Keychron Q1 Ultra has the highest retained mechanical score; its last local listing was sold out. Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad adds a low-profile Mac option at RM699 for white keys; Apple silicon and macOS 15.1 or later are required. [21, 31, 42, 43] Black keys cost more; delivery and checkout stock were not verified. [43, 51]
Prices and stock carry their check dates. Apple price is for white US English keys; black costs more. Checkout stock and delivery are unverified. Choose for your preferred key feel and required platform, not small score gaps. Release ages use retained catalog dates. [43, 47, 48, 49, 51]
Compare side by side. Scroll across for more columns.
The highest retained mechanical score; recheck the sold-out local listing before choosing it. Its panel build and typing scores lead or nearly lead the original field; its low ergonomics score makes the wrist angle a meaningful trade-off. [21, 31]Why this pick? Keychron Q1 Ultra
The mechanical choice if you want a numpad in a compact 98% layout; check where it puts Home, End and Page keys. The original panel favoured its layout, but its ergonomics result was substantially weaker. [8, 32, 39]Why this pick? Ducky Cushion 98
Cherry SE🇺🇸 United States2026-01-29 · 8 months old
72.3
Unknown; checked 25 Aug
Highest typing estimate; expensive
2026-01-29; 241 days
The highest typing estimate among the original boards, with a price premium that the value criterion penalises. The gaming-oriented magnetic switches do not get much help from this guide’s small latency weight. [11, 33, 47]Why this pick? CHERRY XTRFY MX 8.2 Pro TMR Wireless
A compact option with a stronger ergonomics estimate than the top-ranked mechanical boards. It gives up the numpad, and the panel’s disagreement means a small score difference should not decide your purchase. [12, 34, 48]Why this pick? IQUNIX EC75
The original panel’s strongest ergonomics estimate at the lowest original-field MSRP. It was assessed on its catalogued launch day, so the result carried little long-term evidence; elapsed model age is not a replacement for a durability test. [26, 35, 49, 52]Why this pick? be quiet! Light Mount TKL
Low-profile Mac typing + Touch ID; Apple silicon required
2024-10-28; 699 days
The low-profile Mac option if you want Touch ID, full-size arrows and a numpad. Apple specifies an Apple-silicon Mac with macOS 15.1 or later. It ranks sixth under this guide’s existing rubric; that does not make mechanical key travel the right preference for every typist. [40, 41, 42, 47, 50]Why this pick? Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad (USB-C)
The highest retained mechanical score; recheck the sold-out local listing before choosing it. Its panel build and typing scores lead or nearly lead the original field; its low ergonomics score makes the wrist angle a meaningful trade-off. [21, 31]
Why this pick? for Keychron Q1 Ultra
The highest retained mechanical score; recheck the sold-out local listing before choosing it. Its panel build and typing scores lead or nearly lead the original field; its low ergonomics score makes the wrist angle a meaningful trade-off. [21, 31]
China; ownership record dated 2024-05-20, weakly sourced
The highest retained mechanical score for typing feel and case quality; its last local listing was sold out, so recheck stock before choosing it. Its panel build and typing scores lead or nearly lead the original field; its low ergonomics score makes the wrist angle a meaningful trade-off. [31]
Strengths
typing 83 and build 84 in the original panel
aluminium case
Considerations
ergonomics 43
no numpad
local listing was sold out
Evidence
The Malaysian listing was RM979 and sold out on 25 August. A separate check conflicted about whether the listing existed; neither supported a buyable Q1 Ultra. The Q1 Max at RM959 was the local alternative then. Recheck both stock and price before ordering. [21]Released 2026-01-06; 251 days old on 14 September 2026. The date is retained catalog data, not a freshly verified launch record. [49]Ownership: China; ownership record dated 2024-05-20, weakly sourced. [16]
The mechanical choice if you want a numpad in a compact 98% layout; check where it puts Home, End and Page keys. The original panel favoured its layout, but its ergonomics result was substantially weaker. [8, 32, 39]
Why this pick? for Ducky Cushion 98
The mechanical choice if you want a numpad in a compact 98% layout; check where it puts Home, End and Page keys. The original panel favoured its layout, but its ergonomics result was substantially weaker. [8, 32, 39]
The mechanical choice if you want a numpad in a compact 98% layout; check where it puts Home, End and Page keys. The original panel favoured its layout, but its ergonomics result was substantially weaker. [8, 32, 39]
