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

Compare Keychron Q11 Ultra vs Q13 Pro Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers torn between two ergonomic wireless keyboards from Keychron: the split Q11 Ultra and the Alice-layout Q13 Pro. The decision is hard because both offer premium all-aluminum builds, hot-swappable switches, and 4000mAh batteries, but cater to different ergonomic preferences. The Q11 Ultra emphasizes a cable-free split experience with industrial-grade 8K polling, while the Q13 Pro delivers a lauded typing feel in a more traditional 96% footprint. Your choice hinges on whether you want modular hand placement or a contoured one-piece Alice design.

78
Keychron Q11 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
98
Keychron Q13 Pro (Alice Layout) QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard

Select a keyboard to compare

3.3 (4)
4.7 (12)
  • Released in 2026
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a Other layout
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-UK, ISO-CH, JIS, ANSI layout standard
  • Offers Normal ergonomics
  • Supports Wired, Wired only, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wireless connectivity
  • Runs at a 8000 Hz polling rate
  • Weighs about 1724 g
  • Sized at 32 x 345 x 134 mm
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, South-face, Rgb South-face, White South-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO layout standard
  • Offers Alice ergonomics
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Weighs about 2392 g
  • Sized at 32 x 157 x 447 mm
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 86.3
  • Build Quality: 71.5
  • Productivity: 90
  • Customizability: 73
  • Portability: 89.6
Scores
  • Performance: 82.8
  • Build Quality: 88.4
  • Productivity: 100
  • Customizability: 97.6
  • Portability: 57.2
Name
Keychron Q11 Ultra
Name
Keychron Q13 Pro
Release year
2026
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, 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-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-UK, ISO-CH, JIS, ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
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, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
8000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
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
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, South-face, White South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
32 x 345 x 134 mm
Dimensions
32 x 157 x 447 mm
Weight
1724g
Weight
2392g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

The Keychron Q11 Ultra is the better choice for gamers and those who want a truly wireless split design with industry-leading 8K polling. The Q13 Pro excels for office workers and modders who prefer an Alice layout and the flexibility of QMK/VIA firmware. If portability and low latency matter most, go with the Q11 Ultra; if ergonomic layout and customization depth are your priority, pick the Q13 Pro.

Keychron Q11 Ultra

  • +8000 Hz polling rate in wired and 2.4 GHz modes for competitive gaming.
  • +Truly wireless split halves with no tethering cable between them.
  • +Dedicated macro keys (M1-M5) for quick commands.
  • +Lighter than the Q13 Pro, making it more portable.
  • +Multi-layer sound dampening foam (IXPE, PET, latex) for acoustic tuning.

  • Only available in black color, limiting aesthetic options.
  • Uses ZMK firmware instead of QMK, which may have split keyboard programming quirks.
  • KSA profile keycaps may be taller than some prefer.
  • Some users report needing to press a key to wake the keyboard from sleep.

Keychron Q13 Pro

  • +Alice layout promotes natural wrist alignment for ergonomic typing.
  • +QMK/VIA firmware support for extensive customizeability.
  • +Higher build quality rating among owners (4.7/5 average).
  • +Available in Carbon Black, Silver Grey, and Shell White colors.

  • Heavier at 2392g, less portable than the Q11 Ultra.
  • Polling rate drops to 90 Hz in wireless mode.
  • No 2.4 GHz wireless option, only Bluetooth and wired.
  • Some users desire more color-matched KSA keycap sets.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

For gaming and travel, the Q11 Ultra's lighter weight and 8K wireless polling give it a clear edge. In office use, the Q13 Pro's Alice layout and superior customer feedback make it the more comfortable daily driver. Programming and content creation are a tie, as both offer robust customization and hot-swappable switches. Modders will prefer the Q13 Pro for its QMK/VIA firmware and barebone option.

GamingKeychron Q11 Ultra
  • 8K polling rate in both wired and 2.4 GHz modes for ultra-low latency.
  • 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity offers lower latency than Bluetooth.
  • Split design allows independent half placement for a wider stance.
OfficeKeychron Q13 Pro
  • Alice layout reduces wrist strain in a compact 96% form factor.
  • QMK/VIA firmware for extensive key remapping and macros.
  • Higher customer review rating (4.7/5) indicates strong satisfaction for daily typing.
ProgrammingTie
  • Both support QMK/VIA or Keychron Launcher for custom keymaps and macros.
  • Both have hot-swappable switches for preferred tactile or linear feel.
  • Q11 Ultra offers dedicated macro keys (M1-M5); Q13 Pro offers a programmable knob.
TravelKeychron Q11 Ultra
  • Lighter at 1724g compared to Q13 Pro's 2392g.
  • Smaller footprint per half, easier to pack in a bag.
  • 2.4 GHz wireless with Bluetooth 5.3 for flexible on-the-go connectivity.
ModdingKeychron Q13 Pro
  • QMK/VIA firmware is a standard for deep customization and community support.
  • Barebone version available for building from scratch without switches or keycaps.
  • Verified double-gasket design and layered foam provide a strong modding baseline.
Content CreationTie
  • Both have programmable knobs for timeline scrolling or volume control.
  • Both feature PBT keycaps for durability under heavy use.
  • Q11 Ultra's macro keys offer quick shortcuts; Q13 Pro's compact layout saves desk space.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

97
$199
Keychron Q6 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q6 Max
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

98
$167
Keychron Q14 Pro (Alice Layout) QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q14 Pro
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

81
$229
Keychron Q3 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q3 Ultra
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

94
$209
Keychron Q13 Max (Alice Layout) QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard(US ANSI Layout)
Keychron Q13 Max
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

97
$229
Keychron Q6 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q6 HE
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Metal 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

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

96
$199
Keychron Q5 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q5 Max
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

99
$129
Keychron K2 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard
Keychron K2 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

95
$159
Keychron Q5 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q5 Pro
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount