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  1. Table of Contents
  2. Top
  3. Main Differences
  4. Design
    1. Dimensions
    2. Build Quality
    3. Ergonomics
    4. Hardware Customizability
    5. Backlight Features
    6. Backlight Clarity
    7. Cable & Connector
    8. Wireless Versatility
    9. Macro Keys And Programming
    10. Extra Features
    11. In The Box
  5. Typing Experience
    1. Typing Quality
    2. Typing Noise
    3. Switches
    4. Keystrokes
  6. Performance
    1. Single-Key Latency
    2. Multi-Key Latency
    3. Data Transmission
    4. Chord Split
  7. Software and Operating System
    1. Configuration Software
    2. Computer Compatibility
    3. Wireless Mobile Compatibility
  8. Comments

Keychron Q1 HE vs Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.]

Side-by-Side Comparison

Products

Keychron Q1 HE
Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.]

Tested using Methodology v1.3.1

Updated Mar 19, 2025 03:55 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com

Tested using Methodology v1.3.1

Updated Apr 08, 2025 01:09 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Keychron Q1 HE Picture
Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Picture
ConnectivityWireless
Size
Compact (75%)
Switch Type
Magnetic
N-Key Rollover (NKRO)
Yes
Hot-Swappable Switches
Yes
ConnectivityWireless
Size
Compact (96%)
Switch Type
Mechanical
N-Key Rollover (NKRO)
Yes
Hot-Swappable Switches
Yes
  1. Recommended in 5 articles:
  2. Keyboards
  3. Mechanical
  4. Typing
  5. Programming
  6. Keychron

Variants

  • Q1 HE (Carbon Black)
  • Q3 HE (Carbon Black)
  • Q5 HE (Carbon Black)
  • Q6 HE (Carbon Black)
  • Q1 HE (Shell White)
  • Q3 HE (Shell White)
  • Q5 HE (Shell White)
  • Q6 HE (Shell White)
  • Q15 Max (Black - Ortholinear)
  • Q6 Max (Carbon Black - 100%)
  • Q2 Max (Carbon Black - 65%)
  • Q8 Max (Carbon Black - 65%/Alice)
  • Q1 Max (Carbon Black - 75%)
  • Q10 Max (Carbon Black - 75%/Alice)
  • Q3 Max (Carbon Black - 80%/TKL)
  • Q5 Max (Carbon Black - 96%)
  • Q14 Max (Carbon Black - 96%/Alice)
  • Q13 Max (Carbon Black - 96%/Alice)
  • Q12 Max (Carbon Black - 96%/Southpaw)
  • Q65 Max (Carbon Black - Special 65%)
  • Q60 Max (Retro - Special 60%)
  • Q6 Max (Shell White - 100%)
  • Q2 Max (Shell White - 65%)
  • Q8 Max (Shell White - 65%/Alice)
  • Q1 Max (Shell White - 75%)
  • Q10 Max (Shell White - 75%/Alice)
  • Q3 Max (Shell White - 80%/TKL)
  • Q5 Max (Shell White - 96%)
  • Q14 Max (Shell White - 96%/Alice)
  • Q13 Max (Shell White - 96%/Alice)
  • Q12 Max (Shell White - 96%/Southpaw)
  • Q65 Max (Shell White - Special 65%)
  • Q15 Max (White - Ortholinear)

Review

See Keychron Q1 HE Review
See Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Review
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0 

Our Verdict

Keychron Q1 HE

Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.]

The Keychron Q1 Max and the Keychron Q1 HE are similar wireless mechanical keyboards. The major difference between the two is that the Q1 HE uses analog Hall effect switches, which allow you to customize the actuation and reset distance of individual switches. Comparatively, the Q1 Max has conventional mechanical switches.

0 

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Carbon Black
Q1 HE
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Black - Ortholinear
Q15 Max
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Carbon Black
Q3 HE
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Carbon Black - 100%
Q6 Max
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Carbon Black
Q5 HE
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Carbon Black - 65%
Q2 Max
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Carbon Black
Q6 HE
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Carbon Black - 65%/Alice
Q8 Max
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Shell White
Q1 HE
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Carbon Black - 75%
Q1 Max
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Shell White
Q3 HE
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Carbon Black - 75%/Alice
Q10 Max
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Shell White
Q5 HE
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Carbon Black - 80%/TKL
Q3 Max
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Shell White
Q6 HE
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Carbon Black - 96%
Q5 Max
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Carbon Black - 96%/Alice
Q14 Max
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Carbon Black - 96%/Alice
Q13 Max
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Carbon Black - 96%/Southpaw
Q12 Max
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Carbon Black - Special 65%
Q65 Max
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Retro - Special 60%
Q60 Max
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Shell White - 100%
Q6 Max
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Shell White - 65%
Q2 Max
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Shell White - 65%/Alice
Q8 Max
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Shell White - 75%
Q1 Max
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Shell White - 75%/Alice
Q10 Max
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Shell White - 80%/TKL
Q3 Max
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Shell White - 96%
Q5 Max
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Shell White - 96%/Alice
Q14 Max
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Shell White - 96%/Alice
Q13 Max
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Shell White - 96%/Southpaw
Q12 Max
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Shell White - Special 65%
Q65 Max
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White - Ortholinear
Q15 Max
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Main Differences for
Gaming

Threshold 

0.10

Gaming 

8.4
8.4
No major differences between these keyboards for gaming. See full list of tests below.