Strengths
98% layout retains numpad
hot-swappable Ducky Shush switches
Considerations
ergonomics 47.5
no Malaysian listing at last check
Evidence
Sun Cycle distributes Ducky in Malaysia, but the 25 August check did not find this model. The Ducky One 3 at RM529 was a different locally sold option, not an equivalent score or a current stock promise. [20]Released 2026-06-15; 91 days old on 14 September 2026. The date is retained catalog data, not a freshly verified launch record. [49]Ownership: Taiwan; catalog attribution. [15]
Cherry SE🇺🇸 United States2026-01-29 · 8 months old
Rank
3
Model score
72.3
Malaysia / check date
Unknown; checked 25 Aug
Fit and trade-off
Highest typing estimate; expensive
Released / age on 27 Sep 2026
2026-01-29; 241 days
The highest typing estimate among the original boards, with a price premium that the value criterion penalises. The gaming-oriented magnetic switches do not get much help from this guide’s small latency weight. [11, 33, 47]
Why this pick? for CHERRY XTRFY MX 8.2 Pro TMR Wireless
The highest typing estimate among the original boards, with a price premium that the value criterion penalises. The gaming-oriented magnetic switches do not get much help from this guide’s small latency weight. [11, 33, 47]
The highest typing estimate among the original boards, with a price premium that the value criterion penalises. The gaming-oriented magnetic switches do not get much help from this guide’s small latency weight. [11, 33, 47]
Strengths
typing 84 in the original panel
TMR magnetic switches
Considerations
USD250 MSRP
value 43
local availability unresolved
Evidence
No Malaysian listing or distributor surfaced in the 25 August check; the result is unknown, not proof of unavailability. Refer attributes ownership to a US 40% plurality; 37% is unattributed, so this is not evidence of majority US ownership. [18, 23]Released 2026-01-29; 228 days old on 14 September 2026. The date is retained catalog data, not a freshly verified launch record. [49]Ownership: US plurality in catalog, not verified majority. [18]
A compact option with a stronger ergonomics estimate than the top-ranked mechanical boards. It gives up the numpad, and the panel’s disagreement means a small score difference should not decide your purchase. [12, 34, 48]
Why this pick? for IQUNIX EC75
A compact option with a stronger ergonomics estimate than the top-ranked mechanical boards. It gives up the numpad, and the panel’s disagreement means a small score difference should not decide your purchase. [12, 34, 48]
A compact option with a stronger ergonomics estimate than the top-ranked mechanical boards. It gives up the numpad, and the panel’s disagreement means a small score difference should not decide your purchase. [12, 34, 48]
Strengths
ergonomics 70 in the original panel
compact 75% layout
Considerations
features 64
no numpad
import at last check
Evidence
The 25 August check found no local EC75 listing. Keybot MY was identified as a dealer; the differently specified IQUNIX EZ75 at about RM1,984 was the local alternative then. [24]Released 2026-08-15; 30 days old on 14 September 2026. The date is retained catalog data, not a freshly verified launch record. [49]Ownership: China; catalog attribution. [19]
The original panel’s strongest ergonomics estimate at the lowest original-field MSRP. It was assessed on its catalogued launch day, so the result carried little long-term evidence; elapsed model age is not a replacement for a durability test. [26, 35, 49, 52]
Why this pick? for be quiet! Light Mount TKL
The original panel’s strongest ergonomics estimate at the lowest original-field MSRP. It was assessed on its catalogued launch day, so the result carried little long-term evidence; elapsed model age is not a replacement for a durability test. [26, 35, 49, 52]
The original panel’s strongest ergonomics estimate at the lowest original-field MSRP. It was assessed on its catalogued launch day, so the result carried little long-term evidence; elapsed model age is not a replacement for a durability test. [26, 35, 49, 52]
Strengths
ergonomics 73 in the original panel
USD140 MSRP
foam damping
Considerations
typing 72 and build 62
no long-term evidence verified here
Evidence
Suncycle distributes be quiet! in Malaysia, but no local listing for this keyboard surfaced on 25 August. Import costs and warranty arrangements need checking. [22]Released 2026-08-25; 20 days old on 14 September 2026. The date is retained catalog data, not a freshly verified launch record. [49]Ownership: Germany; catalog attribution. [17]
Low-profile Mac typing + Touch ID; Apple silicon required
Released / age on 27 Sep 2026
2024-10-28; 699 days
