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  1. Home
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Keychron Q1 HE [Q5 HE, Q6 HE, etc.] vs Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.]

Which Keyboard Is Better?

    Top
    Main Differences
    Design
      DimensionsBuild QualityErgonomicsHardware CustomizabilityBacklight FeaturesBacklight ClarityCable & ConnectorWireless VersatilityMacro Keys And ProgrammingExtra FeaturesIn The Box
    Typing Experience
      Typing QualityTyping NoiseKeystrokesAdjustable Input GranularitySwitches
    Performance
      Single-Key LatencyMulti-Key LatencyData TransmissionChord Split
    Software and Operating System
      Configuration SoftwareComputer CompatibilityWireless Mobile Compatibility
    Comments

Products

Keychron Q1 HE [Q5 HE, Q6 HE, etc.]
Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.]

Tested using Methodology v1.4.3

Updated Dec 19, 2025 03:35 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com

Tested using Methodology v1.4.3

Updated Jan 14, 2026 05:07 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Keychron Q1 HE [Q5 HE, Q6 HE, etc.] Picture

Track

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

Track

ConnectivityWireless
Size
Compact (75%)
Switch Type
Magnetic
Output Type
Analog
Hot-Swappable Switches
Yes
ConnectivityWireless
Size
Compact (96%)
Switch Type
Mechanical
Output Type
Non-Adjustable
Hot-Swappable Switches
Yes
  1. Recommended in 5 articles:
  2. Keyboards
  3. Mechanical
  4. Typing
  5. 2

Our Verdict

Keychron Q1 HE [Q5 HE, Q6 HE, etc.]

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 

Variants

  • Q1 HE (Carbon Black)
  • Q3 HE (Carbon Black)
  • Q15 Max (Black - Ortholinear)
  • Q6 Max (Carbon Black - 100%)

Review

See Keychron Q1 HE [Q5 HE, Q6 HE, etc.] Review
See Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Review
12 
3 

Check Price

Carbon Black
Q1 HE
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black - Ortholinear
Q15 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Carbon Black
Q3 HE
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Carbon Black - 100%
Q6 Max
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Carbon Black
Q5 HE
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Carbon Black - 65%
Q2 Max
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Carbon Black
Q6 HE
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Carbon Black - 65%/Alice
Q8 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Shell White
Q1 HE
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Carbon Black - 75%
Q1 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Shell White
Q3 HE
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Carbon Black - 75%/Alice
Q10 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Shell White
Q5 HE
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Carbon Black - 80%/TKL
Q3 Max
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Shell White
Q6 HE
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Carbon Black - 96%
Q5 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
 
Carbon Black - 96%/Alice
Q14 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
 
Carbon Black - 96%/Alice
Q13 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
 
Carbon Black - 96%/Southpaw
Q12 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
 
Carbon Black - Special 65%
Q65 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
 
Retro - Special 60%
Q60 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
 
Shell White - 100%
Q6 Max
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
 
Shell White - 65%
Q2 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
 
Shell White - 65%/Alice
Q8 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
 
Shell White - 75%
Q1 Max
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
 
Shell White - 75%/Alice
Q10 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
 
Shell White - 80%/TKL
Q3 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
 
Shell White - 96%
Q5 Max
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
 
Shell White - 96%/Alice
Q14 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
 
Shell White - 96%/Alice
Q13 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
 
Shell White - 96%/Southpaw
Q12 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
 
Shell White - Special 65%
Q65 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
 
White - Ortholinear
Q15 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com

Main Differences for
Gaming

Threshold 

0.10

Gaming 
 

0.0
0.0
JOIN NOW  to see main differences

Full Comparison

Design

Dimensions 
 

Top Picture  

Keychron Q1 HE [Q5 HE, Q6 HE, etc.] Top Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

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

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Size 
 

Locked
Locked

Height 
 

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Width  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Depth 
 

