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Keychron K10 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom 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 Keychron K10 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard at 7.4/10.

The Keychron K10 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard leads on connectivity.

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

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

Keychron K10 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard

Keychron K10 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard

7.4/10verdict: good, not the best

The Keychron K10 HE is for people who want a full-size keyboard with a number pad and adjustable magnetic switches. It suits desk users who move between Windows, macOS and Linux and want QMK firmware with wireless options. It is built for a fixed desk, not a bag.

Typically about £129.99 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

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

CriterionWeightKeychron K10 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom KeyboardKeychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Typing feel25%7/107/10
Build quality20%7/109/10
Customisation20%8/109/10
Connectivity15%9/107/10
Layout and ergonomics10%6/106/10
Battery and software10%7/107/10
Overall7.4/107.7/10

Specifications

SpecKeychron K10 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom KeyboardKeychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Layout100% full size75%, ANSI, with knob
SwitchesGateron Double-rail Magnetic Switch / Keychron Ultra-Fast Lime Magnetic Switch; actuation adjustable 0.2-3.8 mmGateron Jupiter Red, Brown or Banana; hot-swappable
Hot-swappableHot-swappableYes; sockets accept 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches
Connectivity2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.2, wired USB-C; 1000 Hz polling rate (125 Hz over Bluetooth per user guide); switches between 3 devices2.4 GHz, Bluetooth (up to 3 devices), wired; 1000 Hz polling on 2.4 GHz and wired, 90 Hz on Bluetooth
Firmware (QMK / VIA)QMK firmware; Keychron Launcher web app for key remapping and macros; Windows, macOS, LinuxQMK with VIA support; Keychron Launcher web app for remapping and macros; macOS, Windows and Linux
KeycapsDouble-shot PBT; Standard: Cherry profile; Special Edition: OSA profileKSA double-shot PBT, not shine-through (ANSI/UK)
Battery4000 mAh, up to 120 hours (backlight setting not stated); charging around 5 hours4000 mAh; rated up to 180 hours with backlight off

Strengths and weaknesses

Keychron K10 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard

  • + Actuation adjustable from 0.2 to 3.8 mm
  • + 2.4GHz, Bluetooth and wired, with three-device switching
  • + QMK firmware and a web app on all three platforms
  • − Heavy and large, so poor for travel
  • − Only Keychron's magnetic switches are supported
  • − Battery life falls with full RGB brightness

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want to fit any switch type they like
  • Anyone who carries their keyboard between locations
  • Users who run full RGB brightness and want long wireless battery life
Read the full Keychron K10 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom 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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