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Compare Keychron Q11 vs Q13 Pro Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for keyboard enthusiasts and ergonomic seekers deciding between two very different approaches to comfort. The Keychron Q11 offers a true split 75% layout for maximum shoulder-width adjustability, while the Q13 Pro provides a compact 96% Alice layout with a contoured frame. The decision is difficult because both boards feature premium aluminum construction, QMK/VIA support, and hot-swappable switches, yet they target dramatically different typing postures and workspace needs.

95
Keychron Q11 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
98
Keychron Q13 Pro (Alice Layout) QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard

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4.7 (26)
4.7 (12)
  • Available in a Other layout
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, JIS, ANSI layout standard
  • Offers Split ergonomics
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 1186 g
  • Sized at 10 x 134 x 345 mm
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO layout standard
  • Offers Alice ergonomics
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 2392 g
  • Sized at 32 x 157 x 447 mm
  • Features PBT keycaps
Scores
  • Performance: 68.2
  • Build Quality: 88
  • Productivity: 96.9
  • Customizability: 99.6
  • Portability: 72.9
Scores
  • Performance: 82.8
  • Build Quality: 88.4
  • Productivity: 100
  • Customizability: 97.6
  • Portability: 57.2
Name
Keychron Q11
Name
Keychron Q13 Pro
Release year
2023
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
Other
Layout Size
96%
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, JIS, ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO
Layout Ergonomics
Split
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
Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
4000 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
Tray 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
ABS, PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
10 x 134 x 345 mm
Dimensions
32 x 157 x 447 mm
Weight
1186g
Weight
2392g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice between the Keychron Q11 and Q13 Pro depends on your desired ergonomic style and need for wireless. Choose the Q11 if you want a true split keyboard for independent hand placement and don't mind a wired connection. Pick the Q13 Pro if you prefer a compact Alice layout with a numpad and value the freedom of Bluetooth connectivity for a cable-free desk.

Keychron Q11

  • +True split 75% layout allows independent positioning of each half for optimal ergonomic shoulder alignment.
  • +Lighter weight at 1186g, making it more portable than the Q13 Pro.
  • +Available in a wide range of layout standards including ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, and JIS.
  • +Includes two programmable aluminum rotary knobs for customized control via VIA software.
  • +Offered as a barebones DIY kit for users who want to select their own switches and keycaps.

  • Wired-only connectivity limits desk setup options and requires a cable between the two halves.
  • The tray/plate mount design may produce a stiffer typing feel compared to gasket-mounted alternatives.
  • Some customer reviews note the inter-half cable is too short for larger users who want more separation.
  • The keyboard lacks a dedicated End key; some users may need to remap this function.

Keychron Q13 Pro

  • +Wireless Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity with a 4000mAh battery, supporting up to 3 devices simultaneously.
  • +Heavy 2392g all-aluminum construction provides a solid, premium feel that resists movement on a desk.
  • +Double-gasket mount design with a flexible PC plate for a softer, more dampened typing feel and improved sound.
  • +96% Alice layout integrates a numpad in a compact form, ideal for data entry work.
  • +N-Key Rollover (NKRO) is supported in both wired and wireless modes.

  • Very heavy at 2392g, making it less suitable for frequent travel or transport.
  • The Alice layout may require a learning period for users not accustomed to the contoured key arrangement.
  • The keyboard is currently out of stock from multiple vendors, potentially limiting immediate availability.
  • The unique KSA profile keycaps may not be as easy to find replacement sets for compared to standard OEM or Cherry profiles.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

For gaming, the Q13 Pro's wireless option and NKRO give it an edge, while for office work, its integrated numpad and wireless connectivity are clear advantages. Both keyboards tie for programming due to their shared QMK/VIA support and premium stabilizers. Travelers will prefer the lighter Q11, which is easier to pack. Modders may favor the Q11 for its wider layout support and barebones option, while the Q11's split design also offers unique ergonomic benefits for content creation setups.

GamingKeychron Q13 Pro
  • The Q13 Pro supports both wired and wireless connectivity, providing flexibility for different gaming setups.
  • The Q13 Pro features a double-gasket design which may contribute to a more stable and quieter typing experience during intense gaming sessions.
  • The Q13 Pro includes N-Key Rollover (NKRO) in both wired and wireless modes, ensuring every keypress is registered.
OfficeKeychron Q13 Pro
  • The Q13 Pro's 96% Alice layout integrates a numpad, which is beneficial for data entry and spreadsheet tasks.
  • It offers wireless Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, allowing a cleaner desk setup and easy switching between up to 3 devices.
  • The manufacturer states the Q13 Pro has a 4000mAh battery with up to 300 hours of use with backlight off.
ProgrammingTie
  • Both keyboards offer full QMK and VIA support, enabling extensive key remapping and macro creation.
  • Both have high build quality with aluminum cases and screw-in PCB stabilizers for a stable typing feel.
  • The Q11's split layout allows for independent positioning of each hand, potentially reducing shoulder strain during long coding sessions.
TravelKeychron Q11
  • The Q11 weighs 1186g, which is significantly lighter than the Q13 Pro's 2392g, making it easier to transport.
  • The Q11's two separate halves can be packed more flexibly into a bag compared to the large one-piece Q13 Pro.
ModdingKeychron Q11
  • The Q11 supports both ANSI and multiple ISO layouts including ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, and JIS, offering more keycap layout variety for modders.
  • It is available as a barebones kit, letting builders choose their own switches and keycaps from the start.
  • The Q11 uses a tray/plate mount design with an integrated plate, which is a straightforward foundation for modifications.
Content CreationKeychron Q11
  • The Q11's programmable knobs can be customized in VIA to control timeline scrub, zoom, or brush size, as stated by the manufacturer.
  • The split design allows content creators to position the left and right halves around a drawing tablet or midi controller more ergonomically.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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