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AULA F75 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 AULA F75 at 6.3/10.

The AULA F75 leads on layout and ergonomics.

The Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard leads on typing feel, build quality, customisation and battery and software.

They score the same on connectivity.

The biggest difference is build quality, where the Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard scores 9/10 to the AULA F75's 5/10.

AULA F75

AULA F75

6.3/10verdict: good, not the best

The AULA F75 is a 75% wireless, hot-swap keyboard for people who want a compact board with Bluetooth, 2.4GHz and wired options. It suits buyers who will lube a stabiliser if needed and who mostly use it with the lights off. It is less suited to anyone who wants an all-metal case or has to rely on the companion software.

Typically about £59.99 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

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 itSearch 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

CriterionWeightAULA F75Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Typing feel25%6/107/10
Build quality20%5/109/10
Customisation20%7/109/10
Connectivity15%7/107/10
Layout and ergonomics10%7/106/10
Battery and software10%6/107/10
Overall6.3/107.7/10

Specifications

SpecAULA F75Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Layout75%, 80 keys; ANSI and ISO variants offered75%, ANSI, with knob
SwitchesLEOBOG Reaper linear (default), factory lubed; other options include TTC & AULA Crescent, LEOBOG Ice Vein, LEOBOG Greywood V3 and Dream SakuraGateron Jupiter Red, Brown or Banana; hot-swappable
Hot-swappableYes; 3-pin and 5-pin socketsYes; sockets accept 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless and wired; paired-device count conflicting (three or five)2.4 GHz, Bluetooth (up to 3 devices), wired; 1000 Hz polling on 2.4 GHz and wired, 90 Hz on Bluetooth
Firmware (QMK / VIA)Manufacturer lists a firmware download and a VIA JSON file; QMK build not confirmedQMK with VIA support; Keychron Launcher web app for remapping and macros; macOS, Windows and Linux
KeycapsCherry profile; material conflicting (double-shot PBT per one retailer, ABS per one UK review)KSA double-shot PBT, not shine-through (ANSI/UK)
Battery4000mAh rechargeable lithium; advertised 266 hours without lights and 17.5 hours with lights4000 mAh; rated up to 180 hours with backlight off

Strengths and weaknesses

AULA F75

  • + Hot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches
  • + Long advertised battery life with lights off
  • + ISO variant offered alongside ANSI
  • − Stabiliser rattle reported by a meaningful minority
  • − Companion software called clunky, buggy and outdated

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want a metal case rather than ABS plastic
  • Anyone who doesn't want to lube stabilisers if they rattle
  • People who rely on companion software for remapping and lighting
Read the full AULA F75 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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