Full Comparison

Design

Dimensions 
 

Top Picture  

Keychron Q1 HE Top Picture
Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Top Picture

Size 
 

Compact (75%)
Compact (96%)

Height 
 

1.8" (4.6 cm)
2.0" (5.0 cm)

Width  

12.9" (32.7 cm)
16.1" (40.8 cm)

Depth 
 

5.7" (14.5 cm)
5.7" (14.5 cm)

Depth With Wrist Rest 
 

N/A
N/A

Weight 
 

3.84 lbs (1.740 kg)
4.86 lbs (2.206 kg)
Show Text 

Build Quality 
 

8.5
8.5

Build Quality Close Up  

Keychron Q1 HE Build Quality Close Up
Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Build Quality Close Up

Keycap Material  

PBT
PBT
Show Text 

Ergonomics 
 

6.0
6.0

Side Picture  

Keychron Q1 HE Side Picture
Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Side Picture

Curved/Angled 
 

No
No

Split Keyboard 
 

No
No

Key Alignment 
 

Staggered
Staggered

Minimum Incline 
 

5.2°
5.2°

Medium Incline 
 

N/A
N/A

Maximum Incline 
 

N/A
N/A

Home Row Height 
 

35.3 mm (1.4")
37.6 mm (1.5")
Show Text 

Hardware Customizability 
 

9.1
9.8

Customizability Overview  

Keychron Q1 HE Customizability Overview
Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Customizability Overview

Replaceable Cherry Stabilizers 
 

Yes
Yes

Stabilizer Fixation 
 

Screw-in
Screw-in

Spacebar Stabilizer Size 
 

6.25u
6.25u

Size Of Right Mod Keys 
 

1u
1u

Hot-Swappable Switches 
 

Yes
Yes

Switch Stem Shape 
 

Cherry MX Style
Cherry MX Style

Switch PCB Socket 
 

Non-Cherry Pinout
5-pin Cherry

North-Facing Cherry MX Interference 
 

No
No
Show Text 

Backlight Features 
 

10
10

Backlighting Picture  

Keychron Q1 HE Backlighting Picture
Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Backlighting Picture

Brightness Max  

Keychron Q1 HE Brightness Max
Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Brightness Max

Backlighting  

Yes
Yes

Brightness Min  

Keychron Q1 HE Brightness Min
Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Brightness Min

RGB 
 

Yes
Yes

Per-Key Backlighting 
 

Yes
Yes

Effects 
 

Yes
Yes

Software Controllable 
 

Yes
Yes
Show Text 

Backlight Clarity 
 

4.0
4.0

White Shot  

Keychron Q1 HE White Shot
Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] White Shot
Show Text 

Cable & Connector  

Connectivity  

Wireless
Wireless

Detachable 
 

Yes (Wired Mode and Charge)
Yes (Wired Mode and Charge)

Length  

5.8 ft (1.8 m)
5.9 ft (1.8 m)

Connector (Keyboard side) 
 

USB type-C
USB type-C
Show Text 

Wireless Versatility 
 

10
10

Bluetooth 
 

Yes
Yes

Bluetooth Multi-Device Pairing 
 

3
3

Proprietary Receiver 
 

Yes
Yes

Battery Type 
 

Rechargeable
Rechargeable
Show Text 

Macro Keys And Programming 
 

4.0
6.0

Dedicated Macro Keys Count  

0
3

Onboard Macro Programming 
 

No
No

Macro Programming With Software 
 

Yes
Yes
Show Text 

Extra Features 
 

Extra Features  

Keychron Q1 HE Extra Features
Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Extra Features

Media Keys 
 

Non-Dedicated
Non-Dedicated

Trackpad / Trackball  

No
No

Scroll Wheel 
 

No
No

Control Knob 
 

Yes
Yes

USB Passthrough 
 

No
No

Numpad  

No
Yes

Windows Key Lock 
 

No
Yes

Lock Indicator  

Caps Lock
Caps & Num Lock
Show Text 

In The Box  

Bundle Picture  

Keychron Q1 HE Bundle Picture
Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Bundle Picture
Show Text 
Typing Experience

Typing Quality 
 

8.5
8.5

Key Spacing 
 

19.0 mm (0.748")
19.0 mm (0.748")
Show Text 

Typing Noise 
 

9.3
7.5

Typing Sample  

Average Loudness 
 

42.6 dBA
52.2 dBA

High Pitch Clicks 
 

No
No
Show Text 

Switches 
 

Wobble Video  

Switch Name 
 

Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic Nebula
Gateron Jupiter Banana

Switch Type 
 

Magnetic
Mechanical

Feel 
 

Linear
Tactile

Analog 
 

Yes
No
Show Text 

Keystrokes 
 

Key Switch Actuation Graph  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Operating Force 
 

