Keyboard
Products
In The Lab
Forums
Newsletters
Insider Access
Best
Gaming Keyboards Mechanical Wireless Ergonomic iPad Budget Gaming Typing Mac Office Budget And Cheap Programming Logitech Budget Mechanical Low-Profile Keychron Razer Quiet 60% TKL
Tools
Compare NEW Results Table Tool Review List Review Index Graph Review Pipeline Vote Custom Ratings
Popular
Wooting 80HE NuPhy Field75 HE Logitech MX Keys S Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Wooting 60HE v2 MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra NuPhy Air75 V2 [Air60 V2, Air96 V2] AULA F99/F75 Lemokey P1 HE Keychron V5 Max [V1 Max, V2 Max, etc.] NuPhy Air75 V3 Corsair K70 CORE Keychron K5 Max [K1 Max, K3 Max, etc.] Keychron K2 HE [K4 HE, K8 HE, etc.] Razer Huntsman V3 Pro 8KHz Logitech MX Mechanical NuPhy Air75 HE Logitech G515 LIGHTSPEED TKL Razer Huntsman V3 Pro [Mini, TKL] Corsair K100 AIR
280 Keyboards bought and tested
Supported by you via membership, and when you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
  1. Home
  2. Keyboard
  3. Compare

Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] vs K8 Max [K2 Max, K10 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 Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.]
Keychron K8 Max [K2 Max, K10 Max, etc.]

Tested using Methodology v1.4.3

Updated Jan 14, 2026 05:07 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com

Tested using Methodology v1.4.3

Updated Jan 14, 2026 05:41 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Picture
Keychron K8 Max [K2 Max, K10 Max, etc.] Picture
ConnectivityWireless
Size
Compact (96%)
Switch Type
Mechanical
Output Type
Non-Adjustable
Hot-Swappable Switches
Yes
ConnectivityWireless
Size
TenKeyLess (80%)
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 Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.]

Keychron K8 Max [K2 Max, K10 Max, etc.]

The Keychron Q5 Max and the Keychron K8 Max are related wireless mechanical keyboards with very simillar features. The standout difference is that the Q5 Max has a more premium-feeling all-aluminum chassis and a double-gasket mount design that lends a softer, slightly springy feeling typing experience. Comparatively, the K8 Max is available in a full plastic or plastic and aluminum bracket framed chassis and has a comparatively stiffer tray mount design. That said, it also has better-tuned stabilizers out of the box.

0 

Variants

  • Q15 Max (Black - Ortholinear)
  • Q6 Max (Carbon Black - 100%)
  • K10 Max (Black - Fully Assembled)
  • K2 Max (Black - Fully Assembled)

Review

See Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Review
See Keychron K8 Max [K2 Max, K10 Max, etc.] Review
3 
3 

Check Price

Black - Ortholinear
Q15 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Black - Fully Assembled
K10 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Carbon Black - 100%
Q6 Max
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black - Fully Assembled
K2 Max
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Carbon Black - 65%
Q2 Max
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black - Fully Assembled (Hot-Swappable)
K2 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Carbon Black - 65%/Alice
Q8 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Black - Fully Assembled (Hot-Swappable)
K10 Max
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Carbon Black - 75%
Q1 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Black - Fully Assembled (Hot-Swappable)/RGB Backlight
K8 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Carbon Black - 75%/Alice
Q10 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Black - Fully Assembled (Hot-Swappable)/RGB Backlight
K4 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Carbon Black - 80%/TKL
Q3 Max
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black - Fully Assembled (Hot-Swappable)/RGB Backlight Aluminum Frame
K8 Max
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Carbon Black - 96%
Q5 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Black - Fully Assembled (Hot-Swappable)/White Backlight
K4 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Carbon Black - 96%/Alice
Q14 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Black - Fully Assembled/RGB Backlight
K8 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Carbon Black - 96%/Alice
Q13 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Black - Fully Assembled/RGB Backlight
K4 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Carbon Black - 96%/Southpaw
Q12 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Black - Fully Assembled/RGB Backlight Aluminum Frame
K8 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Carbon Black - Special 65%
Q65 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Black - Fully Assembled/White Backlight
K4 Max
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Retro - Special 60%
Q60 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
White - Fully Assembled (Hot-Swappable)
K10 Max
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Shell White - 100%
Q6 Max
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
White - Fully Assembled (Hot-Swappable)
K2 Max
SEARCH
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 
 

8.4
8.5

Chord Split 
 

7.8
9.0

Full Comparison

Design

Dimensions 
 

Top Picture 
 

Compare High-Res
Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Top Picture
Compare High-Res
Keychron K8 Max [K2 Max, K10 Max, etc.] Top Picture

Size 
 

Compact (96%)
TenKeyLess (80%)

Height 
 

2.0" (5.0 cm)
1.7" (4.3 cm)

Width  

16.1" (40.8 cm)
14.1" (35.8 cm)

Depth 
 

5.7" (14.5 cm)
5.1" (13.0 cm)