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Depth With Wrist Rest 
 

N/A
N/A

Weight 
 

Lock lbs (Lock kg)
Lock lbs (Lock kg)
Show Text 

Build Quality 
 

N/A
N/A

Underside Picture   

Keychron Q1 HE [Q5 HE, Q6 HE, etc.] Underside Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Underside Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Build Quality Close Up  

Keychron Q1 HE [Q5 HE, Q6 HE, etc.] Build Quality Close Up Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

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

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Keycap Material  

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Ergonomics 
 

N/A
N/A

Side Picture  

Keychron Q1 HE [Q5 HE, Q6 HE, etc.] Side Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

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

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Curved/Angled 
 

Locked
Locked

Split Keyboard 
 

Locked
Locked

Key Alignment 
 

Locked
Locked

Minimum Incline 
 

Lock°
Lock°

Medium Incline 
 

N/A
N/A

Maximum Incline 
 

N/A
N/A

Home Row Height 
 

Lock mm (Lock")
Lock mm (Lock")
Show Text 

Hardware Customizability 
 

N/A
N/A

Customizability Overview  

Keychron Q1 HE [Q5 HE, Q6 HE, etc.] Customizability Overview Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

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

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Replaceable Cherry Stabilizers 
 

Locked
Locked

Stabilizer Fixation 
 

Locked
Locked

Spacebar Stabilizer Size 
 

Locked
Locked

Size Of Right Mod Keys 
 

Locked
Locked

Hot-Swappable Switches 
 

Locked
Locked

Switch Stem Shape 
 

Locked
Locked

Mechanical Switch Compatibility 
 

Locked
Locked

Magnetic Switch Compatibility 
 

Locked
Locked

North-Facing Cherry MX Interference 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Backlight Features 
 

N/A
N/A

Backlighting Picture  

Keychron Q1 HE [Q5 HE, Q6 HE, etc.] Backlighting Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

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

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Brightness Max  

Keychron Q1 HE [Q5 HE, Q6 HE, etc.] Brightness Max Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

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

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Backlighting  

Locked
Locked

Brightness Min  

Keychron Q1 HE [Q5 HE, Q6 HE, etc.] Brightness Min Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

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

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

RGB 
 

Locked
Locked

Per-Key Backlighting 
 

Locked
Locked

Effects 
 

Locked
Locked

Software Controllable 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Backlight Clarity 
 

N/A
N/A

White Shot  

Keychron Q1 HE [Q5 HE, Q6 HE, etc.] White Shot Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] White Shot Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Show Text 

Cable & Connector  

Connectivity  

Locked
Locked

Detachable 
 

Locked
Locked

Length  

Lock ft (Lock m)
Lock ft (Lock m)

Connector (Keyboard side) 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Wireless Versatility 
 

N/A
N/A

Bluetooth 
 

Locked
Locked

Bluetooth Multi-Device Pairing 
 

Locked
Locked

Proprietary Receiver 
 

Locked
Locked

Battery Type 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Macro Keys And Programming 
 

N/A
N/A

Dedicated Macro Keys Count  

Lock
Lock

Onboard Macro Programming 
 

Locked
Locked

Macro Programming With Software 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Extra Features 
 

Extra Features  

Keychron Q1 HE [Q5 HE, Q6 HE, etc.] Extra Features Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

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

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Media Keys 
 

Locked
Locked

Trackpad / Trackball  

Locked
Locked

Scroll Wheel 
 

Locked
Locked

Control Knob 
 

Locked
Locked

USB Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked

Numpad  

Locked
Locked

Windows Key Lock 
 

Locked
Locked

Lock Indicator  

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

In The Box  

Bundle Picture  

Keychron Q1 HE [Q5 HE, Q6 HE, etc.] Bundle Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Bundle Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Show Text 
Typing Experience

Typing Quality 
 

N/A
N/A

Key Spacing 
 

Lock mm (Lock")
Lock mm (Lock")
Show Text 

Typing Noise 
 

N/A
N/A

Typing Sample  

Keychron Q1 HE [Q5 HE, Q6 HE, etc.] Typing Sample Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

