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

Compare Keychron Q13 Pro vs MCHOSE UT98 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a high-end, ergonomic custom keyboard and a feature-focused, silent pre-built. The Keychron Q13 Pro offers a unique Alice layout and extensive customization in a heavy, premium package. The MCHOSE UT98 prioritizes quiet operation, a massive battery, and a more traditional layout at a lower cost. The decision hinges on whether ergonomics and modding potential outweigh silent typing and portability.

98
Keychron Q13 Pro (Alice Layout) QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
72
MCHOSE x Unbox Therapy - UT98 Mechanical Keyboard

Select a keyboard to compare

4.7 (12)
0.0 (0)
  • 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
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 2392 g
  • Sized at 32 x 157 x 447 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Released in 2025
  • Has Linear switch options
  • Available in a 98% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Offers Normal ergonomics
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 10000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1250 g
  • Sized at 43 x 402 x 147 mm
Scores
  • Performance: 82.7
  • Build Quality: 88.5
  • Productivity: 100
  • Customizability: 97.7
  • Portability: 57.2
Scores
  • Performance: 78.3
  • Build Quality: 63.5
  • Productivity: 84.4
  • Customizability: 69.3
  • Portability: 66
Name
Keychron Q13 Pro
Name
MCHOSE UT98
Release year
2023
Release year
2025
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
96%
Layout Size
98%
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
-
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
10000 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, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
-
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
-
Dimensions
32 x 157 x 447 mm
Dimensions
43 x 402 x 147 mm
Weight
2392g
Weight
1250g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. For a long-term, ergonomic typing project with unmatched customization via QMK/VIA and a premium metal build, the Keychron Q13 Pro Alice is worth the investment. If you need a quieter, more portable keyboard for office or travel with outstanding battery life and a standard layout, the MCHOSE UT98 is the more practical and cost-effective option.

Keychron Q13 Pro

  • +Full CNC-machined aluminum case for a premium, solid feel.
  • +Open-source QMK and VIA firmware support for extensive key remapping.
  • +Unique 96% Alice layout designed for ergonomic typing comfort.
  • +Includes screw-in PCB stabilizers and a hot-swappable PCB for easy modifications.
  • +Available in both fully assembled and barebones kit configurations.

  • Very heavy at 2392g, making it difficult to move frequently.
  • Smaller 4000mAh battery compared to the competition.
  • The Alice layout has a learning curve and uses a non-standard keycap set.

MCHOSE UT98

  • +Explicitly designed as a silent mechanical keyboard with focused switch options.
  • +Large 10000mAh battery capacity for extended wireless use.
  • +Lighter weight (1250g) and includes a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle for a stable connection.
  • +Comes with five layers of internal dampening foam (Poron, IXPE, PET, Silicone) for sound absorption.
  • +Includes a dust cover and spare keycaps in the box.

  • Lacks open-source firmware support like QMK or VIA, relying on proprietary MCHOSE HUB software.
  • Case material is not specified as aluminum, potentially indicating a different build quality.
  • Only offers linear switch options, with no tactile or clicky variants listed.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron Q13 Pro Alice is the clear choice for modding and programming due to its open-source firmware and ergonomic design. For office use and travel, the MCHOSE UT98 wins with its focus on silent operation, lighter weight, and larger battery. Gamers will prefer the Keychron for its higher polling rate, while content creators have a split decision based on whether they value deep customization or quiet switches more.

GamingKeychron Q13 Pro
  • The Keychron Q13 Pro has a specified 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode for lower latency.
  • Its listed N-key rollover ensures all key presses are registered simultaneously.
  • The vendor description notes the latency is hardly noticeable in competitive games.
OfficeMCHOSE UT98
  • The MCHOSE UT98 is explicitly marketed as a silent keyboard for quiet offices and shared spaces.
  • It includes a one-click calculator access key, a productivity feature not mentioned for the Keychron.
  • It is significantly lighter at 1250g, making it easier to reposition on a desk.
ProgrammingKeychron Q13 Pro
  • The Keychron Q13 Pro offers QMK and VIA support for deep key remapping and macro creation.
  • Its Alice layout may reduce strain during long coding sessions, as noted in user reviews.
  • The vendor description states you can save two different layouts for macOS and Windows systems.
TravelMCHOSE UT98
  • The MCHOSE UT98 is less than half the weight of the Keychron Q13 Pro (1250g vs 2392g).
  • It has a larger 10000mAh battery, promising longer wireless use between charges.
  • Its standard 98% layout is more compact than the wider Alice layout of the Keychron.
ModdingKeychron Q13 Pro
  • The Keychron Q13 Pro is available as a DIY barebones kit and has QMK/VIA firmware support.
  • It features screw-in PCB stabilizers and a hot-swappable PCB for switch customization.
  • The vendor description details a double-gasket design and PC plate for acoustic tuning.
Content CreationTie
  • Both keyboards have a knob for media control and south-facing RGB lighting.
  • The Keychron's programmability via QMK is useful for complex shortcuts.
  • The MCHOSE's silent switches are beneficial for recording audio or streaming in quiet environments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

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

-28% off
94
$221$159
Keychron Q6 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q6 Pro
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
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

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

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

84
$119
Keychron V6 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V6 Ultra
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
Metal 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

76
$139
Nuphy Air100 (ISO-DE) White
Nuphy Air100 V3
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

90
$124
FEKER Alice98 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard With LED Screen
Feker Alice98
98%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Screen,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
Gasket Mount

96
$149
Keychron Q3 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q3 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount