are listed with QMK firmware and Keychron Launcher web app support for key remapping and macros. Keychron notes that the Launcher requires a wired connection and a current Chrome, Opera, or Edge browser.

Which layout is more ergonomic, 75% Alice or 65% Alice?

Both use an Alice ergonomic angle, so the wrist benefit is shared. The Q10 adds a function row and macro columns in a larger 75% frame, while the Q8 Max trims to 65% for a shorter 358mm footprint and lighter 1745g body.

What acoustic foams does the Q8 Max include?

Keychron lists IXPE foam, PET film, a latex bottom pad, bottom case acoustic foam, and bottom case PET film for the Q8 Max. The Q10 uses a double-gasket design with silicone pads between the top and bottom cases rather than the same foam stack.

Keychron Q10 vs Q8 Max: Wired 75% vs Wireless 65% Alice

Compare Keychron Q10 vs Q8 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers set on an Alice ergonomic layout but unsure whether to prioritize a larger wired board or a smaller wireless one. The Keychron Q10 is a 75% wired Alice with a steel plate, left-side macro keys, and broad ISO layout support. The Keychron Q8 Max is a 65% Alice with 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth, a 4000mAh battery, and a polycarbonate plate. The decision is hard because both share aluminum cases, gasket mounts, QMK and VIA support, and hot-swap sockets, so the real split is size, connectivity, and plate feel.

Model
Rating	2.8 stars (71 reviews)	5.0 stars (8 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2022 Available in a 75% layout Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW layout standard Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity Weighs about 2460 g Sized at 20 x 157 x 385 mm Features PBT, ABS keycaps	Released in 2024 Available in a 65% layout Built with the ANSI layout standard Features N-key rollover Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery Weighs about 1745 g Sized at 48 x 136 x 358 mm Features PBT keycaps
Score	Scores Performance: 72.2 Build Quality: 89.4 Productivity: 100 Customizability: 98.2 Portability: 62.3	Scores Performance: 77.4 Build Quality: 88.6 Productivity: 96.9 Customizability: 98 Portability: 89.1
Name	Name Keychron Q10	Name Keychron Q8 Max
Release year	Release year 2022	Release year 2024
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 75%	Layout Size 65%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Alice	Layout Ergonomics Alice
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Wired, Wired only	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity 4000 mAh
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Gasket Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight Rgb, South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum	Case Material Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT, ABS	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 20 x 157 x 385 mm	Dimensions 48 x 136 x 358 mm
Weight	Weight 2460g	Weight 1745g

Keychron Q10 (Alice Layout) QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard

Keychron Q8 Max (Alice Layout) QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard

Select a keyboard to compare

2.8 stars (71 reviews)

5.0 stars (8 reviews)

Released in 2022
Available in a 75% layout
Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW layout standard
Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
Weighs about 2460 g
Sized at 20 x 157 x 385 mm
Features PBT, ABS keycaps

Released in 2024
Available in a 65% layout
Built with the ANSI layout standard
Features N-key rollover
Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
Weighs about 1745 g
Sized at 48 x 136 x 358 mm
Features PBT keycaps

Scores

Performance: 72.2
Build Quality: 89.4
Productivity: 100
Customizability: 98.2
Portability: 62.3

Scores

Performance: 77.4
Build Quality: 88.6
Productivity: 96.9
Customizability: 98
Portability: 89.1

Name

Keychron Q10

Name

Keychron Q8 Max

Release year

2022

Release year

2024

Switch Options

Linear, Tactile, Clicky

Switch Options

Linear, Tactile, Clicky

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

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

Layout Ergonomics

Alice

Layout Ergonomics

Alice

Knob Support

Display Support

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

USB passthrough

Connection

Wired, Wired only

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Polling Rate

1000 Hz

Polling Rate

1000 Hz

Battery capacity

4000 mAh

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb, South-face

Backlight

Rgb, South-face

Case Colors

Case Material

Aluminum

Case Material

Aluminum

Keycaps Material

PBT, ABS

Keycaps Material

PBT

Dimensions

20 x 157 x 385 mm

Dimensions

48 x 136 x 358 mm

Weight

2460g

Weight

1745g

Pros and Trade-offs

Choose the Q10 if your priority is a 75% Alice with macro keys, a left knob, ISO layout options, and a firm steel-plate typing feel at a desk. Choose the Q8 Max if wireless freedom matters more: 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.1, a 4000mAh battery, a lighter 65% body, and a foam-and-polycarbonate acoustic build. The primary differentiator is connectivity plus size, so decide that first, then accept the plate and layout trade-offs that follow.