The low-profile Mac option if you want Touch ID, full-size arrows and a numpad. Apple specifies an Apple-silicon Mac with macOS 15.1 or later. It ranks sixth under this guide’s existing rubric; that does not make mechanical key travel the right preference for every typist. [40, 41, 42, 47, 50]
Why this pick? for Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad (USB-C)
The low-profile Mac option if you want Touch ID, full-size arrows and a numpad. Apple specifies an Apple-silicon Mac with macOS 15.1 or later. It ranks sixth under this guide’s existing rubric; that does not make mechanical key travel the right preference for every typist. [40, 41, 42, 47, 50]
The low-profile Mac option if you want Touch ID, full-size arrows and a numpad. Apple specifies an Apple-silicon Mac with macOS 15.1 or later. It ranks sixth under this guide’s existing rubric; that does not make mechanical key travel the right preference for every typist. [40, 41, 42, 47, 50]
Strengths
Touch ID on compatible Macs
numeric keypad and full-size arrows
USB-C charging
Considerations
no backlight or hot-swap
limited customisation
latency unscored
white-key price baseline
Evidence
The ranked configuration is the standalone USB-C model with white US English keys, listed at RM699 by Apple Malaysia and USD179 by Apple US. The listing shows Add to Bag, but delivery and checkout stock were not verified. Black keys cost more. [51] This is not the Lightning predecessor or an iPad keyboard case. Battery life of about a month or more is Apple’s claim, not our measurement. [40, 41, 43]Released 2024-10-28; 686 days old on 14 September 2026. The date identifies the USB-C generation’s introduction and order availability. [44]Ownership: US in Refer; unverified ownership record. [45]The score is incomplete but the position is stable. Latency was left unscored. Even its best possible latency result would leave it below the fifth board. Typing and value each combine only two panellists; model agreement is not evidence of hands-on accuracy. [50]
Countries use the largest recorded ownership share; HQ marks headquarters when ownership is not recorded.
Individual assessments
A closer look
The reasoning, strengths and trade-offs behind each pick.
The highest retained mechanical score; recheck the sold-out local listing before choosing it. Its panel build and typing scores lead or nearly lead the original field; its low ergonomics score makes the wrist angle a meaningful trade-off. [21, 31]
China; ownership record dated 2024-05-20, weakly sourced
The highest retained mechanical score for typing feel and case quality; its last local listing was sold out, so recheck stock before choosing it. Its panel build and typing scores lead or nearly lead the original field; its low ergonomics score makes the wrist angle a meaningful trade-off. [31]
Strengths
typing 83 and build 84 in the original panel
aluminium case
Considerations
ergonomics 43
no numpad
local listing was sold out
Evidence
The Malaysian listing was RM979 and sold out on 25 August. A separate check conflicted about whether the listing existed; neither supported a buyable Q1 Ultra. The Q1 Max at RM959 was the local alternative then. Recheck both stock and price before ordering. [21]Released 2026-01-06; 251 days old on 14 September 2026. The date is retained catalog data, not a freshly verified launch record. [49]Ownership: China; ownership record dated 2024-05-20, weakly sourced. [16]
The mechanical choice if you want a numpad in a compact 98% layout; check where it puts Home, End and Page keys. The original panel favoured its layout, but its ergonomics result was substantially weaker. [8, 32, 39]
The mechanical choice if you want a numpad in a compact 98% layout; check where it puts Home, End and Page keys. The original panel favoured its layout, but its ergonomics result was substantially weaker. [8, 32, 39]
Strengths
98% layout retains numpad
hot-swappable Ducky Shush switches
Considerations
ergonomics 47.5
no Malaysian listing at last check
Evidence
Sun Cycle distributes Ducky in Malaysia, but the 25 August check did not find this model. The Ducky One 3 at RM529 was a different locally sold option, not an equivalent score or a current stock promise. [20]Released 2026-06-15; 91 days old on 14 September 2026. The date is retained catalog data, not a freshly verified launch record. [49]Ownership: Taiwan; catalog attribution. [15]
The highest typing estimate among the original boards, with a price premium that the value criterion penalises. The gaming-oriented magnetic switches do not get much help from this guide’s small latency weight. [11, 33, 47]
The highest typing estimate among the original boards, with a price premium that the value criterion penalises. The gaming-oriented magnetic switches do not get much help from this guide’s small latency weight. [11, 33, 47]
Strengths
typing 84 in the original panel
TMR magnetic switches
Considerations
