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Corsair K70 RGB PRO Mechanical Gaming Keyboard 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 Corsair K70 RGB PRO Mechanical Gaming Keyboard at 5.2/10.

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

The biggest difference is customisation, where the Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard scores 9/10 to the Corsair K70 RGB PRO Mechanical Gaming Keyboard's 4/10.

Corsair K70 RGB PRO Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Corsair K70 RGB PRO Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

5.2/10verdict: good, not the best

The Corsair K70 RGB PRO is a wired, full-size gaming keyboard for players who want fast Cherry MX Speed Silver switches and a metal frame. It suits people who are happy to manage remaps and macros in iCUE on Windows or macOS. It is less suited to anyone who wants a quiet board, wireless connections or open firmware.

Check price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

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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

CriterionWeightCorsair K70 RGB PRO Mechanical Gaming KeyboardKeychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Typing feel25%5/107/10
Build quality20%8/109/10
Customisation20%4/109/10
Connectivity15%4/107/10
Layout and ergonomics10%4/106/10
Battery and software10%5/107/10
Overall5.2/107.7/10

Specifications

SpecCorsair K70 RGB PRO Mechanical Gaming KeyboardKeychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
LayoutFull size, 104 keys, US ANSI (NA)75%, ANSI, with knob
SwitchesCHERRY MX SPEED RGB Silver, 1.2mm actuation (CHERRY MX SPEED variant)Gateron Jupiter Red, Brown or Banana; hot-swappable
Hot-swappablenot listedYes; sockets accept 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches
ConnectivityWired only, detachable braided USB Type-C cable2.4 GHz, Bluetooth (up to 3 devices), wired; 1000 Hz polling on 2.4 GHz and wired, 90 Hz on Bluetooth
Firmware (QMK / VIA)iCUE software on Windows and macOS (key remaps and macros); no QMK or VIA support mentionedQMK with VIA support; Keychron Launcher web app for remapping and macros; macOS, Windows and Linux
KeycapsPBT Double-Shot PRO, 1.5mm thicknessKSA double-shot PBT, not shine-through (ANSI/UK)
Batterynot listed4000 mAh; rated up to 180 hours with backlight off

Strengths and weaknesses

Corsair K70 RGB PRO Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

  • + Aluminium frame and PBT double-shot keycaps
  • + Fast 1.2mm actuation Cherry MX Speed Silver switches
  • + Onboard memory holds up to 50 profiles
  • − Owners find the Silver switches noisy
  • − Wired only, with no Bluetooth or 2.4GHz
  • − Listed layout is US ANSI, not UK ISO

Skip it if:

  • Anyone who needs quiet switches for shared rooms or calls
  • Buyers who want wireless or multi-device Bluetooth pairing
  • Users who want QMK or VIA remapping without vendor software
Read the full Corsair K70 RGB PRO Mechanical Gaming Keyboard 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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