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Compare X-Bows X Bows Knight vs X Bows Knight Plus Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for users considering X-Bows' premium ergonomic keyboards who are unsure if they need the full-sized functionality. The decision is difficult because both share the same patented radial-columnar layout, aluminum unibody construction, and extensive QMK/VIA programmability. The primary trade-off is between the Knight Plus's flexible, magnetic numpad and the standard Knight's more affordable price point and hot-swappable sockets.

78
X-Bows® Knight | Aluminum Unibody Ergonomic Mechanical Keyboard
76
X-Bows® Knight Plus | Magnetic Modular Aluminum Alloy Ergonomic Mechanical Keyboard

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  • Released in 2026
  • Supports hot-swappable switches
  • Offers No RGB lighting
  • Released in 2025
  • Available in a 100% layout
  • Weighs about 960 g
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 51.7
  • Build Quality: 79.9
  • Productivity: 68.9
  • Customizability: 87.7
  • Portability: 43.7
Scores
  • Performance: 71.3
  • Build Quality: 70.8
  • Productivity: 73.3
  • Customizability: 79.2
  • Portability: 41.9
Name
X-Bows X Bows Knight
Name
X-Bows X Bows Knight Plus
Release year
2026
Release year
2025
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
Unknown
Layout Size
100%
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
Wired, Wired only
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
-
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
-
Mount Style
-
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
-
Keycaps Material
-
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
-
Weight
-
Weight
960g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your need for a numpad is the deciding factor. If your workflow involves frequent number entry, financial modeling, or you want a programmable macro pad, the Knight Plus is worth the extra investment. If your priority is the core X-Bows ergonomic layout for typing comfort at a more accessible price, and you value the ability to easily change switches, the standard Knight is the pragmatic choice. Both are solidly built, fully programmable tools designed for long-term comfort.

X-Bows X Bows Knight

  • +Confirmed hot-swappable sockets for easy switch customization.
  • +Lower cost than the Knight Plus model.
  • +Lighter weight (1100g) compared to the Knight Plus.
  • +Includes a switch puller and keycap puller in the box.
  • +Full QMK, VIA, and VIAL firmware support for key remapping.
  • −Lacks per-key RGB backlighting.
  • −Does not include a numpad of any kind.
  • −Wired-only connectivity limits desk setup flexibility.

X-Bows X Bows Knight Plus

  • +Includes a magnetic, detachable numpad for left or right side placement.
  • +Features per-key RGB backlighting with 16.8 million colors.
  • +The numpad is fully programmable via QMK/VIA like the main board.
  • +Includes four magnetic silicone stands for angle adjustment.
  • +Full QMK, VIA, and VIAL firmware support.
  • −Higher cost than the standard Knight.
  • −Heavier weight (1500g) due to the numpad and construction.
  • −The vendor description does not explicitly confirm hot-swap capability.
  • −Wired-only connectivity.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Knight Plus is the clear choice for office work and data-centric tasks due to its flexible numpad, and it also gains an edge for gaming and content creation with its RGB lighting and macro potential. The standard Knight wins for travel due to its lower weight and for modders due to its confirmed hot-swap sockets. For programming, both are equally capable, sharing the same foundational ergonomic layout and programmability.

GamingX-Bows X Bows Knight Plus
  • •The Knight Plus includes per-key RGB backlighting, which the standard Knight lacks.
  • •Its detachable numpad can be removed to free up desk space for a larger mousepad.
  • •The vendor lists N-Key Rollover for both, ensuring all keypresses are registered.
OfficeX-Bows X Bows Knight Plus
  • •The magnetic numpad is essential for frequent data entry and spreadsheet work.
  • •The numpad can be placed on the left side to keep the mouse closer and reduce shoulder strain.
  • •Both offer silent switch options like the Silent KS-9 for shared workspaces.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both keyboards feature full QMK, VIA, and VIAL support for deep key remapping and macro creation.
  • •The shared 6063 aluminum alloy unibody provides a stable typing platform.
  • •The core ergonomic layout is identical, designed to reduce ulnar deviation for long coding sessions.
TravelX-Bows X Bows Knight
  • •The standard Knight is lighter at 1100g compared to the Knight Plus's 1500g.
  • •It has a smaller footprint without an attached numpad, making it slightly more portable.
  • •Both are wired-only, so portability is limited to desk-to-desk transport.
ModdingX-Bows X Bows Knight
  • •The vendor description explicitly confirms the standard Knight has hot-swappable sockets for 3-pin switches.
  • •The listing for the Knight Plus does not explicitly mention hot-swap capability in its provided features or description.
  • •Both use double-shot ABS keycaps, which are common to modify or replace.
Content CreationX-Bows X Bows Knight Plus
  • •The programmable magnetic numpad on the Knight Plus can be configured as a dedicated macro pad for editing shortcuts.
  • •Per-key RGB lighting can be useful for visual layer indication during complex workflows.
  • •The open-source firmware allows for creating specific media control or application switching layers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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