Skip to content
sudopicks
esc

Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard vs MageGee MK-Box 60% Portable Mechanical Gaming 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 MageGee MK-Box 60% Portable Mechanical Gaming Keyboard at 5.7/10.

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

They score the same on 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 MageGee MK-Box 60% Portable Mechanical Gaming Keyboard's 3/10.

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

MageGee MK-Box 60% Portable Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

5.7/10verdict: good, not the best

The MageGee MK-Box suits buyers who want a compact wired mechanical keyboard that works the moment it is plugged in. It fits people who value a metal-topped build and a quiet-leaning sound profile over deep customisation. It is a sensible pick for a first mechanical board on Windows, macOS or Linux.

Typically about £29.59 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 Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical KeyboardMageGee MK-Box 60% Portable Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Typing feel25%7/106/10
Build quality20%9/107/10
Customisation20%9/103/10
Connectivity15%7/106/10
Layout and ergonomics10%6/106/10
Battery and software10%7/107/10
Overall7.7/105.7/10

Specifications

SpecKeychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical KeyboardMageGee MK-Box 60% Portable Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Layout75%, ANSI, with knob65% layout with 68 keys
SwitchesGateron Jupiter Red, Brown or Banana; hot-swappablenot listed
Hot-swappableYes; sockets accept 3-pin and 5-pin MX switchesNo
Connectivity2.4 GHz, Bluetooth (up to 3 devices), wired; 1000 Hz polling on 2.4 GHz and wired, 90 Hz on BluetoothWired (detachable), USB A-C
Firmware (QMK / VIA)QMK with VIA support; Keychron Launcher web app for remapping and macros; macOS, Windows and LinuxPlug and play, no drivers or software required
KeycapsKSA double-shot PBT, not shine-through (ANSI/UK)Double-colour injection keycaps
Battery4000 mAh; rated up to 180 hours with backlight offnot listed

Strengths and weaknesses

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 ›

MageGee MK-Box 60% Portable Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

  • + Metal top plate on a plastic base
  • + Plug and play, no software needed
  • + Works on Windows, macOS and Linux
  • − No hot-swap listed, so switches stay fixed
  • − Spacebar stabiliser rattles and feels mushy
  • − Heavy at 580g, and left shift is short

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want hot-swap sockets or key remapping software
  • Anyone who needs wireless or Bluetooth connectivity
  • People who want a light board to carry daily
Read the full MageGee MK-Box 60% Portable Mechanical Gaming Keyboard review ›

More comparisons

Compare all mechanical keyboards · Best mechanical keyboards