Keychron Keyboard Selection Guidelines

Keychron, a keyboard brand highly popular among Mac users

Such is the case with Keychron keyboards, There are so many series and models that it is hard to know which one to choose. There are so many series and models to choose from, and many of you probably don’t know which one to choose.

In addition, Keychron is actually, only available through authorized sellers, parallel imports, or personal imports, depending on the product you want.

This article describes the types and features of the Keychron series and how to choose the right one for you.

Use this article as a guideline for choosing Keychron!

Click here for a list of all models and the models available in Japan and on the main website ▷▷.

Keyboard layout (key arrangement and physical layout) you should know about

• Key layout: US or JIS
• Physical sequence: 100%, 96%, 80% TKL, 75%, 70%, 65%, 60%, 40

You will need to select a keyboard with your preferred key layout/physical layout from among these.

For more information, please see this article.

Introduction to the Keychron series

Keychron can be broadly divided into 14 series.

	Price	access method	profile	keymap change	Domestic Sales
B Series	inexpensive	Wireless/Wired	Scissor	support	unreleased
K Series	usually	Wireless/Wired	Normal / Low	incompatible	Some authorized sales available
K Pro Series	expensive	Wireless/Wired	Normal / Low	support	Some authorized sales available
K Max Series	expensive	Wireless/Wired	Normal / Low	support	unreleased
S Series	expensive	communicate by wire	Low	support	unreleased
R Series	high	Wireless/Wired	Ultra Low	unknown	unreleased
Q Series	high	communicate by wire	Normal / Low	support	Some authorized sales available
Q Pro Series	high	Wireless/Wired	Normal	support	Some authorized sales available
Q Max Series	high	Wireless/Wired	Normal	support	Some authorized sales available
Q HE Series	high	Wireless/Wired	Normal (magnetic method)	support	Some authorized sales available
V Series	expensive	communicate by wire	Normal	support	Parallel imports available
V Max Series	expensive	Wireless/Wired	Normal	support	Some authorized sales available
collaboration	high	communicate by wire	Normal	Partially supported	unreleased
C Series	inexpensive	communicate by wire	Normal	Partially supported	Some authorized sales available

About Keychron B Series

Customize keymap	acceptable
Noise suppression	nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta)
Body Material	ABS resin
With or without frame	nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta)
hot swap	No support
Connection method	Wireless (2.4GHz/BT)/Wired
Supported OS	macOS / Windows / Linux
input method	scissor method
keycap	ABS
Domestic Sales	None Personal import

The Keychron B series is the so-called entry-level Keychron brand with a very low price.

By eliminating the mechanical key switch that had been used in the past and adopting a scissor system, the new model is thinner and lighter, and has succeeded in producing 1200 hours of operation time.

Unusually for a keyboard of this type, the keymap can be changed, as expected of Keychron.

At this time, the B1 pro /B6 Pro lineup is available.

However, unusually for a company that has marketed customizable mechanical keyboards, it is not possible to change any of the specifications.

We are also concerned that the shape of the key tops and the overall trend is very similar to the earlier popularized products.

About Keychron K Series

Customize keymap	not allowed
Noise suppression	nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta)
Body Material	ABS resin
With or without frame	RGB models have aluminum frames White models/non-backlit models do not
hot swap	Yes, depending on the model
Connection method	Wireless/Wired
Supported OS	Windows/Mac
profile	Normal / Low
keycap	Single-shot ABS Double-shot ABS
Domestic Sales	Kopec Japan (some models only) Others are private imports

The Keychron K series is the most popular Keychron mechanical keyboard.

As for the series bearing the “K” in the series, not only wired connection but also wireless connection is available.

However, Models purchased from non-authorized distributors cannot be used for wireless functions in Japan because they must obtain “Technical Qualification” to be used in Japan.

Products handled by “Kopec Japan,” an authorized distributor in Japan, are listed below.

If the model name is “even”, it is a normal profile mechanical switch, and if the model name is “odd”, it is a low profile mechanical switch.

If you want something thin and space-saving, we recommend a low profile, but it still cannot match a normal profile in terms of key feel and key sound.

