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Ajazz AK820 Pro vs Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against mechanical keyboards at a similar price

The Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard scores 7.7/10 overall, ahead of the Ajazz AK820 Pro at 6.3/10.

The Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard leads on build quality, customisation and layout and ergonomics.

They score the same on typing feel, connectivity and battery and software.

The biggest difference is build quality, where the Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard scores 9/10 to the Ajazz AK820 Pro's 6/10.

Ajazz AK820 Pro

Ajazz AK820 Pro

6.3/10verdict: good, not the best

The Ajazz AK820 Pro is for people who want a compact 75% wireless keyboard with hot-swap switches and a gasket mount. It suits desk users who want a choice of Bluetooth, 2.4GHz or USB-C connections. It is a better fit for ANSI users and those happy with Ajazz's own software than for anyone who needs QMK/VIA.

Typically about £58.64 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

7.7/10verdict: buy

The Keychron Q1 Max is for typists who want a premium 75% wireless board with a metal case and full control over the keymap. It suits people who work across macOS, Windows and Linux and want to swap switches without soldering. It is less suited to anyone who wants a light, low-profile board or relies mainly on Bluetooth.

Typically about £219.99 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightAjazz AK820 ProKeychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Typing feel25%7/107/10
Build quality20%6/109/10
Customisation20%6/109/10
Connectivity15%7/107/10
Layout and ergonomics10%4/106/10
Battery and software10%7/107/10
Overall6.3/107.7/10

Specifications

SpecAjazz AK820 ProKeychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Layout75% ANSI (81 or 82 keys, sources conflict)75%, ANSI, with knob
SwitchesAJAZZ Gift Switch default; AJAZZ Flying Fish and AJAZZ Dreamy Switch alternatives; actuation force reported as 42g to 45g across reviewsGateron Jupiter Red, Brown or Banana; hot-swappable
Hot-swappableYes, 5-pin sockets for all switches (3-pin and 5-pin compatible per one review)Yes; sockets accept 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.1, 2.4GHz or USB-C2.4 GHz, Bluetooth (up to 3 devices), wired; 1000 Hz polling on 2.4 GHz and wired, 90 Hz on Bluetooth
Firmware (QMK / VIA)Windows/MacOS compatible; QMK/VIA support unverifiedQMK with VIA support; Keychron Launcher web app for remapping and macros; macOS, Windows and Linux
KeycapsDouble-shot PBT (sources disagree; one review says ABS)KSA double-shot PBT, not shine-through (ANSI/UK)
BatteryUp to 4000 mAh; about 100 hours without light, 20 hours with RGB light (manual figures)4000 mAh; rated up to 180 hours with backlight off

Strengths and weaknesses

Ajazz AK820 Pro

  • + Gasket mount and a thocky sound praised by owners
  • + Hot-swap sockets for changing switches
  • + Bluetooth, 2.4GHz and USB-C connections
  • − ANSI layout rather than UK-style ISO
  • − RGB cuts battery life to about 20 hours

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need QMK/VIA firmware for remapping
  • UK users who want an ISO layout
  • People who want RGB on all day and long battery life
Read the full Ajazz AK820 Pro review ›

Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

  • + Full aluminium CNC case with gasket mount
  • + QMK/VIA firmware and hot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches
  • + UK-ISO layout available, with 2.4GHz, Bluetooth and wired modes
  • − Heavy at about 1.72 kg, and thick
  • − Stabiliser rattle reported on some units
  • − Bluetooth polls at only 90Hz and can stutter

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want a light keyboard to carry between desks
  • People who rely mainly on Bluetooth and need a high polling rate
  • Anyone who wants a full-size or tenkeyless layout
Read the full Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard review ›

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