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Head to head · Prices checked Oct 28, 2026

X-Bows X Bows Crystal vs X Bows Knight PlusWireless Compact vs Full-Size Power

Choose the X-Bows Crystal for wireless freedom and a compact, split layout, or the Knight Plus for a premium aluminum build with a detachable numpad.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

X-Bows X Bows Crystal

Wireless Compact

If you want

  • Wireless connectivity with Bluetooth 5.0 and a 5-device memory.
  • Compact 70% size with a split, Alice-style ergonomic layout.
  • Transparent acrylic chassis with a gasket mount for a dampened typing feel.

Get the

X-Bows X Bows Knight Plus

Full-Size Power

Build quality in the top 40% of Numpad boards under $300.

If you want

  • High-grade 6063 aluminum alloy case for a premium, durable build.
  • Includes a magnetic, detachable numpad that can be repositioned.
  • Supports QMK, VIA, and VIAL firmware for extensive programmability.

Rules this board out

  • Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
  • Numpad only. This is not a full keyboard.

Bottom line

Your primary need dictates the choice. If a clutter-free, modern desk and the ability to switch between devices wirelessly are priorities, the X-Bows Crystal is the compelling option. If you require a numpad, value a metal build, and plan to do deep firmware customization from a stationary setup, the X-Bows Knight Plus is the more capable tool. Both represent a significant investment in ergonomic design over traditional keyboards.

What actually differs

The differences that matter

Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.

X-Bows X Bows Crystal

X-Bows X Bows Knight Plus

  • Layout size

    70%

    Numpad

  • Connection

    Bluetooth, Wired

    Wired

    Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency

  • Hot-swappable

    Yes

    No

    Switch changes without soldering

  • Ergonomics

    Alice, Split Spacebar

    Standard

  • Case material

    Acrylic

    Aluminum

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • X-Bows X Bows Crystal
  • X-Bows X Bows Knight Plus
Performance
70
68
Build quality
69
72
Productivity
79
69
Customizability
90
80
Portability
79
68

What they share

  • Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
  • QMK
  • VIA
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Knight Plus is the clear choice for office and data-intensive work due to its included numpad, and it holds advantages for gaming and content creation with its full layout and macro potential. The Crystal wins decisively for travel and portability with its wireless capability and smaller size. For programming and modding, the decision is more nuanced, tied to your preference for a split layout versus extensive firmware options and a metal build.

For gaming

Pick the X-Bows X Bows Knight Plus

  • The Knight Plus offers a full-size layout with a dedicated number row and arrow keys without layers.
  • Its aluminum case may provide a more stable, resonant typing feel preferred by some gamers.
  • The vendor description mentions N-Key Rollover for the Knight Plus, ensuring all keypresses are registered.

Full specs

X-Bows X Bows Crystal vs X Bows Knight Plus specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

5 of 15 specs differ

X-Bows X Bows Crystal

X-Bows X Bows Knight Plus

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile

Hot-swappable

Yes
No

Layout

Layout size

70%
Numpad

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Alice, Split Spacebar
Standard

Display

None
None

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, Wired
Wired

Build & materials

Case material

Acrylic
Aluminum

Weight

—
960 g

Backlight

RGB
RGB

Firmware & software

QMK

Yes
Yes

VIA

Yes
Yes

VIAL

Yes
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2025
2025

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

FAQ

X-Bows X Bows Crystal vs X Bows Knight Plus: your questions

Yes, the X-Bows Crystal features dual-mode connectivity. It supports Bluetooth 5.0 with the ability to pair with up to five devices, and it also includes a USB-C port for a wired connection. The vendor states you can switch between devices instantly.

Yes, the Knight Plus includes a separate magnetic numpad. According to the manufacturer, you can attach it to the left or right side of the main keyboard or remove it entirely to save desk space. The connection is magnetic for easy placement.

Yes, both the Crystal and Knight Plus feature hot-swappable sockets. The Crystal's product page specifically states compatibility with both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches, allowing for tool-free switch replacement without soldering.

Both are strong for programming due to QMK support for layers and macros. The Crystal offers a split layout that may reduce strain. The Knight Plus provides a full layout with a numpad for numbers and symbols, and it adds VIA/VIAL support for easier on-the-fly remapping. The choice depends on your layout preference.

The X-Bows Crystal uses a transparent acrylic chassis, which the vendor describes as having a gasket mount. The X-Bows Knight Plus uses a high-grade 6063 aluminum alloy unibody case, which typically offers a more solid and premium feel.

The X-Bows Crystal uses a web configurator, as stated in its FAQ. You open a specific website in your browser to remap keys, adjust RGB lighting, and save settings directly to the keyboard's memory without installing any software on your computer.

The X-Bows Knight Plus supports QMK, VIA, and VIAL firmware. This means you can use the VIA or VIAL graphical desktop applications for real-time key remapping and macro creation, or delve into QMK for more advanced, code-based customization.

The X-Bows Crystal is significantly more portable. It is a 70% size keyboard with wireless capability, whereas the Knight Plus is a full-size, wired keyboard with a separate numpad. The Crystal's smaller footprint is designed for easier transport or use in limited spaces.

Yes, both the X-Bows Crystal and Knight Plus are listed as compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. The vendor describes them as plug-and-play compatible with these operating systems.

The specifications list for the X-Bows Knight Plus states it comes with ABS keycaps. ABS plastic is common but can develop a shiny finish with prolonged use compared to PBT plastic, which is listed for the Crystal's opaque keycaps.

According to the technical specifications provided in the vendor descriptions, both the X-Bows Crystal and the X-Bows Knight Plus have a typing angle of 6.0 degrees.

Yes, the vendor acknowledges a learning curve due to the patented radial-columnar layout. User reviews and the vendor's own 'Two-Week Promise' suggest it takes several days to adapt from a traditional staggered keyboard, but many report increased comfort and speed afterward.

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