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Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard vs NEWMEN GM611 60% 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 NEWMEN GM611 60% 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 NEWMEN GM611 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard's 4/10.

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 itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

NEWMEN GM611 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

5.2/10verdict: good, not the best

The Newmen GM611 is a 61-key, wired 60% mechanical keyboard with quiet red linear switches. It suits buyers who want a compact, light board on a tight budget and don't need wireless or deep remapping. Anyone who wants QMK or VIA, PBT keycaps or a metal case should look at other boards.

Typically about £24.99 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 KeyboardNEWMEN GM611 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Typing feel25%7/106/10
Build quality20%9/105/10
Customisation20%9/104/10
Connectivity15%7/105/10
Layout and ergonomics10%6/105/10
Battery and software10%7/106/10
Overall7.7/105.2/10

Specifications

SpecKeychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical KeyboardNEWMEN GM611 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Layout75%, ANSI, with knob60% layout, 61 keys
SwitchesGateron Jupiter Red, Brown or Banana; hot-swappableRed, linear
Hot-swappableYes; sockets accept 3-pin and 5-pin MX switchesConflicting: manufacturer and Amazon UK say hot-swappable copper socket switches (only specific switches allowed); VividRepairs says no hot-swap
Connectivity2.4 GHz, Bluetooth (up to 3 devices), wired; 1000 Hz polling on 2.4 GHz and wired, 90 Hz on BluetoothWired USB-C with detachable cable; TechKitInsider claims triple-mode (wired, Bluetooth, 2.4GHz) but VividRepairs says wired-only
Firmware (QMK / VIA)QMK with VIA support; Keychron Launcher web app for remapping and macros; macOS, Windows and LinuxNo QMK or VIA support found; optional proprietary manufacturer software for macros, key rebinding and lighting
KeycapsKSA double-shot PBT, not shine-through (ANSI/UK)Black keycaps; plastic keycaps per Amazon UK listing; not PBT according to VividRepairs
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 ›

NEWMEN GM611 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

  • + Quiet, smooth red linear switches
  • + Compact 60% layout with a light footprint
  • + Budget-friendly, with praise for value from owners
  • − Plastic build and non-PBT keycaps
  • − No QMK or VIA support found

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want QMK or VIA remapping without proprietary software
  • Anyone who needs confirmed Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless
  • Typists who want PBT keycaps, a metal case or a tactile switch feel
Read the full NEWMEN GM611 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard review ›

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