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Compare Keychron Q3 Max vs P1 HE Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Keychron's premium wireless offerings. The Q3 Max is an 80% TKL focused on a refined typing experience with extensive acoustic dampening. The P1 HE is a 75% board built around Gateron's magnetic Hall Effect switches for gaming performance. The decision is difficult because both share high-end features like aluminum cases, gasket mounts, wireless connectivity, and extensive programmability, but their core technologies target different primary users.

95
Keychron Q3 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
96
Lemokey P1 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Gaming Keyboard

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4.8 (41)
5.0 (5)
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic layout standard
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Weighs about 2045 g
  • Sized at 33 x 137 x 365 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2025
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Magnetic switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE layout standard
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Enables rapid trigger functionality
  • Weighs about 1800 g
  • Sized at 32 x 140 x 322 mm
  • Made with a Metal, Aluminum case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 82.6
  • Build Quality: 89.3
  • Productivity: 97.7
  • Customizability: 100
  • Portability: 76.3
Scores
  • Performance: 93.5
  • Build Quality: 88.2
  • Productivity: 97.4
  • Customizability: 97.4
  • Portability: 81.8
Name
Keychron Q3 Max
Name
Keychron P1 HE
Release year
2024
Release year
2025
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Magnetic
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
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, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 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, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Metal, Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
33 x 137 x 365 mm
Dimensions
32 x 140 x 322 mm
Weight
2045g
Weight
1800g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary use case dictates the choice. If competitive gaming performance with features like adjustable actuation and rapid trigger is your goal, the Keychron P1 HE is the specialized tool. If you value a premium, versatile typing experience, broader layout options, and the freedom to mod with any MX-style switch, the Keychron Q3 Max is the more flexible and refined option. Consider the P1 HE for a performance edge in games and the Q3 Max for everything else.

Keychron Q3 Max

  • +Extensive acoustic dampening with IXPE, PET, and Latex foam layers for a refined typing sound.
  • +Wider ISO layout support including UK, German, Nordic, and Swiss variants.
  • +Hot-swappable PCB compatible with nearly all 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches.
  • +Includes both KSA and OSA side-printed double-shot PBT keycap options.
  • +South-facing RGB LEDs ensure compatibility with Cherry-profile keycaps.
  • −Heavier at 2045 grams, making it less portable.
  • −Lacks the advanced gaming features like adjustable actuation points and rapid trigger found on the P1 HE.
  • −Switch options are limited to traditional mechanical types (linear, tactile, clicky).

Keychron P1 HE

  • +Equipped with Gateron double-rail magnetic Hall Effect switches featuring adjustable actuation points (0.2-3.8mm).
  • +Includes gaming-focused features like rapid trigger and 4-in-1 dynamic keystrokes.
  • +Slightly more compact 75% layout and lighter weight aid portability.
  • +North-facing RGB LEDs paired with shine-through Cherry profile PBT keycaps.
  • +Generally available at a lower price point than the Q3 Max.
  • −Hot-swappable socket is compatible exclusively with Gateron double-rail magnetic switches, severely limiting switch choices.
  • −Fewer explicitly stated ISO layout options compared to the Q3 Max.
  • −The vendor description notes a shorter maximum wireless battery life (up to 100 hours with backlight off vs 180 hours for Q3 Max).

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The P1 HE is the clear choice for gamers seeking cutting-edge performance from its magnetic switches and rapid trigger. The Q3 Max wins for office use with its broader layout support and for programming due to its TKL layout. Modders will prefer the Q3 Max for its universal switch compatibility and detailed acoustic foams. For travel, the slightly smaller and lighter P1 HE has an edge, while content creators will find both keyboards equally capable due to their shared macro and knob features.

GamingKeychron P1 HE
  • •Features Gateron double-rail magnetic Hall Effect switches with adjustable actuation points from 0.2 to 3.8 mm.
  • •Includes a dedicated rapid trigger function for faster key repetition.
  • •Supports 4-in-1 dynamic keystrokes for multiple actions per key press.
OfficeKeychron Q3 Max
  • •Offers a wider selection of ISO layouts including UK, German, Nordic, and Swiss, which is beneficial in multinational offices.
  • •The vendor description highlights its design for reducing clutter and facilitating efficient remote work with triple connectivity.
  • •Includes both Mac and Windows keycaps and a system toggle for seamless switching between operating systems.
ProgrammingKeychron Q3 Max
  • •The 80% TKL layout retains the function row and navigation cluster, which are frequently used in IDEs.
  • •South-facing RGB LEDs ensure compatibility with Cherry-profile keycaps, a popular choice for custom sets.
  • •QMK/VIA support allows for deep key remapping and macro creation to streamline coding workflows.
TravelKeychron P1 HE
  • •Slightly lighter weight (1800g vs 2045g) and more compact 75% footprint (322x140mm vs 365x137mm).
  • •Shares the same 4000mAh battery capacity for comparable wireless endurance.
  • •The smaller form factor is easier to fit in a backpack alongside a laptop.
ModdingKeychron Q3 Max
  • •Hot-swappable PCB is compatible with almost all 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches, offering near-universal switch compatibility.
  • •Features a polycarbonate plate and a double-gasket design with multiple foam layers (IXPE, PET, Latex) for sound customization.
  • •Available in a barebones kit version for building from scratch.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both feature programmable knobs for controlling volume, zoom, or timeline scrubbing.
  • •Both support QMK/VIA for creating complex macros for editing software.
  • •Both offer wireless connectivity for a cleaner desk setup during filming or streaming.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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