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

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Average Loudness 
 

Lock dBA
Lock dBA

High Pitch Clicks 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Keystrokes 
 

Key Switch Actuation Graph  

Keychron Q1 HE [Q5 HE, Q6 HE, etc.] Key Switch Actuation Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Key Switch Actuation Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Initial Force 
 

Lock gf
Lock gf

Peak Tactile Force 
 

N/A
Lock gf

Actuation Force 
 

Lock gf
Lock gf

Bottom-Out Force 
 

Lock gf
Lock gf

Pre-Travel Distance 
 

Lock mm
Lock mm

Total Travel Distance 
 

Lock mm
Lock mm
Show Text 

Adjustable Input Granularity 
 

N/A
N/A

Input Linearity Graph  

Keychron Q1 HE [Q5 HE, Q6 HE, etc.] Input Linearity Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Input Linearity Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Analog Output Graph  

Keychron Q1 HE [Q5 HE, Q6 HE, etc.] Analog Output Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Analog Output Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Top Deadzone 
 

Lock mm
N/A

Bottom Deadzone 
 

Lock mm
N/A

Detection Ratio 
 

Lock%
N/A

Minimum Step Depth 
 

Lock mm
N/A
Show Text 

Switches 
 

Wobble Video  

Keychron Q1 HE [Q5 HE, Q6 HE, etc.] Wobble Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Wobble Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Switch Name 
 

Locked
Locked

Switch Type 
 

Locked
Locked

Feel 
 

Locked
Locked

Output Type 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 
Performance

Single-Key Latency 
 

N/A
N/A

Single-Key Latency Graph  

Keychron Q1 HE [Q5 HE, Q6 HE, etc.] Single-Key Latency Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Single-Key Latency Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Best Connection 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms

Best Connection Std Dev  

±Lock ms
±Lock ms

Wired 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms

Receiver 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms

Bluetooth 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms

PCB (Estimated) 
 

N/A
Lock ms
Show Text 

Multi-Key Latency 
 

N/A
N/A

Multi-Key Latency Graph  

Keychron Q1 HE [Q5 HE, Q6 HE, etc.] Multi-Key Latency Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Multi-Key Latency Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Connection Evaluated  

Locked
Locked

Key Press 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms
Show Text 

Data Transmission 
 

N/A
N/A

Multi-Key Raw USB  

Keychron Q1 HE [Q5 HE, Q6 HE, etc.] Multi-Key Raw USB Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

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

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Connection Evaluated  

Locked
Locked

USB Polling Rate 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

Effective Update Rate 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

N-Key Rollover (NKRO) 
 

Locked
Locked

Multiple Keys Per USB Report 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Chord Split 
 

N/A
N/A

Chord Split Graph  

Keychron Q1 HE [Q5 HE, Q6 HE, etc.] Chord Split Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Chord Split Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

4 Chord Split Delay 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms

8 Chord Split Delay 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms
Show Text 
Software and Operating System

Configuration Software 
 

Software Tour  

Keychron Q1 HE [Q5 HE, Q6 HE, etc.] Software Tour Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Software Tour Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Software Name  

Locked
Locked

Software Windows Compatible 
 

Locked
Locked

Software macOS Compatible 
 

Locked
Locked

Onboard Memory 
 

Locked
Locked

Profiles 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Computer Compatibility 
 

N/A
N/A

Windows 
 

Locked
Locked

macOS 
 

Locked
Locked

Linux 
 

Locked
Locked

Media Key Compatibility 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Wireless Mobile Compatibility 
 

N/A
N/A

Android 
 

Locked
Locked

iOS 
 

Locked
Locked

iPadOS 
 

Locked
Locked

Media Key Compatibility 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Check Price

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

Keychron Q1 HE [Q5 HE, Q6 HE, etc.]

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

Comments

  1. Comparison
 • Posted 1 year ago

Keychron Q1 HE [Q5 HE, Q6 HE, etc.] vs Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.]: Main Discussion

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