USD250 MSRP
value 43
local availability unresolved
Evidence
No Malaysian listing or distributor surfaced in the 25 August check; the result is unknown, not proof of unavailability. Refer attributes ownership to a US 40% plurality; 37% is unattributed, so this is not evidence of majority US ownership. [18, 23]Released 2026-01-29; 228 days old on 14 September 2026. The date is retained catalog data, not a freshly verified launch record. [49]Ownership: US plurality in catalog, not verified majority. [18]
A compact option with a stronger ergonomics estimate than the top-ranked mechanical boards. It gives up the numpad, and the panel’s disagreement means a small score difference should not decide your purchase. [12, 34, 48]
A compact option with a stronger ergonomics estimate than the top-ranked mechanical boards. It gives up the numpad, and the panel’s disagreement means a small score difference should not decide your purchase. [12, 34, 48]
Strengths
ergonomics 70 in the original panel
compact 75% layout
Considerations
features 64
no numpad
import at last check
Evidence
The 25 August check found no local EC75 listing. Keybot MY was identified as a dealer; the differently specified IQUNIX EZ75 at about RM1,984 was the local alternative then. [24]Released 2026-08-15; 30 days old on 14 September 2026. The date is retained catalog data, not a freshly verified launch record. [49]Ownership: China; catalog attribution. [19]
The original panel’s strongest ergonomics estimate at the lowest original-field MSRP. It was assessed on its catalogued launch day, so the result carried little long-term evidence; elapsed model age is not a replacement for a durability test. [26, 35, 49, 52]
The original panel’s strongest ergonomics estimate at the lowest original-field MSRP. It was assessed on its catalogued launch day, so the result carried little long-term evidence; elapsed model age is not a replacement for a durability test. [26, 35, 49, 52]
Strengths
ergonomics 73 in the original panel
USD140 MSRP
foam damping
Considerations
typing 72 and build 62
no long-term evidence verified here
Evidence
Suncycle distributes be quiet! in Malaysia, but no local listing for this keyboard surfaced on 25 August. Import costs and warranty arrangements need checking. [22]Released 2026-08-25; 20 days old on 14 September 2026. The date is retained catalog data, not a freshly verified launch record. [49]Ownership: Germany; catalog attribution. [17]
Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad (USB-C) [40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 50, 51]
The low-profile Mac option if you want Touch ID, full-size arrows and a numpad. Apple specifies an Apple-silicon Mac with macOS 15.1 or later. It ranks sixth under this guide’s existing rubric; that does not make mechanical key travel the right preference for every typist. [40, 41, 42, 47, 50]
The low-profile Mac option if you want Touch ID, full-size arrows and a numpad. Apple specifies an Apple-silicon Mac with macOS 15.1 or later. It ranks sixth under this guide’s existing rubric; that does not make mechanical key travel the right preference for every typist. [40, 41, 42, 47, 50]
Strengths
Touch ID on compatible Macs
numeric keypad and full-size arrows
USB-C charging
Considerations
no backlight or hot-swap
limited customisation
latency unscored
white-key price baseline
Evidence
The ranked configuration is the standalone USB-C model with white US English keys, listed at RM699 by Apple Malaysia and USD179 by Apple US. The listing shows Add to Bag, but delivery and checkout stock were not verified. Black keys cost more. [51] This is not the Lightning predecessor or an iPad keyboard case. Battery life of about a month or more is Apple’s claim, not our measurement. [40, 41, 43]Released 2024-10-28; 686 days old on 14 September 2026. The date identifies the USB-C generation’s introduction and order availability. [44]Ownership: US in Refer; unverified ownership record. [45]The score is incomplete but the position is stable. Latency was left unscored. Even its best possible latency result would leave it below the fifth board. Typing and value each combine only two panellists; model agreement is not evidence of hands-on accuracy. [50]
Full research & product notes
The complete inventory, alternatives and limits behind the recommendations.
What the order can and cannot tell you
What the order can and cannot tell you
Release recency is 10% of each score since 27 September 2026: each total is 0.9 × its panel score plus 0.1 × a recency score from the board's release date, on a two-year cycle, so the Apple keyboard at 699 days scores 52 and the be quiet! board at 33 days 98 [53, 54, 55]. Weights quoted elsewhere on this page are the original six-criterion weights; each now counts at 0.9 of that figure.
