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Keychron Q9 QMK Review | 64 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£120
  • Avg. price in US: ~$160
  • Layout size: 40%
  • Connection type: USB
  • Switch type: mechanical
  • Polling rate: 1000 Hz

Keychron Q9 QMK review. Compare 64 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among keyboards and if it is worth buying.

6.2

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the keyboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best keyboards on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

6.2

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
6.2

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the keyboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as switch feel, typing and gaming performance, layout and features, connectivity, build quality, backlighting, software, and comfort.

When it matters: When you want to compare keyboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

34.0%

6.5

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

3.2

Switches

20.0%

10

Materials

12.0%

7.6

Features

6.0%

3.5

Design

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the keyboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a keyboard performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of typing feel, noise level, comfort, and long-term durability.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 3.5
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Polling rate

    24.0%

    1.0

    Rapid trigger

    20.0%

    1.0

    Adjustable actuation

    16.0%

    10

    Hot-swappable switches

    12.0%

    10

    Onboard memory

  • 6.4
    Typing

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.0

    Wrist rest included

    24.0%

    10

    Legend method

    20.0%

    4.0

    Adjustable feet

    15.0%

    5.1

    Typing angle

    13.0%

    10

    Pre-lubed stabilizers

  • 7.9
    Programming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    10

    QMK support

    26.0%

    10

    VIA support

    18.0%

    10

    Mac compatibility

    14.0%

    0.0

    Multi-device pairing

    12.0%

    4.0

    Connection type

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Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £120

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Keychron Q9 QMK is an ultra-compact 40% mechanical keyboard with a CNC-machined aluminum body, a double-gasket structure, and full QMK/VIA support for deep remapping. It offers hot-swappable sockets, south-facing RGB lighting, screw-in stabilizers, and premium PBT keycaps, all in a dense layout that still preserves dedicated arrow keys. Its main strengths are the excellent build quality, extensive customization options, and refined typing feel for such a small board. The main drawbacks are a steep learning curve due to the missing number row and heavy reliance on layers, along with relatively high weight for a 40% keyboard.

Technical Specifications of Keychron Q9 QMK

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the keyboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as switch feel, typing and gaming performance, layout and features, connectivity, build quality, backlighting, software, and comfort.

When it matters: When you want to compare keyboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

34.0%

?

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

?

Switches

20.0%

?

Materials

12.0%

?

Features

6.0%

?

Design

6.2
Keychron Q9 QMK has a technical score of 6.23 points, which is lower than that of 67.2% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the keyboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a keyboard performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of typing feel, noise level, comfort, and long-term durability.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the keyboard.
When it matters: When you prefer a keyboard that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
1.0
Keychron Q9 QMK has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 79.8% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the keyboard's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a keyboard that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.2

Overall score

40.0%

9.9

Price

7.3
Keychron Q9 QMK has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.3 points, which is lower than 74% of products in this category.
Switch type
What it is: Identifies the switch technology used by the keyboard, such as mechanical, optical, or Hall effect.
When it matters: When you are choosing between different response technologies and their long-term behavior.

Importance: HIGH

mechanical
Switch feel
What it is: Describes the keypress character, such as linear, tactile, or clicky.
When it matters: When the sensation of each keypress changes comfort, control, and noise level for your use.

Importance: HIGH

Linear
Switch name
What it is: States the specific switch model used by the keyboard.
When it matters: When the exact switch model matters because small tuning differences affect your preference.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Actuation force
What it is: Measures how much force is needed to actuate a key.
When it matters: When finger fatigue, accidental presses, or key resistance matters to your typing style.

Importance: HIGH

45 g
Min actuation distance
What it is: Measures the shortest key travel needed to register an input.
When it matters: When faster key response matters and you want the shortest possible trigger point under your fingers.

Importance: MEDIUM

2 mm
Keychron Q9 QMK has a minimum actuation distance of 2 mm, which is longer than 66.3% of keyboards and equal to 33.4% of keyboards.
Show more
Keyboard type
What it is: Identifies the keyboard technology, such as mechanical, membrane, optical, or Hall effect.
When it matters: When you need a keyboard built around a specific switch technology or feel profile.

Importance: HIGH

mechanical
Layout size
What it is: States the keyboard form factor and how much of the standard keyset it includes.
When it matters: When desk space, portability, or access to a full key set affects how you work or play.

