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Keyboard 81 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard (US Layout)

Keychron Keyboard 81 Pro Mechanical Keyboard

The Keychron 81 Pro US is a compact 81-key mechanical keyboard suited for users who want a versatile typing tool with both wired and wireless connectivity. It fits well for multitaskers switching between multiple devices, hobbyists who customize switches and keymapping, and those seeking a solid metal build with improved acoustics. It supports both Mac and Windows systems and offers advanced firmware customization.</p... Read more
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Keyboard 81 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard (US Layout)

Keychron (DE)
Keychron (DE)
No shipping to US
$243

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Compare Keychron Keyboard 81 Pro vs Keychron Q10 Max vs Keychron Q5 Max Specification

Compare similar keyboards side by side, or use the comparison table to compare all keyboards!
Keychron Keyboard 81 ProKeychron Q10 MaxKeychron Q5 Max
88
Keyboard 81 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard (US Layout)
97
Keychron Q10 Max (Alice Layout) QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
96
Keychron Q5 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
0.0 (0)
4.5 (10)
5.0 (9)
  • Has Linear, Tactile switch options
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a PCB Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Weighs about 1887 g
  • Sized at 47 x 338 x 151 mm
  • Features PBT, Wood keycaps
  • Released in 2024
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-CH layout standard
  • Offers Alice ergonomics
  • Weighs about 2129 g
  • Sized at 33 x 157 x 385 mm
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO, ISO-SW layout standard
  • Weighs about 2215 g
  • Sized at 23 x 145 x 408 mm
Scores
  • Performance: 78.3
  • Build Quality: 83.1
  • Productivity: 94.4
  • Customizability: 92.8
  • Portability: 57.5
Scores
  • Performance: 80.9
  • Build Quality: 90.6
  • Productivity: 99.9
  • Customizability: 99.3
  • Portability: 83.2
Scores
  • Performance: 82.4
  • Build Quality: 90.8
  • Productivity: 97.5
  • Customizability: 99.8
  • Portability: 56
Name
Keychron Keyboard 81 Pro
Name
Keychron Q10 Max
Name
Keychron Q5 Max
Release year
2023
Release year
2024
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
Unknown
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
96%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-CH
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO, ISO-SW
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Alice
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
PCB Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT, Wood
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
47 x 338 x 151 mm
Dimensions
33 x 157 x 385 mm
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 408 mm
Weight
1887g
Weight
2129g
Weight
2215g
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Product Description

The Keychron 81 Pro US is a compact 81-key mechanical keyboard suited for users who want a versatile typing tool with both wired and wireless connectivity. It fits well for multitaskers switching between multiple devices, hobbyists who customize switches and keymapping, and those seeking a solid metal build with improved acoustics. It supports both Mac and Windows systems and offers advanced firmware customization.

Key Features

  • Connects wirelessly to up to three devices via Bluetooth 5.1, allowing seamless switching between laptop, phone, and tablet.
  • Wired USB Type-C connection provides a stable link with low latency, useful for gaming or intensive tasks.
  • Hot-swappable switch sockets support most 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches, enabling easy switch replacement without soldering.
  • Programmable with QMK and VIA firmware, allowing full key remapping, macros, and custom shortcuts for tailored workflows.

Build Quality

  • Full CNC-machined 6063 aluminum body offers rigidity and durability.
  • Double gasket design with silicone pads reduces metal resonance and noise, improving typing acoustics.
  • Polycarbonate plate adds flexibility to the gasket mount, balancing sound and typing comfort.
  • Screw-in PCB stabilizers reduce wobble on larger keys, enhancing typing stability.

Typing Experience

  • Mechanical switches deliver a tactile peak at 0.5mm with stronger rebound, providing a solid, precise feel.
  • Sound profile is quieter than typical metal keyboards due to the gasket mount and silicone dampening.
  • Keycaps are double-shot PBT, which resist shine and offer a consistent texture.

Connectivity and Compatibility

  • Supports macOS, Windows, and Linux with ANSI US layout.
  • Bluetooth 5.1 ensures stable wireless connections with up to 300 hours battery life when backlight is off.
  • South-facing RGB LEDs allow compatibility with various keycap profiles without interference.

Trade-offs

  • Wireless polling rate is limited to 90 Hz, which may be noticeable for competitive gamers preferring ultra-low latency.
  • Battery life varies significantly with RGB lighting usage, requiring frequent charging if used heavily with backlight on.
  • The compact 81-key layout lacks a dedicated number pad, which may be less ideal for users needing extensive numeric input.

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