Depth With Wrist Rest 
 

N/A
N/A

Weight 
 

4.86 lbs (2.206 kg)
2.89 lbs (1.311 kg)
Show Text 

Build Quality 
 

8.5
8.5

Build Quality Close Up 
 

Compare High-Res
Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Build Quality Close Up
Compare High-Res
Keychron K8 Max [K2 Max, K10 Max, etc.] Build Quality Close Up

Keycap Material  

PBT
PBT
Show Text 

Ergonomics 
 

6.0
6.0

Side Picture 
 

Compare High-Res
Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Side Picture
Compare High-Res
Keychron K8 Max [K2 Max, K10 Max, etc.] Side Picture

Curved/Angled 
 

No
No

Split Keyboard 
 

No
No

Key Alignment 
 

Staggered
Staggered

Minimum Incline 
 

5.2°
3.8°

Medium Incline 
 

N/A
7.5°

Maximum Incline 
 

N/A
10.8°

Home Row Height 
 

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

Hardware Customizability 
 

9.3
9.5

Customizability Overview 
 

Compare High-Res
Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Customizability Overview
Compare High-Res
Keychron K8 Max [K2 Max, K10 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
1.25u

Hot-Swappable Switches 
 

Yes
Yes

Switch Stem Shape 
 

Cherry MX Style
Cherry MX Style

Mechanical Switch Compatibility 
 

5-Pin Cherry
5-Pin Cherry

Magnetic Switch Compatibility 
 

No Magnetic Switch Support
No Magnetic Switch Support

North-Facing Cherry MX Interference 
 

No
No
Show Text 

Backlight Features 
 

10
10

Backlighting Picture 
 

Compare High-Res
Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Backlighting Picture
Compare High-Res
Keychron K8 Max [K2 Max, K10 Max, etc.] Backlighting Picture

Brightness Max 
 

Compare High-Res
Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Brightness Max
Compare High-Res
Keychron K8 Max [K2 Max, K10 Max, etc.] Brightness Max

Backlighting  

Yes
Yes

Brightness Min 
 

Compare High-Res
Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Brightness Min
Compare High-Res
Keychron K8 Max [K2 Max, K10 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 
 

Compare High-Res
Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] White Shot
Compare High-Res
Keychron K8 Max [K2 Max, K10 Max, etc.] White Shot
Show Text 

Cable & Connector  

Connectivity  

Wireless
Wireless

Detachable 
 

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

Length  

5.9 ft (1.8 m)
3.9 ft (1.2 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 
 

6.0
4.0

Dedicated Macro Keys Count  

3
0

Onboard Macro Programming 
 

No
No

Macro Programming With Software 
 

Yes
Yes
Show Text 

Extra Features 
 

Extra Features 
 

Compare High-Res
Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Extra Features
Compare High-Res
Keychron K8 Max [K2 Max, K10 Max, etc.] Extra Features

Media Keys 
 

Non-Dedicated
Non-Dedicated

Trackpad / Trackball  

No
No

Scroll Wheel 
 

No
No

Control Knob 
 

Yes
No

USB Passthrough 
 

No
No

Numpad  

Yes
No

Windows Key Lock 
 

Yes
No

Lock Indicator  

Caps & Num Lock
Caps Lock
Show Text 

In The Box  

Bundle Picture 
 

Compare High-Res
Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Bundle Picture
Compare High-Res
Keychron K8 Max [K2 Max, K10 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 
 

7.5
7.4

Typing Sample  

Average Loudness 
 

52.2 dBA
52.9 dBA

High Pitch Clicks 
 

No
No
Show Text 

Keystrokes 
 

Key Switch Actuation Graph  

 Preview Graph
Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Key Switch Actuation Graph
 Preview Graph
Keychron K8 Max [K2 Max, K10 Max, etc.] Key Switch Actuation Graph
 Compare in Graph Tool

Initial Force 
 

44 gf
29 gf

Peak Tactile Force 
 

55 gf
N/A

Actuation Force 
 

38 gf
41 gf

Bottom-Out Force 
 

50 gf
53 gf

Pre-Travel Distance 
 

2.5 mm
1.7 mm

Total Travel Distance 
 

3.2 mm
4.0 mm
Show Text 

Adjustable Input Granularity 
 

0.0
0.0

Input Linearity Graph  

 Preview Graph
Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Input Linearity Graph
 Preview Graph
Keychron K8 Max [K2 Max, K10 Max, etc.] Input Linearity Graph
 Compare in Graph Tool

Analog Output Graph  

Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Analog Output Graph
Keychron K8 Max [K2 Max, K10 Max, etc.] Analog Output Graph
 Compare in Graph Tool