Importance: HIGH

40%
Layout standard
What it is: Specifies the regional layout standard, such as ANSI, ISO, or JIS.
When it matters: When you need a regional key layout that matches your language habits or keycap set.

Importance: MEDIUM

ANSI
N. of keys
What it is: States how many keys are present on the keyboard.
When it matters: When you need a certain number of keys for shortcuts, navigation, or a numpad.

Importance: MEDIUM

51
Keychron Q9 QMK has 51 keys, which is fewer than 100% of keyboards.
Profile
What it is: Describes whether the keyboard uses a low-profile or standard-height design.
When it matters: When key height changes your typing comfort, travel distance, or the overall desk setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

standard
Show more
Connection type
What it is: Specifies how the keyboard connects, such as USB, 2.4 GHz wireless, or Bluetooth.
When it matters: When latency, cable management, or wireless flexibility is part of your buying decision.

Importance: HIGH

USB
Keychron Q9 QMK offers USB connectivity, which is less versatile than 56.7% of keyboards and equal to 43.3% of keyboards.
Multi-device pairing
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard can stay paired with multiple devices for quicker switching.
When it matters: When you switch regularly between a laptop, tablet, and other devices on one desk.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
Bluetooth version
What it is: States the Bluetooth generation supported for wireless pairing.
When it matters: When wireless stability, compatibility, and energy efficiency are part of what you compare.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Mac compatibility
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard is intended to work properly with macOS layouts, shortcuts, or legends.
When it matters: When you need the keyboard to work properly with macOS shortcuts and key mapping.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Keychron Q9 QMK is Mac compatible. 44.4% of keyboards are Mac compatible.
extra Mac keycaps included.
Battery life
What it is: Estimates how long the keyboard can run on a full charge.
When it matters: When the keyboard needs to last through workweeks, travel, or long gaming stretches without constant charging.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
Show more
RGB lighting
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard includes customizable RGB lighting effects.
When it matters: When visual customization and desk aesthetics matter to your setup.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Keychron Q9 QMK has RGB lighting. 12.3% of keyboards have RGB lighting.
Per-key RGB
What it is: Shows whether each key can be lit and controlled independently instead of sharing one uniform lighting zone.
When it matters: When customizing each key individually matters for visuals, games, or shortcut visibility.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Keychron Q9 QMK has per-key RGB lighting. 23% of keyboards have per-key RGB lighting.
RGB zones
What it is: States how many RGB lighting zones can be controlled separately.
When it matters: When you want more lighting control than a simple all-at-once backlight can provide.

Importance: LOW

47
Keychron Q9 QMK has 47 RGB zones, which is fewer than 81.3% of keyboards.
Underglow / side lighting
What it is: Shows whether the case includes lighting around the underside or outer edges in addition to the keys themselves.
When it matters: When edge lighting is part of the visual style you want from the keyboard.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Keychron Q9 QMK does not include underglow lighting. 31.7% of keyboards include underglow lighting.
Backlight direction
What it is: Specifies whether the switches use north-facing or south-facing backlighting.
When it matters: When you care about switch compatibility, keycap interference, or lighting placement.

Importance: LOW

south-facing
Show more
Case material
What it is: Describes the main material used for the keyboard case.
When it matters: When build feel, rigidity, and overall finish influence your sense of quality.

Importance: HIGH

aluminum
Plate material
What it is: Describes the material used for the mounting plate beneath the switches.
When it matters: When keyboard stiffness, sound profile, and bottom-out feel matter more than the switch spec sheet alone.

Importance: HIGH

steel
Keycap material
What it is: Describes the material used to make the keycaps.
When it matters: When surface texture, wear resistance, and sound of the keycaps affect your choice.

Importance: HIGH

PBT
Keycap profile
What it is: Describes the shape and height profile of the keycaps.
When it matters: When key shape and sculpting affect comfort, wrist angle, and the sound of each press.

Importance: MEDIUM

OSA
Legend method
What it is: Describes how the legends are applied to the keycaps, which affects durability and visibility.
When it matters: When you care about how long key legends stay readable after heavy use.

