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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

Keychron Q11 vs Q13 MaxSplit or Wireless Alice?

Choose the Keychron Q11 for a true split ergonomic layout or the Q13 Max for a wireless Alice layout with a compact 96% key set.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Keychron Q11

If you want

  • True split design allows each half to be positioned independently for ergonomic flexibility.
  • Supports a wide range of layout standards including ISO, ISO-DE, and JIS.
  • Lighter weight (1186g) makes it more portable than the Q13 Max.

Rules this board out

  • South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.

Get the

Keychron Q13 Max

Build quality in the top 15% of 96% boards under $300.

If you want

  • Wireless connectivity includes 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.1 for versatile setup options.
  • Double-gasket design with acoustic foams (IXPE, PET, Latex) enhances typing sound and feel.
  • 4000mAh battery provides up to 300 hours of use with backlight off.

Rules this board out

  • South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
  • No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
  • Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.

Bottom line

Choose the Keychron Q11 if you want a true split keyboard for ergonomic positioning, especially for programming or if you need a lighter wired board. Choose the Keychron Q13 Max if you prefer a wireless Alice layout with a number pad, double-gasket construction, and enhanced acoustic foams for a premium typing experience out of the box.

What actually differs

The differences that matter

Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.

Keychron Q11

Keychron Q13 Max

  • Connection

    Wired

    Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

    Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency

  • Ergonomics

    Split

    Alice, Split Spacebar

  • Mount style

    Plate Mount, Tray Mount

    Gasket Mount

  • Weight

    1,186 g

    2,405 g

    Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel

  • Layout standard

    ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, JIS

    ANSI

    ISO and JIS exist so regional layouts fit

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Keychron Q11
  • Keychron Q13 Max
Performance
68
81
Build quality
88
87
Productivity
97
95
Customizability
98
96
Portability
73
50

What they share

  • Hot-swappable
  • Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
  • Case material: Aluminum
  • Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
  • Knob
  • QMK
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Q13 Max wins in gaming, office, modding, and content creation due to its wireless flexibility, additional features like N-Key Rollover and acoustic foams, and a more compact layout with a number pad. The Q11 wins in programming and travel because of its lighter weight and true split design, which offers independent half positioning. The decision largely depends on whether you need the ergonomic freedom of a true split or the convenience of a wireless Alice board.

For gaming

Pick the Keychron Q13 Max

  • Q13 Max offers 2.4 GHz and wired modes with a 1000 Hz polling rate, suitable for low-latency gaming.
  • Q13 Max includes N-Key Rollover (NKRO) in both wired and wireless modes.
  • Q11 is wired-only with a 1000 Hz polling rate, but lacks the wireless flexibility of the Q13 Max.

From real owners

What owners say

Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.

Keychron Q11

4.7

13 owner reviews

Praise
“I wish that the "launcher" app had more layer options and more layer options for the RGB, but that's ok. I have a Moonlander as well and I recommend the Q11 to almost everyone, the ortholinear boards take a lot of relearning for most people to type on.”
Eliott B.Verified buyer· via Keychron

Keychron Q13 Max

4.9

10 owner reviews

Praise
“Feels very solid and looks great. Tactile and functional”
KevinVerified buyer· via Keychron

Full specs

Keychron Q11 vs Q13 Max specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

13 of 27 specs differ

Keychron Q11

Keychron Q13 Max

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Tactile

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Plate Mount, Tray Mount
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Screw-in stabilizers

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

—
96%

Layout standard

ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, JIS
ANSI

Ergonomics

Split
Alice, Split Spacebar

Knob

Yes
Yes

Display

None
None

Media keys

Yes
No

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Max polling rate

1,000 Hz
1,000 Hz

Battery

Wired only
4,000 mAh

USB-C

Yes
No

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum
Aluminum

Plate material

Aluminum, Steel
Polycarbonate

Keycaps

ABS, PBT
PBT

Weight

1,186 g
2,405 g

Dimensions

10 x 134 x 345 mm
32 x 157 x 447 mm

Typing angle

3°
5°

Backlight

RGB, south-facing
RGB, south-facing

Firmware & software

QMK

Yes
Yes

VIA

Yes
Yes

N-key rollover

No
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2023
2024

For EU buyers

ISO layouts by store

Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.

Keychron Q11

  • Keychron

    ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic

    Out of stockShips to you

  • Keychron (DE)

    ISO-DE, ISO-UK

    Out of stockDoes not ship to you

Keychron Q13 Max

No ISO layout at the stores we track.

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

Keychron Q115 stores

FAQ

Keychron Q11 vs Q13 Max: your questions

The Keychron Q11 has a true split layout that lets you place each half independently, which can be more ergonomic for shoulder alignment. The Q13 Max uses an Alice layout with a split spacebar and angled columns, which also reduces wrist strain but keeps the two halves connected. For the most adjustability, the Q11 is the better choice.

No, the Keychron Q11 is a wired-only keyboard. It connects via a Type-C cable and does not support Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz wireless. If wireless connectivity is important, the Keychron Q13 Max offers both 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth options.

Yes, the Keychron Q13 Max has a 96% layout that includes a condensed number pad, making it suitable for data entry and office work. The Q11 does not have a number pad due to its 75% split layout.

Yes, both the Keychron Q11 and Q13 Max support hot-swappable sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin MX mechanical switches. This allows you to change switches without soldering.

The Keychron Q13 Max is heavier at 2405 grams compared to the Q11 at 1186 grams. The Q13 Max's extra weight comes from its larger aluminum case and larger battery.

Yes, both keyboards support QMK and VIA firmware for full key remapping, macros, and shortcuts. You can customize them using the Keychron Launcher web app or local VIA software.

Yes, the Keychron Q13 Max supports N-Key Rollover (NKRO) in both wireless and wired modes, ensuring that every key press is registered during gaming. The Q11 does not list NKRO in its specifications.

Both keyboards use screw-in PCB stabilizers for the larger keys like space bar, shift, and enter. The Q11's stabilizers are described as all new screw-in PCB stabilizers, while the Q13 Max uses PCB-mounted screw-in stabilizers. Both are designed for stability and smoother typing.

The Q13 Max is generally better for modding due to its double-gasket design and multiple layers of acoustic foam (IXPE, PET, Latex) that can be swapped or adjusted. The Q11 has an integrated plate in the case, which may limit certain modifications. However, both boards have hot-swappable switches and screw-in stabilizers.

Yes, the Keychron Q13 Max includes a rotary encoder knob that can be customized via VIA software for functions like volume control, zooming, or brush size. The Q11 also has a programmable knob for similar customization.

The Keychron Q11 uses double-shot PBT keycaps in an OSA profile. The Keychron Q13 Max uses KSA profile double-shot PBT keycaps. Both are non-shine-through and designed for durability and oil resistance.

Yes, the Keychron Q13 Max comes with a system toggle and included keycaps for both macOS and Windows, allowing you to save separate layouts for each system. The Q11 also supports both operating systems with the same toggle and keycaps.

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