Between the Q1 HE and Q1 Max, the Q1 HE comes out ahead in several specs, while the Q1 Max wins on several specs. Overall, the Q1 HE scores 44.3 and the Q1 Max scores 44.3 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
These two are evenly matched on the broad strokes, with the decision sitting on which individual spec advantages weigh more for your use.
The Q1 HE doesn't pull ahead on any single popular-comparison spec — its strengths sit in the spec table groups rather than the headline advantages.
The Q1 Max similarly doesn't carry a headline advantage on the popular specs — look at the full table for category-specific deltas.
Both ship with comparable size, hot-swappable, wireless, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: there is no wrong answer here — match the spec advantages to how you actually use the product. The Mars Score parity tells you both are well-rounded; the differences are about trade-offs, not quality.
Why Keychron - Q1 HE wins
- No decisive advantages.
Why Keychron - Q1 Max wins
- No decisive advantages.
Spec comparison
Switches
| Spec | Keychron - Q1 HE | Keychron - Q1 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Switch type | Hall-effect | Gateron Jupiter |
| Hot-swappable | true | true |
Layout & Build
| Spec | Keychron - Q1 HE | Keychron - Q1 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 75% | 75% |
| RGB | true | true |
| Rotary knob | true | true |
| Case material | Aluminum | Aluminum |
Connectivity
| Spec | Keychron - Q1 HE | Keychron - Q1 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless | true | true |
| 2.4 GHz | true | true |
| Battery | 100 h | 100 h |
| Polling rate | 1000 Hz | 1000 Hz |
Spec-level deep dives
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