Importance: MEDIUM

double-shot
Keychron Q9 QMK uses double-shot legends, which are more durable than 25.8% of keyboards and equal to 74.2% of keyboards.
Show more

Keychron Q9 QMK vs the average keyboard

  • Volume control wheel
    Keychron Q9 QMK includes a volume wheel, the average keyboard does not. 38.8% of keyboards include a volume wheel.
    What it is: Shows whether the keyboard includes a dedicated wheel or roller for hardware volume control.
    When it matters: When frequent hardware volume control matters enough that you do not want to rely on function-key shortcuts.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Keychron Q9 QMK includes a volume wheel, the average keyboard does not. 38.8% of keyboards include a volume wheel.
  • Supports QMK
    Keychron Q9 QMK supports QMK, the average keyboard does not. 28.8% of keyboards support QMK.
    What it is: Shows whether the keyboard supports QMK firmware for deeper remapping and behavior customization.
    When it matters: When deep remapping, macros, and firmware-level customization matter to your workflow.

    Importance: HIGH

    Keychron Q9 QMK supports QMK, the average keyboard does not. 28.8% of keyboards support QMK.
  • Supports VIA
    Keychron Q9 QMK supports VIA, the average keyboard does not. 27.1% of keyboards support VIA.
    VIA setup may require manual JSON import.
    What it is: Shows whether the keyboard supports VIA for live remapping and configuration without rebuilding firmware manually.
    When it matters: When quick live remapping without rebuilding firmware is important to you.

    Importance: HIGH

    Keychron Q9 QMK supports VIA, the average keyboard does not. 27.1% of keyboards support VIA.
  • 7.5 mm lower keyboard height
    Keychron Q9 QMK is lower than the average keyboard (31 mm vs 38.5 mm). The average keyboard height is 38.5 mm.
    What it is: Measures the keyboard's vertical dimension from its base to its highest point.
    When it matters: When the keyboard has to fit under shelves, trays, or other tight desk constraints.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Keychron Q9 QMK is lower than the average keyboard (31 mm vs 38.5 mm). The average keyboard height is 38.5 mm.31 mm vs 38.5 mm
  • 7 mm thinner design
    Keychron Q9 QMK is thinner than the average keyboard (31 mm vs 38 mm). The average keyboard thickness is 38 mm.
    What it is: Measures the keyboard's front-to-back depth or body thickness.
    When it matters: When front height and overall keyboard bulk affect comfort or portability.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Keychron Q9 QMK is thinner than the average keyboard (31 mm vs 38 mm). The average keyboard thickness is 38 mm.31 mm vs 38 mm
  • 7.5 mm lower keyboard height
    Keychron Q9 QMK is lower than the average keyboard (31 mm vs 38.5 mm). The average keyboard height is 38.5 mm.
  • 7 mm thinner design
    Keychron Q9 QMK is thinner than the average keyboard (31 mm vs 38 mm). The average keyboard thickness is 38 mm.
  • Volume control wheel
    Keychron Q9 QMK includes a volume wheel, the average keyboard does not. 38.8% of keyboards include a volume wheel.
  • Supports QMK
    Keychron Q9 QMK supports QMK, the average keyboard does not. 28.8% of keyboards support QMK.
  • Supports VIA
    Keychron Q9 QMK supports VIA, the average keyboard does not. 27.1% of keyboards support VIA.

Total
Design
Features
  • 36 fewer keys
    Keychron Q9 QMK has fewer keys than the average keyboard (51 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.
  • No adjustable feet
    Keychron Q9 QMK does not have adjustable feet, the average keyboard does. 85.5% of keyboards have adjustable feet.
  • 7.6% higher weight
    Keychron Q9 QMK weighs more than the average keyboard (1,050 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.
  • Less versatile connectivity
    Keychron Q9 QMK offers less versatile connectivity than the average keyboard (USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth). The average keyboard offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity.
  • 0.3 mm longer minimum actuation distance
    Keychron Q9 QMK has a longer minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
  • 36 fewer RGB zones
    Keychron Q9 QMK has fewer RGB zones than the average keyboard (47 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.
  • Less versatile connectivity
    Keychron Q9 QMK offers less versatile connectivity than the average keyboard (USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth). The average keyboard offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity.
    What it is: Specifies how the keyboard connects, such as USB, 2.4 GHz wireless, or Bluetooth.
    When it matters: When latency, cable management, or wireless flexibility is part of your buying decision.