The original five boards retain their 25 August panel results from Claude Opus 5, GPT-5.6 and Grok 4.6. Apple was assessed separately on 14 September by Claude Opus 5, GPT-6 Astra and Grok through its CLI. The original field was not re-scored and the later Grok CLI model ID was not captured. Treat the shared anchors as an attempted common scale, not proof of equivalence between sessions. [31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 48, 50]
The scope now includes standalone scissor-switch and low-profile keyboards, at the user’s request. This addition is not a comprehensive survey of that expanded field. The unchanged layout/features criterion rewards hot-swap and QMK/VIA; it does not optimise exclusively for Mac convenience. [47]
Per-criterion medians are combined under the fixed weights. With two assessors, the median is their mean. Apple’s typing estimate is 59.5, build 70, features 57, ergonomics 63 and value 39.5. All panellists omitted latency; GPT also omitted typing and value. The weighted subtotal is 58.54 over 0.98 coverage; dividing gives 59.7347, displayed by the scoring service as 59.7. With release recency (52 for a board 699 days old) its published total is 58.9. Filling latency anywhere from 0 to 100 produces 57.9–59.7 with recency, below fifth at 70.7 throughout [54, 55]. No missing score was invented. [50]
This explicitly replaces the old guide’s stricter editorial sentence that every ranked board had all six criteria scored. The repository’s rank-stability check permits this entry because its missing criterion cannot change its position. Its displayed score remains provisional, and that caveat stays on the short page. [50]
Board
Typing
Build
Features
Ergonomics
Value
Latency
Widest model spread
Keychron Q1 Ultra
83
84
78
43
54
80
8
Ducky Cushion 98
78
70
85
47.5
70
58
20
CHERRY XTRFY MX 8.2 Pro
84
72
72
52
43
82
20
IQUNIX EC75
76
68
64
70
58
80
21
be quiet! Light Mount TKL
72
62
69
73
60
50
18
Apple Magic Keyboard USB-C
59.5
70
57
63
39.5
Unscored
10
These are Refer’s model judgements, not manufacturer or RTINGS measurements. The spread measures disagreement on a criterion; it is not an overall-score confidence interval. It cannot establish that first place is statistically separated from second. [31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 39, 48, 50]
RTINGS’ reviewed Touch ID keyboard is the older Lightning model. Its measured latency, key travel and actuation force have not been transferred to this USB-C entry. [46]
Rubric and weight rationale
Rubric and weight rationale
Typing is weighted 0.34 because feel and sound dominate long coding sessions. Build is 0.22 for a keyboard intended to last. Layout/features is 0.20 for navigation and customisation; ergonomics is 0.12 for desk comfort. Value stays 0.10 at USD MSRP, and latency is 0.02 because gaming response differences are a minor part of writing code. The weights sum to 1.00. [47]
Local ringgit prices and actual availability are separate buying facts; the value score is not a Malaysian landed-cost calculation. Low-profile preference, a need for Touch ID, or local warranty can therefore justify choosing Apple despite its position. [42, 43, 47]
The retained calibration anchors favour the features of customisable mechanical boards. Scissor switches remain eligible. The prompt instructed assessors not to penalise the construction by itself, but a shared prompt cannot prove the resulting scores are free of mechanical preference. The narrow field and unchanged anchors limit any claim that this is the best keyboard for every coder. [47]
What we did not rank, and why
What we did not rank, and why
GIGABYTE AORUS K10 INFINITY remains unranked: the previous panel left typing, build and value unscored. Its partial overall of 69.8 is not a defensible place in this list. Keychron Orca echo remains excluded for missing typing and latency, despite being the catalog’s relevant ergonomic split. XYZ Work Board r2 lacks typing coverage; Mad Catz S.T.R.A.F.E. lacks most of the rubric and a release date. These are evidence gaps, not proof of poor products. [2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 36]
Ducky Cushion 98 is ranked. It was excluded in an earlier draft for a missing ergonomics estimate; the original panel supplied 47.5 and settled that issue. The old exclusion is retained here as history, not as an active rejection. [32, 39]
The original wider shortlist also considered Ducky OK-M 65, CHERRY XTRFY K5 Pro TMR Compact and K63W Pro, Keychron K2 Ultra 8K, IQUNIX EV63, Wallhack K-001 HE, Turtle Beach KB7 and KB5, CORSAIR CLIPPER PRO MINI 60 and SKIFF models, Peak60 HE, Logitech G316 X 98 and MK880, and DrunkDeer A75. They were outside the original panel shortlist; Apple’s addition does not silently re-score or newly reject them.
