Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard vs SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023)

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 SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) at 6.1/10.

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

They score the same on layout and ergonomics.

The biggest difference is customisation, where the Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard scores 9/10 to the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023)'s 6/10.

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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SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023)

6.1/10verdict: good, not the best

The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) is for people who want a compact, wired keyboard with adjustable key actuation. It suits gamers and typists who like to set how far a key travels before it registers. It is a poorer fit for anyone who needs wireless connections.

Typically about £159.99 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK

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Scores, criterion by criterion

Criterion	Weight	Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard	SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023)
Typing feel	25%	7/10	6/10
Build quality	20%	9/10	8/10
Customisation	20%	9/10	6/10
Connectivity	15%	7/10	4/10
Layout and ergonomics	10%	6/10	6/10
Battery and software	10%	7/10	6/10
Overall		7.7/10	6.1/10

Specifications

Spec	Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard	SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023)
Layout	75%, ANSI, with knob	TKL (tenkeyless)
Switches	Gateron Jupiter Red, Brown or Banana; hot-swappable	OmniPoint 2.0 adjustable HyperMagnetic (Hall-effect), 0.1–4.0 mm actuation range
Hot-swappable	Yes; sockets accept 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches	not listed
Connectivity	2.4 GHz, Bluetooth (up to 3 devices), wired; 1000 Hz polling on 2.4 GHz and wired, 90 Hz on Bluetooth	Wired, detachable USB-C cable
Firmware (QMK / VIA)	QMK with VIA support; Keychron Launcher web app for remapping and macros; macOS, Windows and Linux	not listed
Keycaps	KSA double-shot PBT, not shine-through (ANSI/UK)	Double-shot PBT
Battery	4000 mAh; rated up to 180 hours with backlight off	not 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 ›

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023)

+ Actuation adjustable from 0.1 to 4.0 mm
+ Aluminium top plate and double-shot PBT keycaps
+ Three tilt positions: flat, half and full
− Wired only, with no wireless connection on this model

Skip it if:

Buyers who want Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless connections
People who need a full-size layout with a number pad
Anyone who has no use for adjustable key actuation

Read the full SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) review ›

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