    Importance: HIGH

    Keychron Q9 QMK offers less versatile connectivity than the average keyboard (USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth). The average keyboard offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity.USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth
  • 36 fewer keys
    Keychron Q9 QMK has fewer keys than the average keyboard (51 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.
    What it is: States how many keys are present on the keyboard.
    When it matters: When you need a certain number of keys for shortcuts, navigation, or a numpad.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Keychron Q9 QMK has fewer keys than the average keyboard (51 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.51 vs 87
  • 0.3 mm longer minimum actuation distance
    Keychron Q9 QMK has a longer minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
    What it is: Measures the shortest key travel needed to register an input.
    When it matters: When faster key response matters and you want the shortest possible trigger point under your fingers.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Keychron Q9 QMK has a longer minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.2 mm vs 1.7 mm
  • 36 fewer RGB zones
    Keychron Q9 QMK has fewer RGB zones than the average keyboard (47 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.
    What it is: States how many RGB lighting zones can be controlled separately.
    When it matters: When you want more lighting control than a simple all-at-once backlight can provide.

    Importance: LOW

    Keychron Q9 QMK has fewer RGB zones than the average keyboard (47 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.47 vs 83
  • No adjustable feet
    Keychron Q9 QMK does not have adjustable feet, the average keyboard does. 85.5% of keyboards have adjustable feet.
    What it is: Shows whether the keyboard includes feet that let you raise or tilt the typing angle.
    When it matters: When your comfort depends on changing typing angle without buying a separate stand or wrist support.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Keychron Q9 QMK does not have adjustable feet, the average keyboard does. 85.5% of keyboards have adjustable feet.
  • 5.77x less popular
    Keychron Q9 QMK is less popular than the average keyboard (1.00 vs 5.772).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the keyboard.
    When it matters: When you prefer a keyboard that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
    Keychron Q9 QMK is less popular than the average keyboard (1.00 vs 5.772).1 vs 5.77
  • 6.5% worse value for money
    Keychron Q9 QMK has worse value for money than the average keyboard (7.33 vs 7.802).
    What it is: An indicator that combines the keyboard's overall rating with its cost.
    When it matters: When you are looking for a keyboard that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
    Keychron Q9 QMK has worse value for money than the average keyboard (7.33 vs 7.802).7.33 vs 7.8
  • 7.6% higher weight
    Keychron Q9 QMK weighs more than the average keyboard (1,050 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.
    What it is: Measures the total mass of the keyboard.
    When it matters: When you care whether the keyboard feels easy to carry or heavy enough to stay planted on the desk.

    Importance: HIGH

    Keychron Q9 QMK weighs more than the average keyboard (1,050 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.1050 g vs 976 g
Total
Overall
Design
Connectivity & Power
Switches
Features

Graphic comparison of Keychron Q9 QMK and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Keychron Q9 QMK?

  • Premium full CNC-machined aluminum body provides extreme durability and weight
  • Double-gasket design offers a cushioned, springy typing feel with good sound dampening
  • Deep customization via QMK/VIA allows for complex macro programming and layer remapping
  • Includes a high-quality rotary encoder (knob) for programmable controls like volume or zoom
  • Features hot-swappable sockets and south-facing RGB for broad switch and keycap compatibility
  • Comes with a proper inverted-T arrow cluster, which is rare for 40% layout keyboards

What customers dislike about Keychron Q9 QMK?

  • Heavy and bulky for its size, making it less portable than other ultra-compact keyboards
  • Requires frequent layer switching for common keys like Backspace, Escape, and symbols
  • Wired-only connectivity with no built-in wireless or Bluetooth options
  • Tall profile can be ergonomically challenging and uncomfortable without a separate wrist rest
  • Stock stabilizers are occasionally reported as 'clacky' or inconsistent compared to high-end custom sets

Expert reviews

K
keychron.com.es
01/08/2023
How to do a keyboard test for the QMK-enabled Keychron keyboard on Launcher

The Keychron Launcher provides an intuitive web-based tool for testing the responsiveness of QMK-enabled mechanical keyboards. Pros of this service include its streamlined user interface, which requires no external software downloads, and its broad cross-brand integration supporting a vast range of Keychron Spain and Lemokey models. The "Test Matrix" mode is highly effective,...Read more

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