HHKB/Topre, Realforce, ZSA Moonlander, Kinesis Advantage, Glove80, Wooting, Razer and NuPhy were gaps in the original search or catalog. No new search across those families was performed for this Apple-only addition. We have not established that Apple beats other low-profile alternatives such as Logitech MX Keys; they have not been assessed in this update.
Watchlist, not a comparable panel result
Watchlist, not a comparable panel result
The retained catalog lists Keychron V6 Ultra Hybrid for 1 November 2026, at USD149, with a single-model coding result of 77.0. It has a full-size layout and numpad. That is not a panel score, so it does not establish a position against this table. The launch date is a retained expectation, not a fresh launch confirmation. [1, 13, 14]
What the earlier challenge changed
What the earlier challenge changed
The original outside reviewers independently identified the Ducky’s missing ergonomics problem. It needed above 73.5 to lead under that earlier score set; the panel later supplied 47.5. Substituting the field’s median to demote it would have invented a measurement. [39]
The earlier suggestion to raise the ergonomics weight would have increased Ducky’s renormalised score while reducing its measured coverage. Reweighting cannot supply missing evidence. The anchored second panel improved model agreement, but agreement still does not constitute physical testing. The historical panel and challenge records preserve those earlier runs. [25, 37, 38, 48]
What would change this
What would change this
A verified latency assessment would complete Apple’s score, but could not change its current position by itself. A fresh common panel and a broader low-profile shortlist could change the comparison. [47, 50]
New local listings or changed stock may alter the buying recommendation before any score changes. Long-term evidence for recently catalogued models, better coverage for the excluded split keyboards, and verified ownership sources would also improve the guide. Apple’s ownership label is currently unverified. [20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 45, 48, 49]
Sources & methodology
Check the original context, assessment criteria and dated evidence.
Original research summary
Keychron Q1 Ultra has the highest retained mechanical score, but its last local listing was sold out. Consider Apple’s Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad if you prefer low-profile keys on an Apple-silicon Mac. Apple is sixth under the retained rubric, which rewards customisation; your switch preference and Mac compatibility still matter. [31, 40, 42, 47, 50]
Apple’s white-key USB-C model is listed at RM699 in Malaysia; checkout stock and delivery dates were not verified. The other boards’ availability checks are from 25 August 2026 and must not be read as today’s stock. The scores are model assessments from separate sessions, not hands-on testing or a statistically established order. Since 27 September 2026 each score also includes release recency at 10%, on a two-year keyboard cycle; the newer IQUNIX and be quiet! boards gain most, and the order is unchanged. [43, 48, 50, 51, 53, 54, 55]
How this was scored
The best desktop keyboard for writing code at a desk for hours — judged on how it feels to type on, how well it is built, and whether its layout keeps code navigation under your fingers. Not a gaming ranking.
Build Quality — 19.8% · Case rigidity, plate, keycaps
Layout & Features — 18% · Arrow cluster, function row, navigation keys, hot-swap, QMK/VIA
Ergonomics — 10.8% · Typing angle, wrist strain over long sessions
Value — 9% · Performance per dollar at MSRP
Latency — 1.8% · Wired and wireless response time
Release recency — 10% · Scored by formula, not opinion: min(100, max(0, round(100 × (1 − age_days / 1461)))), age from the date the guide shows to the 2026-09-27 check. Refresh cycle 2 year(s): one cycle old scores 50, two cycles 0; newer scores higher.
Sources & evidence
The records behind this guide, with the dates and limits of each source.
1
Keychron V6 Ultra Hybrid: 77.0 under this rubric (78.7 under the catalog's), 6/6 criteria, MSRP USD 149
ResearchRecorded 2026-08-25
Keychron V6 Ultra Hybrid: 77.0 under this rubric (78.7 under the catalog's), 6/6 criteria, MSRP USD 149
Research record retained on file; no public source link was recorded.
2
Keychron Orca echo: 69.3 under this rubric (65.9 under the catalog's), 4/6 criteria, MSRP USD 149
ResearchRecorded 2026-08-25
Keychron Orca echo: 69.3 under this rubric (65.9 under the catalog's), 4/6 criteria, MSRP USD 149
Research record retained on file; no public source link was recorded.
3
S.T.R.A.F.E.: 65.0 under this rubric (64.8 under the catalog's), 2/6 criteria, no MSRP on file
ResearchRecorded 2026-08-25
S.T.R.A.F.E.: 65.0 under this rubric (64.8 under the catalog's), 2/6 criteria, no MSRP on file
Research record retained on file; no public source link was recorded.
