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Compare Keychron Q13 Pro vs Q8 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for users deciding between two premium aluminum Alice layout keyboards from Keychron. The choice hinges on whether you prioritize a wireless, nearly full-size layout with a numpad (Q13 Pro) or a more space-efficient, wired-only 65% layout (Q8). Both share high-end features like gasket mounts and programmability, making the layout and connectivity the core differentiators.

98
Keychron Q13 Pro (Alice Layout) QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
93
Keychron Q8 (Alice Layout) QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard

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4.7 (12)
4.7 (34)
  • Released in 2023
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO layout standard
  • Features N-key rollover
  • 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
  • Released in 2022
  • Available in a 65% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, ISO-Nordic layout standard
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 1820 g
  • Sized at 20 x 136 x 358 mm
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
Scores
  • Performance: 82.7
  • Build Quality: 88.5
  • Productivity: 100
  • Customizability: 97.7
  • Portability: 57.2
Scores
  • Performance: 65.5
  • Build Quality: 89.5
  • Productivity: 97.7
  • Customizability: 97.3
  • Portability: 70.4
Name
Keychron Q13 Pro
Name
Keychron Q8
Release year
2023
Release year
2022
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
65%
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, ISO-Nordic
Layout Ergonomics
Alice
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
Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
-
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, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
32 x 157 x 447 mm
Dimensions
20 x 136 x 358 mm
Weight
2392g
Weight
1820g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require wireless freedom, a numpad, and don't mind a larger desk footprint, the Keychron Q13 Pro is the logical pick. If your priority is a more compact, portable Alice layout keyboard and you exclusively use a wired connection, the Keychron Q8 offers substantial savings and a smaller form factor without sacrificing core premium features.

Keychron Q13 Pro

  • +Wireless Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity with multi-device pairing.
  • +96% Alice layout includes a numpad and arrow keys.
  • +Large 4000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
  • +Comes with KSA profile double-shot PBT keycaps.
  • +Features a polycarbonate plate for a specific typing feel.
  • −Larger and heavier (447mm, 2392g), less portable.
  • −Higher price point based on listed vendor prices.
  • −Wireless polling rate is lower (90 Hz) compared to its wired mode.

Keychron Q8

  • +More compact and lighter 65% Alice layout (358mm, 1820g).
  • +Available at a wider range of price points, including more affordable options.
  • +Steel plate provides a firmer typing feel.
  • +Top case is noted by Keychron to have sharper corners for better third-party keycap compatibility.
  • +Offers an exceptionally wide range of layout standards including multiple ISO variants.
  • −Wired-only connectivity, no wireless option.
  • −Lacks a dedicated numpad and many navigation keys.
  • −Fully assembled versions come with ABS or PBT keycaps, with some user reviews noting shine on spacebars.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Q13 Pro is the clear choice for office work and any task requiring a numpad, bolstered by its multi-device wireless capability. The Q8 wins for travel due to its substantially smaller size and weight. For gaming, programming, modding, and content creation, the decision is closer, leaning on the Q13 Pro's wireless advantage for gaming and its larger layout for creators, while both are equally capable for deep customization and programming workflows.

GamingKeychron Q13 Pro
  • •The Q13 Pro offers a 1000 Hz wired polling rate and a 90 Hz wireless rate, per its product listing.
  • •Its 96% layout includes arrow keys and a numpad for games that utilize them.
  • •Both keyboards have N-key rollover and a 1000 Hz wired polling rate, but the Q13 Pro's wireless option adds flexibility.
OfficeKeychron Q13 Pro
  • •The Q13 Pro's 96% layout includes a dedicated numpad, crucial for data entry.
  • •Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity allows switching between multiple devices like a laptop, phone, and tablet.
  • •Its 4000mAh battery supports up to 300 hours of use with backlighting off, according to the manufacturer.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both keyboards support QMK and VIA for deep key remapping and macro programming.
  • •The Q13 Pro offers more dedicated keys, while the Q8's 65% layout requires more layer usage.
  • •Both feature south-facing RGB LEDs, which avoid interference with Cherry-profile keycaps often used by enthusiasts.
TravelKeychron Q8
  • •The Q8 is significantly smaller (358mm long) and lighter (1820g) than the Q13 Pro (447mm long, 2392g).
  • •The Q8's wired-only design means one less component (battery) that could be regulated during air travel.
  • •Its compact 65% footprint takes up less desk space in temporary setups.
ModdingTie
  • •Both are hot-swappable, supporting 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches.
  • •Both feature screw-in PCB stabilizers and gasket mount designs for acoustic tuning.
  • •Each has a different default plate material (Q13 Pro uses polycarbonate, Q8 uses steel), offering distinct sound profiles to modify.
Content CreationKeychron Q13 Pro
  • •The Q13 Pro's knob version allows for programmable control over parameters like zoom or brush size, a feature also available on the Q8.
  • •Wireless connectivity offers a cleaner desk setup for filming or streaming.
  • •The included numpad can be mapped to application-specific shortcuts or macros.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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