However,K3 / K5 / K7 ” that use Keychron Optical switches are exceptional. Please try it out.

The overall feel and sound of the model as a whole is “normal.

It is not processed to be exceptionally quiet, so it may be difficult to get a dead sound.

Comparatively speaking, the RGB-backlit model with aluminum frame seems to have a superior keystroke sound.

At any rate, I want a keyboard that is stylish and can be connected wirelessly! The “K series” can be recommended for those who want a stylish keyboard with wireless connectivity.

About the Keychron K Pro Series

Customize keymap	Yes (QMK/VIA)
Noise suppression	Sound Absorbing Foam Silicon Pads
Body Material	ABS resin
frame	Aluminum frame
hot swap	Supported
Connection method	Wired/wireless
Supported OS	Windows/Mac
profile	Normal / Low
keycap	Double-shot PBT
Domestic Sales	Kopec Japan or depending on model, others are private imports

The K Pro series is the higher end of the K series.

Distinguishing differences are the silent processing and the ability to change the keymap.

The PCB is sandwiched between sound-absorbing foam and silicon pads, which prevents excess noise from being generated and produces a pleasant keystroke sound.

In addition, QMK/VIA compatibility allows you to rearrange your favorite keyswitches to your own preferred layout.

K8 Pro/K3Pro/K2Pro/K4Pro/K6Pro are available in Japan. (Additional models may be added to this list.)

Since this is a Japan domestic model, it is nice to know that JIS (Japanese alignment) layout is also available.

About the Keychron K Max Series

Customize keymap	Yes (QMK/VIA)
Noise suppression	Sound Absorbing Foam Silicon Pads etc.
Body Material	ABS resin
frame	Aluminum frame
hot swap	Supported
Connection method	Wired/Wireless
Supported OS	Windows/Mac
profile	Normal / Low
keycap	Double-shot PBT
Domestic Sales	None Personal import

The Keychron K Max series is the top of the K series.

The basic product specifications follow those of the Pro series in every respect, and it is safe to assume that the “Max” series is a model with a greatly improved polling rate for wireless connections in the Pro series.

For 2.4GHz band connections using USB dongles, ultra-low latency connections of 1000Hz, the same as wired connections, are realized.

Many models are priced almost the same as the Pro series, so the Max series is a good choice if you are looking to purchase one.

K3 Max has been officially available in Japan since March 15, 2024.

About Keychron S Series

Customize keymap	Yes (QMK/VIA)
Noise suppression	Sound Absorbing Forms
Body Material	Full CNC machined aluminum
With or without frame	nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta)
hot swap	Supported
Connection method	Wired only
Supported OS	Windows/Mac
profile	Low
keycap	Double-shot PBT
Domestic Sales	None (personal imports only)

The Keychron S series is the top-of-the-line low-profile mechanical keyboard model.

Compared to the K series low-profile mechanical keyboard, it differs in that it is silent, supports keymap changes, does not have wireless connectivity, and has a full metal body.

As for the silent processing, since sound-absorbing foam is only placed under the PCB, it is highly unlikely that such a large sound-absorbing effect will be achieved.

On the other hand, due to the full metal body, the keystrokes are tighter than those of the regular K series and K Pro series.

The only way to purchase the product in Japan is through private importation.

It is quite an enthusiast product, but it is the pinnacle of low-profile keyboards, so if you are interested in this product, please contact us.

About Keychron R Series

Customize keymap	Yes (QMK/VIA)
Noise suppression	long vowel mark (usually only used in katakana)
Body Material	Full CNC machined aluminum
With or without frame	None (integrally molded)
hot swap	Supported
Connection method	Wired/Wireless
Supported OS	Windows/Mac
profile	Ultra Low
keycap	unknown
Domestic Sales	None (personal imports only)

The Keychron R1 is an all-new model featuring an Ultra Low Profile Optical switch.

It is expected to be the thinnest and lightest model in the series’ history, and crowdfunding was scheduled to begin on Kickstarter in August 2023, but has not yet been announced.