4
XYZ Work Board r2: 62.9 under this rubric (62.3 under the catalog's), 5/6 criteria, MSRP USD 144
ResearchRecorded 2026-08-25
XYZ Work Board r2: 62.9 under this rubric (62.3 under the catalog's), 5/6 criteria, MSRP USD 144
Research record retained on file; no public source link was recorded.
5
Keychron Orca echo was never scored on typing, latency — 36% of this rubric by weight
ResearchRecorded 2026-08-25
Keychron Orca echo was never scored on typing, latency — 36% of this rubric by weight
Research record retained on file; no public source link was recorded.
6
S.T.R.A.F.E. was never scored on typing, build, value, latency — 68% of this rubric by weight
ResearchRecorded 2026-08-25
S.T.R.A.F.E. was never scored on typing, build, value, latency — 68% of this rubric by weight
Research record retained on file; no public source link was recorded.
7
XYZ Work Board r2 was never scored on typing — 34% of this rubric by weight
ResearchRecorded 2026-08-25
XYZ Work Board r2 was never scored on typing — 34% of this rubric by weight
Research record retained on file; no public source link was recorded.
8
Ducky Cushion 98: layout = 98%, switches = Ducky Shush (hot-swappable), mount = Nest Mount
ResearchRecorded 2026-08-25
Ducky Cushion 98: layout = 98%, switches = Ducky Shush (hot-swappable), mount = Nest Mount
Research record retained on file; no public source link was recorded.
Research record retained on file; no public source link was recorded.
20
Ducky Cushion 98 in Malaysia: import; brand distributed here via Sun Cycle Sdn Bhd; nearest local: Ducky…
ResearchRecorded 2026-08-25
Ducky Cushion 98 in Malaysia: import; brand distributed here via Sun Cycle Sdn Bhd; nearest local: Ducky One 3 (full-size RGB) RM529
Research record retained on file; no public source link was recorded.
21
Keychron Q1 Ultra in Malaysia: official; RM979; listed but SOLD OUT; brand distributed here via…
ResearchRecorded 2026-08-25
Keychron Q1 Ultra in Malaysia: official; RM979; listed but SOLD OUT; brand distributed here via keychron.net.my; nearest local: Keychron Q1 Max RM959
Research record retained on file; no public source link was recorded.
22
be quiet! Light Mount TKL in Malaysia: import; brand distributed here via Suncycle Sdn Bhd
ResearchRecorded 2026-08-25
be quiet! Light Mount TKL in Malaysia: import; brand distributed here via Suncycle Sdn Bhd
Research record retained on file; no public source link was recorded.
23
CHERRY XTRFY MX 8.2 Pro TMR Wireless in Malaysia: unknown
ResearchRecorded 2026-08-25
CHERRY XTRFY MX 8.2 Pro TMR Wireless in Malaysia: unknown
Research record retained on file; no public source link was recorded.
24
IQUNIX EC75 in Malaysia: import; brand distributed here via Keybot MY; nearest local: IQUNIX EZ75 (75%…
ResearchRecorded 2026-08-25
IQUNIX EC75 in Malaysia: import; brand distributed here via Keybot MY; nearest local: IQUNIX EZ75 (75% Hall-Effect) RM1,984
Research record retained on file; no public source link was recorded.
25
Raising ergonomics 0.12 to 0.20 RAISES Ducky Cushion 98 from 78.64 to 78.80 and drops its coverage to 0.80…
ResearchRecorded 2026-08-25
Raising ergonomics 0.12 to 0.20 RAISES Ducky Cushion 98 from 78.64 to 78.80 and drops its coverage to 0.80 — renormalisation hands the extra weight to the criteria it did score
Research record retained on file; no public source link was recorded.
26
be quiet! Light Mount TKL released 2026-08-25 — 0 days old at time of writing; announced 2026-06-03
ResearchRecorded 2026-08-25
be quiet! Light Mount TKL released 2026-08-25 — 0 days old at time of writing; announced 2026-06-03
Research record retained on file; no public source link was recorded.
27
Keychron Q1 Ultra released 2026-01-06 — 231 days old at time of writing; announced 2026-01-06
ResearchRecorded 2026-01-06
Keychron Q1 Ultra released 2026-01-06 — 231 days old at time of writing; announced 2026-01-06
Research record retained on file; no public source link was recorded.