49 gf
55 gf

Actuation Force 
 

49 gf
38 gf

Pre-Travel 
 

2.2 mm
2.5 mm

Total Travel 
 

3.9 mm
3.2 mm
Show Text 
Performance

Single-Key Latency 
 

9.1
9.2

Single-Key Latency Graph  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Best Connection 
 

3.2 ms
3.2 ms

Best Connection Std Dev  

±0.7 ms
±0.3 ms

Wired 
 

3.2 ms
3.2 ms

Receiver 
 

4.3 ms
4.4 ms

Bluetooth 
 

9.3 ms
9.5 ms

PCB (Estimated) 
 

N/A
1.0 ms
Show Text 

Multi-Key Latency 
 

8.9
8.7

Latency Video  

Multi-Key Latency Graph  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Connection Evaluated  

Wired
Receiver

Key Press 
 

3.3 ms
4.5 ms

Key Release 
 

6.2 ms
6.7 ms
Show Text 

Data Transmission 
 

8.2
8.2

Multi-Key Raw USB  

Keychron Q1 HE Multi-Key Raw USB
Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Multi-Key Raw USB

Connection Evaluated  

Wired
Receiver

USB Polling Rate 
 

1,000 Hz
1,000 Hz

Effective Update Rate 
 

1,000 Hz
1,000 Hz

N-Key Rollover (NKRO) 
 

Yes
Yes

Multiple Keys Per USB Report 
 

No
No
Show Text 

Chord Split 
 

7.5
7.8

Chord Split Graph  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

4 Chord Split Delay 
 

6.4 ms
5.6 ms

8 Chord Split Delay 
 

13.8 ms
13.9 ms
Show Text 
Software and Operating System

Configuration Software 
 

Software Tour  

Software Name  

Keychron Launcher
VIA

Software Windows Compatible 
 

Yes
Yes

Software macOS Compatible 
 

Yes
Yes

Onboard Memory 
 

Yes
Yes

Profiles 
 

3
6+
Show Text 

Computer Compatibility 
 

10
10

Windows 
 

Fully Compatible
Fully Compatible

macOS 
 

Fully Compatible
Fully Compatible

Linux (Ubuntu 22) 
 

Fully Compatible
Fully Compatible

Media Key Compatibility 
 

Windows, MacOS & Linux
Windows, MacOS & Linux
Show Text 

Wireless Mobile Compatibility 
 

10
10

Android 
 

Fully Compatible
Fully Compatible

iOS 
 

Fully Compatible
Fully Compatible

iPadOS 
 

Fully Compatible
Fully Compatible

Media Key Compatibility 
 

Android, iPhone & iPad
Android, iPhone & iPad
Show Text 

Check Price

Carbon Black
Q1 HE
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Black - Ortholinear
Q15 Max
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Carbon Black
Q3 HE
Searching
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Carbon Black - 100%
Q6 Max
Searching
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Carbon Black
Q5 HE
Searching
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Carbon Black - 65%
Q2 Max
Searching
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Carbon Black
Q6 HE
Searching
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Carbon Black - 65%/Alice
Q8 Max
Searching
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Shell White
Q1 HE
Searching
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Carbon Black - 75%
Q1 Max
Searching
Finding store
Shell White
Q3 HE
Searching
Finding store
Carbon Black - 75%/Alice
Q10 Max
Searching
Finding store
Shell White
Q5 HE
Searching
Finding store
Carbon Black - 80%/TKL
Q3 Max
Searching
Finding store
Shell White
Q6 HE
Searching
Finding store
Carbon Black - 96%
Q5 Max
Searching
Finding store
 
Carbon Black - 96%/Alice
Q14 Max
Searching
Finding store
 
Carbon Black - 96%/Alice
Q13 Max
Searching
Finding store
 
Carbon Black - 96%/Southpaw
Q12 Max
Searching
Finding store
 
Carbon Black - Special 65%
Q65 Max
Searching
Finding store
 
Retro - Special 60%
Q60 Max
Searching
Finding store
 
Shell White - 100%
Q6 Max
Searching
Finding store
 
Shell White - 65%
Q2 Max
Searching
Finding store
 
Shell White - 65%/Alice
Q8 Max
Searching
Finding store
 
Shell White - 75%
Q1 Max
Searching
Finding store
 
Shell White - 75%/Alice
Q10 Max
Searching
Finding store
 
Shell White - 80%/TKL
Q3 Max
Searching
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Shell White - 96%
Q5 Max
Searching
Finding store
 
Shell White - 96%/Alice
Q14 Max
Searching
Finding store
 
Shell White - 96%/Alice
Q13 Max
Searching
Finding store
 
Shell White - 96%/Southpaw
Q12 Max
Searching
Finding store
 
Shell White - Special 65%
Q65 Max
Searching
Finding store
 
White - Ortholinear
Q15 Max
Searching
Finding store
Back to Top

Keychron Q1 HE

Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.]

Comments

  1. Comparison
 • Posted 11 months ago

Keychron Q1 HE vs Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.]: Main Discussion

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