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Compare Keychron Q13 Pro vs Q13 Ultra Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two premium wireless 96% Alice layout keyboards from Keychron. The decision is difficult because both share a full aluminum body, double-gasket design, and the same ergonomic layout. The Q13 Pro is the established choice with open-source QMK firmware and VIA support for unlimited key remapping. The Q13 Ultra is the new performance-focused model that introduces an 8K polling rate in wireless mode and a ZMK firmware platform with different customization options.

98
Keychron Q13 Pro (Alice Layout) QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
81
Keychron Q13 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard

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4.7 (12)
5.0 (3)
  • Released in 2023
  • 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
  • Released in 2026
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Offers Normal ergonomics
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Runs at a 8000 Hz polling rate
  • Weighs about 2440 g
  • Sized at 32 x 447 x 157 mm
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, South-face, Rgb South-face, White South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 82.7
  • Build Quality: 88.4
  • Productivity: 100
  • Customizability: 97.6
  • Portability: 57
Scores
  • Performance: 88.8
  • Build Quality: 73.8
  • Productivity: 94.1
  • Customizability: 77
  • Portability: 56.1
Name
Keychron Q13 Pro
Name
Keychron Q13 Ultra
Release year
2023
Release year
2026
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
96%
Layout Size
96%
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Alice
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
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
Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
8000 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, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, South-face, White South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
32 x 157 x 447 mm
Dimensions
32 x 447 x 157 mm
Weight
2392g
Weight
2440g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

The Q13 Pro and Q13 Ultra both deliver a premium typing experience with their all-metal aluminum builds and double-gasket designs. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize deep software programmability or raw input performance. If you intend to remap every key and build a unique keyboard from a barebones kit, the Q13 Pro is the right choice. If you need the lowest possible latency for competitive gaming and longer battery life, the Q13 Ultra is the superior option.

Keychron Q13 Pro

  • +Supports QMK and VIA firmware for deep, user-defined key remapping and macro creation.
  • +Available as a DIY barebones kit, offering more flexibility for custom builds.
  • +Features the Keychron Launcher web app for easy online configuration without downloading software.
  • +Equipped with an ultra-low-power ARM Cortex-M4 STM32L432 chip with 128K Flash for developers.
  • +Offers a wired polling rate of 1000 Hz and a 90 Hz polling rate in wireless mode.
  • −The maximum polling rate is limited to 1000 Hz via USB-C, which is lower than the Q13 Ultra.
  • −Lacks a 2.4 GHz wireless connection, relying solely on Bluetooth 5.1 for wireless use.
  • −The Bluetooth working time is up to 300 hours with the backlight off, less than the Ultra's 660 hours.

Keychron Q13 Ultra

  • +Features a market-leading 8000 Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes for the lowest latency.
  • +Achieves up to 660 hours of battery life (with backlight off), significantly more than the Q13 Pro.
  • +Uses ZMK firmware and includes multiple layers of acoustic foams (IXPE, PET, Latex) for a refined typing sound.
  • +Provides three connectivity options: 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.3, and a wired Type-C connection.
  • +Includes per-key RGB and Mix RGB lighting modes for highly customizable backlight effects.
  • −Uses ZMK firmware, which may not have the same extensive customization community and legacy as QMK.
  • −Is only available as a pre-built fully assembled unit, lacking a barebones option for modders.
  • −The layout is limited to ANSI, missing the ISO standard support that the Q13 Pro offers.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

For pure gaming performance, the Q13 Ultra wins with its 8K polling rate and dedicated 2.4 GHz connection. The Q13 Pro is the better choice for programmers and modders due to its open-source QMK/VIA firmware and availability as a barebones kit. In office, travel, and content creation scenarios, the verdict is a tie as both keyboards offer the same core layout, similar connectivity, and a shared focus on build quality. The primary differentiator in these tied use cases comes down to whether you prioritize extensive software customization or raw input speed.

GamingKeychron Q13 Ultra
  • •Features an 8000 Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes for the lowest input lag.
  • •Comes with pre-lubed Keychron Silk POM switches, designed for precision and durability for gamers.
OfficeTie
  • •Both models feature a 96% Alice layout which is designed for ergonomic typing and reduced hand fatigue.
  • •Both offer stable wireless connectivity; the Pro uses Bluetooth 5.1 and the Ultra uses Bluetooth 5.3.
  • •Both keyboards come with KSA double-shot PBT keycaps that are oil-resistant and long-lasting.
ProgrammingKeychron Q13 Pro
  • •Supports QMK firmware and VIA software for deep, per-key programmability and custom macros.
  • •Equipped with an ARM Cortex-M4 32-bit STM32L432 chip, providing flexibility for developers.
  • •Available in a barebones kit, allowing programmers to fully customize switches and keycaps.
TravelTie
  • •Both keyboards have the same dimensions and a very similar weight, around 2400 grams, making them heavy for travel.
  • •Both offer wireless connectivity, with the Q13 Ultra adding a 2.4 GHz mode for a more stable connection on the go.
ModdingKeychron Q13 Pro
  • •Available as a barebones kit (without switches and keycaps), ideal for starting a custom build from scratch.
  • •Fully supports QMK and VIA, offering extensive firmware-level customization and key remapping.
  • •Built with a double-gasket design and screw-in PCB stabilizers, providing a solid foundation for modifications.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both models include a knob for easy control of media volume or zoom, a useful feature for video and audio editing.
  • •Both feature a 96% layout with an ergonomic Alice design, saving desk space while being comfortable for long editing sessions.
  • •Both are hot-swappable, allowing users to install silent or preferred switches for different studio environments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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