Click here for more information ▷▷▷

About Keychron Q Series

Customize keymap	Yes (QMK/VIA)
Noise suppression	Gaskets Sound Absorbing Foam Case Foam Silicone Gasket
Body Material	Full CNC machined aluminum
With or without frame	nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta)
hot swap	Supported
Connection method	Wired only
Supported OS	Windows/Mac
profile	Normal
keycap	Double Shot ABS Double Shot PBT
Authorized Domestic Sales	Kopec Japan (some models only) Others are private imports

The Keychron Q series is the flagship model of Keychron and is meant to create a top-of-the-line typing experience.

The best feature of this product is its The most distinctive feature is the superb keystroke feel and sound and sound.

The PCB (base) has a floating structure called a double gasket, which absorbs the impact of keystrokes and does not generate excess noise.

Many models use double-shot PBT keycaps, which are considered to provide excellent keystroke sound and resistance to fading of printing.

The Q series is certainly expensive, but it is the keyboard of choice for those seeking the best keystroke feel.

Recently, the lineup has also included very unique products such as the southpaw style Q12, the left-right split style Q11, and the Q9 Plus with a split space bar.

Only the following three products are officially sold in Japan; others can be purchased through personal imports or parallel imports from Amazon.com.

About Keychron Q Pro Series

Customize keymap	Yes (QMK/VIA)
Noise suppression	Gaskets Sound Absorbing Foam Case Foam Silicone Gasket
Body Material	Full CNC machined aluminum
With or without frame	nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta)
hot swap	Supported
Connection method	Wired/Wireless
Supported OS	Windows/Mac
profile	Normal
keycap	KSA Profile Double Shot PBT
Authorized Domestic Sales	None (personal import)

The Q Pro series is the high-end model of Keychron.

While inheriting the specifications of the Q series, perhaps its greatest feature is its support for wireless connectivity.

Until then, wireless functionality was not available when aluminum alloys were used for the case due to radio technology restrictions, but with the Q1 Pro we have established that technology.

The Q1 Pro is now officially available in Japan, starting with the Q1 Pro.

About Keychron Q Max Series

Customize keymap	Yes (QMK/VIA)
Noise suppression	Gaskets Sound Absorbing Foam IXPE/PET Foam Latex Bottom Pad Case Foam Bottom Case PET Foam Silicone Gasket
Body Material	Full CNC machined aluminum
With or without frame	nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta)
hot swap	Supported
Connection method	Wired/wireless (BT /2.4GHz)
Supported OS	Windows/Mac
profile	Normal
keycap	KSA Profile/Cherry Profile Double Shot PBT
Authorized Domestic Sales	ant

The Q Max series is the highest-performance keyboard in the Q series.

A 2.4GHz band connection using a USB dongle is available, and a polling rate of 1000Hz allows for ultra-low latency wireless connections.

In addition, while the conventional Q series has two layers of sound-absorbing foam, the Q Max series has six more layers, so you can expect a very tight typing sound.

As for its introduction to Japan, Q1 Max was crowdfunded on Makuake, but the crowdfunding has been closed at this time.

In addition, Keychron Q3 Max, which has obtained technical certification from Kopec Japan, an authorized distributor in Japan, will be available from June 13, 2024, making it much more readily available in Japan.

Starting with this model, the keycaps for Japanese-language models are also made of DoubleShot PBT, which shows the effort that has been put into targeting the Japanese market.

Also very controversial is the Q15 Max, released on June 25, 2024, which uses a “grid array,” which is very rare for a mass-produced unit.

About Keychron Q HE Series

Customize keymap	Yes (supported by proprietary software based on QMK)
Noise suppression	Double gasket construction Sound Absorbing Foam Acoustic Pads
Body Material	aluminum (Al)
With or without frame	ant
hot swap	Supported
Connection method	Wired / BT /2.4GHz
Supported OS	Windows/Mac
profile	Normal
keycap	Double-shot PBT (OEM profile)
Authorized Domestic Sales	individual import

Based on the Keychron Q1, the Keychron Q1 HE is a model with magnetic keyswitches.

