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Compare Keychron Q4 HE vs V4 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Keychron's premium and budget 60% wireless keyboards. The choice is difficult because both share a compact layout, gasket mount, QMK/VIA support, and a 4000mAh battery. The core trade-off is between the Q4 HE's advanced magnetic switch technology and all-aluminum build, and the V4 Max's broader mechanical switch compatibility, lighter plastic body, and lower cost.

90
Keychron Q4 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard
92
Keychron V4 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard

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  • Released in 2025
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Magnetic switch options
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Enables rapid trigger functionality
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 1415 g
  • Sized at 33 x 121 x 303 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Weighs about 645 g
  • Sized at 28 x 123 x 305 mm
  • Made with a Plastic, ABS case
  • Features PBT keycaps
Scores
  • Performance: 90.7
  • Build Quality: 85.1
  • Productivity: 94.3
  • Customizability: 92.2
  • Portability: 90.3
Scores
  • Performance: 78.6
  • Build Quality: 85.7
  • Productivity: 94.7
  • Customizability: 97.4
  • Portability: 88.4
Name
Keychron Q4 HE
Name
Keychron V4 Max
Release year
2025
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Magnetic
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
60%
Layout Size
60%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
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, Wired only
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, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
33 x 121 x 303 mm
Dimensions
28 x 123 x 305 mm
Weight
1415g
Weight
645g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your budget and primary use case dictate the choice. Invest in the Keychron Q4 HE if you are a competitive gamer or enthusiast who values the cutting-edge precision of Hall Effect switches and the heft of an all-metal keyboard. Opt for the Keychron V4 Max if you want a highly customizable, wireless mechanical keyboard that supports standard switches, is easier to carry, and costs significantly less.

Keychron Q4 HE

  • +Advanced Hall Effect magnetic switches with adjustable actuation and Rapid Trigger.
  • +Premium all-aluminum case and plate construction.
  • +Includes analog mode for variable input control.
  • +Double-gasket design with multiple acoustic foams for sound dampening.
  • −Substantially heavier at 1415g, reducing portability.
  • −Hot-swap sockets are compatible only with specific Gateron double-rail magnetic switches.
  • −Higher price point compared to the V4 Max.

Keychron V4 Max

  • +Hot-swappable for a wide range of 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches.
  • +Available in a barebones kit version for maximum customization.
  • +Lighter weight (645g) and longer claimed wireless battery life.
  • +Includes both Type-C and Type-A 2.4 GHz receivers with magnetic storage.
  • −Case is made of ABS plastic rather than metal.
  • −Lacks the advanced Hall Effect features like adjustable actuation and Rapid Trigger.
  • −Polycarbonate plate may offer a different, potentially less rigid feel than aluminum.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The V4 Max is the more practical choice for office use, travel, and modding due to its lighter weight, longer battery life, and broader switch compatibility. The Q4 HE is the definitive pick for gaming and has an edge for content creation, thanks to its unique Hall Effect features and premium build. For programming, both keyboards are equally capable due to their shared firmware support and compact layout.

GamingKeychron Q4 HE
  • •Features Hall Effect magnetic switches with adjustable actuation points from 0.2 to 3.8 mm.
  • •Includes Rapid Trigger and analog mode for dynamic keypress control.
  • •Aluminum case provides a solid, premium base for consistent keystrokes.
OfficeKeychron V4 Max
  • •Lighter weight of 645g makes it easier to reposition on a desk.
  • •Longer claimed wireless battery life of up to 190 hours with RGB off.
  • •Includes dual 2.4 GHz receivers (Type-C and Type-A) for flexible dongle use.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both offer full QMK and VIA support for deep key remapping and macros.
  • •Both have a 60% ANSI layout, requiring reliance on layers for function keys.
  • •Both feature south-facing RGB LEDs compatible with Cherry-profile keycaps.
TravelKeychron V4 Max
  • •Significantly lighter at 645g compared to the Q4 HE's 1415g.
  • •Slightly thinner profile (28mm vs 33mm) for easier packing.
  • •Plastic ABS case is less prone to showing travel scuffs than aluminum.
ModdingKeychron V4 Max
  • •Available as a barebones kit, allowing for complete personalization from the start.
  • •Hot-swap PCB supports both 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches.
  • •Polycarbonate plate and gasket mount design offer a customizable typing feel.
Content CreationKeychron Q4 HE
  • •Ability to assign multiple actions to a single key based on press depth can streamline shortcuts.
  • •Premium aluminum construction may provide a more satisfying and durable long-term feel.
  • •Includes knob support for potential media or parameter control.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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