Top Deadzone 
 

N/A
N/A

Bottom Deadzone 
 

N/A
N/A

Detection Ratio 
 

N/A
N/A

Minimum Step Depth 
 

N/A
N/A

Switches 
 

Wobble Video  

Switch Name 
 

Gateron Jupiter Banana
Keychron Super Red

Switch Type 
 

Mechanical
Mechanical

Feel 
 

Tactile
Linear

Output Type 
 

Non-Adjustable
Non-Adjustable
Show Text 
Performance

Single-Key Latency 
 

9.2
9.1

Single-Key Latency Graph  

 Preview Graph
Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Single-Key Latency Graph
 Preview Graph
Keychron K8 Max [K2 Max, K10 Max, etc.] Single-Key Latency Graph
 Compare in Graph Tool

Best Connection 
 

3.2 ms
3.3 ms

Best Connection Std Dev  

±0.3 ms
±0.4 ms

Wired 
 

3.2 ms
3.3 ms

Receiver 
 

4.4 ms
5.4 ms

Bluetooth 
 

9.5 ms
17.5 ms

PCB (Estimated) 
 

1.0 ms
1.7 ms
Show Text 

Multi-Key Latency 
 

8.7
8.6

Multi-Key Latency Graph  

 Preview Graph
Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Multi-Key Latency Graph
 Preview Graph
Keychron K8 Max [K2 Max, K10 Max, etc.] Multi-Key Latency Graph
 Compare in Graph Tool

Connection Evaluated  

Receiver
Receiver

Key Press 
 

4.5 ms
5.2 ms
Show Text 

Data Transmission 
 

8.2
8.2

Multi-Key Raw USB 
 

Compare High-Res
Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Multi-Key Raw USB
Compare High-Res
Keychron K8 Max [K2 Max, K10 Max, etc.] Multi-Key Raw USB

Connection Evaluated  

Receiver
Wired

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 
 

7.8
9.0

Chord Split Graph  

 Preview Graph
Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] Chord Split Graph
 Preview Graph
Keychron K8 Max [K2 Max, K10 Max, etc.] Chord Split Graph
 Compare in Graph Tool

4 Chord Split Delay 
 

5.6 ms
2.9 ms

8 Chord Split Delay 
 

13.9 ms
6.3 ms
Show Text 
Software and Operating System

Configuration Software 
 

Software Tour  

Software Name  

VIA
Keychron Launcher

Software Windows Compatible 
 

Yes
Yes

Software macOS Compatible 
 

Yes
Yes

Onboard Memory 
 

Yes
Yes

Profiles 
 

6+
No Profile
Show Text 

Computer Compatibility 
 

10
10

Windows 
 

Fully Compatible
Fully Compatible

macOS 
 

Fully Compatible
Fully Compatible

Linux 
 

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

Black - Ortholinear
Q15 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Black - Fully Assembled
K10 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Carbon Black - 100%
Q6 Max
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black - Fully Assembled
K2 Max
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Carbon Black - 65%
Q2 Max
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black - Fully Assembled (Hot-Swappable)
K2 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Carbon Black - 65%/Alice
Q8 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Black - Fully Assembled (Hot-Swappable)
K10 Max
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Carbon Black - 75%
Q1 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Black - Fully Assembled (Hot-Swappable)/RGB Backlight
K8 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Carbon Black - 75%/Alice
Q10 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Black - Fully Assembled (Hot-Swappable)/RGB Backlight
K4 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Carbon Black - 80%/TKL
Q3 Max
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black - Fully Assembled (Hot-Swappable)/RGB Backlight Aluminum Frame
K8 Max
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Carbon Black - 96%
Q5 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Black - Fully Assembled (Hot-Swappable)/White Backlight
K4 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Carbon Black - 96%/Alice
Q14 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Black - Fully Assembled/RGB Backlight
K8 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Carbon Black - 96%/Alice
Q13 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Black - Fully Assembled/RGB Backlight
K4 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Carbon Black - 96%/Southpaw
Q12 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Black - Fully Assembled/RGB Backlight Aluminum Frame
K8 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Carbon Black - Special 65%
Q65 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Black - Fully Assembled/White Backlight
K4 Max
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Retro - Special 60%
Q60 Max
SEARCH
Amazon.com
White - Fully Assembled (Hot-Swappable)
K10 Max
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Shell White - 100%
Q6 Max
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
White - Fully Assembled (Hot-Swappable)
K2 Max
SEARCH
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 Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.]

Keychron K8 Max [K2 Max, K10 Max, etc.]

Comments

  1. Comparison
 • Posted 10 months ago

Keychron Q5 Max [Q1 Max, Q2 Max, etc.] vs Keychron K8 Max [K2 Max, K10 Max, etc.]: Main Discussion

What do you think of these products? Let us know below.


Looking for a personalized buying advice from the RTINGS.com experts? Insiders have direct access to buying advice on our insider forum.

0 
PreviewBack to editorFormat guide
No comments yet, refresh to see new ones
We make money directly from you via Insider access (which gives you access to extra features) and when you buy a product after clicking a link to a retailer. Learn more about how we work.
We buy our own products, just like you, mostly from the United States. When a product is discontinued or no longer popular, we sell the review units locally. See what products we currently have for sale.
© 2026 9298-5266 Quebec Inc. All Rights Reserved.