It was scheduled to be released via crowdfunding in October 2023, but appeared on KickStarter in December.

A key feature of the Gateron’s first magnetic keyswitch is that it enables magnetic keyboard-specific behaviors, such as changing the actuation point, rapid triggering, and multi-keystroke action.

Initially, it was expected that the above settings would be changed using VIA, but it appears to be controlled by proprietary software built on QMK.

About Keychron V Series

Customize keymap	Yes (QMK/VIA)
Noise suppression	Sound Absorbing Foam Silicon Pads
Body Material	ABS plastic
With or without frame	nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta)
hot swap	Supported
Connection method	Wired only
Supported OS	Windows/Mac
profile	Normal
keycap	Double-shot PBT
Authorized Domestic Sales	ant

The Keychron V series is a combination of the best of the K and Q series. The V series is a combination of the best of the K and Q series.

Although only a wired connection is available, it has a firm, silent finish and provides a good-quality keystroke feel compared to the K series.

The price is reasonable, so this model is perfect for those looking for a mechanical keyboard that they want to customize.

V1/V3/V6 are available in Japan.

About the Keychron V Max Series

Customize keymap	Yes (QMK/VIA)
Noise suppression	Sound Absorbing Forms PET Forms Case Forms Gasket Mound PC Plate
Body Material	ABS plastic
With or without frame	nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta)
hot swap	Supported
Connection method	USB Type-C 2.4GHz Bluetoot5.1
Supported OS	Windows/Mac
profile	Normal
keycap	Double-shot PBT
Authorized Domestic Sales	ant

The V Max series is a further upgrade of the V series.

The most significant difference is probably the support for wireless connectivity.

The key feel has also been greatly improved, with a gasket mount similar to the Q series and a PC plate instead of the previous steel plate, making it close to the Q series in key feel.

On the other hand, to keep the price low, the body material is ABS plastic, making the model extremely cost-effective.

In Japan, the official domestic sales of the product began on June 13, 2024.

About the collaboration model

Keychron has been selling collaborative models with other companies’ brands in recent years.

At this time, there is a collaboration model between ONEPLUS and Lemokey.

About Keychron C Series

	C Series	C Pro Series
Customize keymap	not allowed	QMK/VIA compatible
Noise suppression	nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta)	nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta)
Body Material	ABS resin	ABS resin
With or without frame	nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta)	nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta)
hot swap	Supported	Supported
Connection method	Wired only	Wired only
Supported OS	Windows/Mac	Windows/Mac
profile	Normal	Normal
keycap	Single-shot ABS Double-shot ABS	Double Shot PBT Double Shot ABS
Authorized Domestic Sales	Parallel imports Personal imports	Only Amazon exclusive for personal imports or C3 Pro

The C Series is positioned as Keychron’s entry-level keyboard.

In addition to the basic look, the ability to customize the keyswitches makes it a good choice for those who want to customize their keyboards a bit.

In May 2023, the lineup will be considerably enhanced with the addition of the upgraded CPro Series, which will be available at the same price.

The C1 Pro /C3 Pro is 80% tenkeyless size, while the C2 Pro is 100% full size.

Starting July 31, 2024, the C3 Pro will be available exclusively on Amazon in Japan.

Note, however, that the keycap is made of double-shot ABS.

Click here to purchase Keychron C series ▷▷▷ (home site)

About Keychron

Keychron is a relatively new keyboard brand founded in 2017 by a group of keyboard enthusiasts.

Keychron is only a brand name, not the name of the operating company.

It is operated by ” Siki Eagle Sarl,” a company headquartered in France and incorporated in 2020.

We also have a company in Hong Kong and our products are shipped from Hong Kong.

Although the company is believed to be Chinese-owned, its main website is entirely in English, indicating that it is a company that is looking to expand globally.

summary

These are some of the features of the entire Keychron series.

Once again, let’s review how to choose Keychron for your needs.

Let us help you choose a mechanical keyboard that puts you in a good mood!

Keychron Official Site▷▷▷

Please take a look at the keyboard database if you like.