Keychron Q10

+75% Alice layout with left-side macro columns and a programmable left knob for shortcuts and volume.
+Full CNC machined 6063 aluminum case with double-gasket design and silicone pads between top and bottom cases.
+Wide layout support including ANSI, ISO, JIS, and several ISO regional variants such as ISO-DE, ISO-UK, and ISO-FR.
+QMK firmware and Keychron Launcher support for remapping and macros, with hot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches.
+Screw-in PCB stabilizers and south-facing RGB that Keychron says avoids interference with OEM or Cherry-profile keycaps.

−Wired-only Type-C connectivity, so there is no Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz option.
−At 2460g it is the heavier of the two, which limits how easily it moves between desks.
−The steel plate gives a firmer feel than the polycarbonate plate on the Q8 Max, which some typists may find less forgiving.
−Vendor reviews mention that some units needed foam and force break mods to reduce a hollow sound.

Keychron Q8 Max

+Tri-mode connectivity with 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.1 for up to three devices, and Type-C wired.
+4000mAh battery rated up to 180 hours with backlight off and up to 100 hours at lowest RGB brightness.
+Multiple acoustic foam layers including IXPE, PET, and latex, plus a polycarbonate plate for a softer gasket feel.
+N-Key Rollover in wireless and wired modes, with 1000 Hz polling on 2.4 GHz and wired.
+Lighter 1745g aluminum body and shorter 358mm footprint than the Q10.

−65% layout omits the function row and macro columns found on the Q10.
−The listing shows only ANSI layout support, without the ISO and JIS variants offered on the Q10.
−Bluetooth polling is listed at 90 Hz, so competitive gaming is better served by 2.4 GHz or wired mode.
−It sits at a higher price tier than the Q10, with fewer vendors shown in stock.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Q10 takes office, programming, and content creation because its 75% layout, macro columns, and left knob favor desk workflows with many shortcuts. The Q8 Max wins gaming, travel, and modding through 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth wireless, a lighter 65% body, N-Key Rollover, and a foam-and-polycarbonate acoustic package. Neither board is a clear all-rounder: the Q10 is wired only, while the Q8 Max gives up function-row keys and some ISO layout options. Buyers who need both wireless freedom and a numpad-adjacent layout will have to compromise on one side.

GamingKeychron Q8 Max

•The Q8 Max lists 1000 Hz polling on both 2.4 GHz wireless and wired modes, per Keychron.
•It supports N-Key Rollover in wireless and wired use, according to Keychron.
•Its lighter 1745g aluminum build is easier to reposition than the 2460g Q10.

OfficeKeychron Q10

•The Q10 is a 75% layout with multi-media keys and a programmable left-side knob for volume and shortcuts.
•Its steel plate and double-gasket design with silicone pads aim to reduce metal resonance for a quieter desk sound.
•Wired-only Type-C connectivity avoids battery management at a fixed desk.

ProgrammingKeychron Q10

•The 75% layout keeps function keys and adds left-side macro columns that reviewers use for design and coding shortcuts.
•QMK firmware and the Keychron Launcher web app allow key remapping and macros.
•Reviewers report the Alice angle reduces wrist strain during long typing sessions.

TravelKeychron Q8 Max

•The Q8 Max is a 65% board at 358mm long versus the Q10 at 385mm, so it takes less bag space.
•It is lighter at 1745g versus 2460g for the Q10.
•Bluetooth 5.1 connects to up to three devices, and the 4000mAh battery is rated up to 180 hours with backlight off.

ModdingKeychron Q8 Max

•The Q8 Max ships with multiple acoustic foam layers including IXPE, PET, and latex, per Keychron.
•Its polycarbonate plate is a different feel target than the Q10 steel plate, and both are hot-swappable for 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches.
•A barebone knob version is offered for builders who want their own switches and keycaps.

Content CreationKeychron Q10

•The Q10 adds left-side macro keys and a left-mounted programmable knob, which reviewers use for InDesign and volume control.
•VIA support lets you map the knob to zoom, brush size, or backlight hue.
•The 75% layout retains more dedicated keys than the 65% Q8 Max.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)