Geeky GK65 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 Geeky GK65 Gaming Keyboard at 5.9/10.

The Geeky GK65 Gaming Keyboard leads on layout and ergonomics.

The Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard leads on typing feel, build quality, customisation, 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 Geeky GK65 Gaming Keyboard's 6/10.

Geeky GK65 Gaming Keyboard

5.9/10verdict: good, not the best

The Geeky GK65 is a wired 65% keyboard for people who want a compact board with a choice of switches and an ISO option. It suits buyers who want hot-swap sockets and are happy to use Geeky's Windows software. It is a wired board for desk use rather than a wireless or open-firmware one.

Typically about £26.11 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK

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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

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Scores, criterion by criterion

Criterion	Weight	Geeky GK65 Gaming Keyboard	Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Typing feel	25%	6/10	7/10
Build quality	20%	6/10	9/10
Customisation	20%	6/10	9/10
Connectivity	15%	5/10	7/10
Layout and ergonomics	10%	7/10	6/10
Battery and software	10%	5/10	7/10
Overall		5.9/10	7.7/10

Specifications

Spec	Geeky GK65 Gaming Keyboard	Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Layout	65%, ANSI 68 keys or ISO 69 keys	75%, ANSI, with knob
Switches	Black, Blue, Brown, Red, Speed Yellow or Speed Silver options; linear per Newegg	Gateron Jupiter Red, Brown or Banana; hot-swappable
Hot-swappable	Yes on GK65 Mechanical; GK65 SE listed as No; Optical listed as hot-swap with optical switches	Yes; sockets accept 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches
Connectivity	Wired USB-C, detachable 1.5 m USB Type-C to Type-A cable	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)	not listed	QMK with VIA support; Keychron Launcher web app for remapping and macros; macOS, Windows and Linux
Keycaps	ABS, doubleshot printing, OEM profile	KSA double-shot PBT, not shine-through (ANSI/UK)
Battery	not listed	4000 mAh; rated up to 180 hours with backlight off

Strengths and weaknesses

Geeky GK65 Gaming Keyboard

+ ISO 69-key layout available alongside ANSI
+ Hot-swap on the GK65 Mechanical model
+ Six switch options and pre-lubricated stabilisers listed
− ABS keycaps rather than PBT
− No published QMK or VIA firmware
− Wired connection only

Skip it if:

Buyers who need QMK or VIA configuration
Anyone wanting Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless connections
Buyers who specifically want PBT keycaps

Read the full Geeky GK65 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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