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Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard vs MSI FORGE GK310 - RED SWITCHES

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 MSI FORGE GK310 - RED SWITCHES at 6.2/10.

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 build quality, where the Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard scores 9/10 to the MSI FORGE GK310 - RED SWITCHES's 6/10.

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

MSI FORGE GK310 - RED SWITCHES

MSI FORGE GK310 - RED SWITCHES

6.2/10verdict: good, not the best

The MSI FORGE GK310 with red switches is a wired, full-size mechanical keyboard that MSI lists for gaming. It suits buyers who want a numpad, RGB backlighting and hot-swap sockets without wireless features. People who need Bluetooth, a compact layout or open firmware should look at other boards.

Typically about £25.99 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 Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical KeyboardMSI FORGE GK310 - RED SWITCHES
Typing feel25%7/106/10
Build quality20%9/106/10
Customisation20%9/107/10
Connectivity15%7/105/10
Layout and ergonomics10%6/106/10
Battery and software10%7/107/10
Overall7.7/106.2/10

Specifications

SpecKeychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical KeyboardMSI FORGE GK310 - RED SWITCHES
Layout75%, ANSI, with knob104 / 105 / 108 keys (different by language); UK ISO shape not confirmed by MSI
SwitchesGateron Jupiter Red, Brown or Banana; hot-swappableMechanical red, linear, rated 60 million keystrokes
Hot-swappableYes; sockets accept 3-pin and 5-pin MX switchesYes, 3-pin switches swappable without soldering
Connectivity2.4 GHz, Bluetooth (up to 3 devices), wired; 1000 Hz polling on 2.4 GHz and wired, 90 Hz on BluetoothWired USB 2.0, 1.8 m cable; no wireless or Bluetooth
Firmware (QMK / VIA)QMK with VIA support; Keychron Launcher web app for remapping and macros; macOS, Windows and Linuxnot listed
KeycapsKSA double-shot PBT, not shine-through (ANSI/UK)not listed
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 ›

MSI FORGE GK310 - RED SWITCHES

  • + Hot-swap sockets take 3-pin switches without soldering
  • + Owners report a solid, sturdy feel
  • + Plug-and-play USB setup with no battery
  • − Wired only, with no Bluetooth or 2.4GHz
  • − Full-size body is 442 mm wide
  • − Linear red switches only in this version

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless
  • Anyone who needs QMK or VIA firmware remapping
  • People with limited desk space who want a compact layout
Read the full MSI FORGE GK310 - RED SWITCHES review ›

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