28
CHERRY XTRFY MX 8.2 Pro TMR Wireless released 2026-01-29 — 208 days old at time of writing; announced…
ResearchRecorded 2026-01-29
CHERRY XTRFY MX 8.2 Pro TMR Wireless released 2026-01-29 — 208 days old at time of writing; announced 2026-01-05
Research record retained on file; no public source link was recorded.
29
IQUNIX EC75 released 2026-08-15 — 10 days old at time of writing; announced 2026-06-02
ResearchRecorded 2026-08-15
IQUNIX EC75 released 2026-08-15 — 10 days old at time of writing; announced 2026-06-02
Research record retained on file; no public source link was recorded.
30
Ducky Cushion 98 released 2026-06-15 — 71 days old at time of writing; announced 2026-05-19
ResearchRecorded 2026-06-15
Ducky Cushion 98 released 2026-06-15 — 71 days old at time of writing; announced 2026-05-19
Research record retained on file; no public source link was recorded.
GIGABYTE AORUS K10 INFINITY: panel 69.80 (was 83.6 single-model), low confidence, widest disagreement 21 pts — features 67, ergonomics 73, latency 78; panel could not score typing, build, value
Research record retained on file; no public source link was recorded.
37
Calibration anchors cut the panel's level disagreement from 20.6 points to 8.3, and the widest…
ResearchRecorded 2026-08-25
Calibration anchors cut the panel's level disagreement from 20.6 points to 8.3, and the widest per-criterion spread from 48 to 21
Store observation or research material retained on file; the original is not published here.
38
Rank agreement rose from mean Spearman +0.47 to +0.66; worst pair from +0.26 to +0.54, and all three…
ResearchRecorded 2026-08-25
Rank agreement rose from mean Spearman +0.47 to +0.66; worst pair from +0.26 to +0.54, and all three panellists now place the same two boards first and second
Research record retained on file; no public source link was recorded.
39
Ducky Cushion 98 ergonomics = 47.5, scored by the panel after a single model declined twice; it needed…
ResearchRecorded 2026-08-25
Ducky Cushion 98 ergonomics = 47.5, scored by the panel after a single model declined twice; it needed above 73.5 to hold first place
Research record retained on file; no public source link was recorded.
40
Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad (USB-C) added to the catalog: variant=2024 USB-C…
ResearchRecorded 2026-09-14
Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad (USB-C) added to the catalog: variant=2024 USB-C desktop version, white US English keys, MY SKU MXK73ZA/A; not Lightning or iPad Magic Keyboard, layout=Full-size, numeric keypad, document-navigation controls, full-size arrow keys and function row, switches=Low-profile scissor mechanism; no hot-swap or QMK/VIA, construction=Silver aluminium structure; thin low-profile wedge; fixed angle; no backlight
Research record retained on file; no public source link was recorded.
41
Apple USB-C keyboard: full-size arrows, document navigation and numeric keypad; Bluetooth and USB-C…
ResearchRecorded 2026-09-14
Apple USB-C keyboard: full-size arrows, document navigation and numeric keypad; Bluetooth and USB-C charging/pairing; 418.7 x 114.9 x 4.1–10.9 mm; 369 g. Apple claims about one month or more battery life.
Apple specifies a Mac with Apple silicon running macOS 15.1 or later for the USB-C Touch ID model. Do not…
ResearchRecorded 2026-09-14
Apple specifies a Mac with Apple silicon running macOS 15.1 or later for the USB-C Touch ID model. Do not imply Touch ID authentication on Intel Macs, Windows or iPad.
White-key US English USB-C model: USD179 at Apple US and RM699 at Apple Malaysia. Prices are for the…
ResearchRecorded 2026-09-14
White-key US English USB-C model: USD179 at Apple US and RM699 at Apple Malaysia. Prices are for the white-key configuration, not the more expensive black-key variant.
Apple USB-C generation introduced 2024-10-28 and available to order that day; 686 days old on 2026-09-14…
ResearchRecorded 2026-09-14
Apple USB-C generation introduced 2024-10-28 and available to order that day; 686 days old on 2026-09-14 (about 23 months). This is model age, not a long-term test or an exact delivery date.
Apple ownership is labelled US in Refer; underlying brand ownership record dated 2026-04-19 is AI-generated, unverified and has no shareholder source attached. This attribution is not a verified beneficial-ownership audit.
The existing catalog labels Apple US-owned but provides no shareholder source for that attribution. Treat the flag as unverified; it does not establish beneficial ownership.
46
The RTINGS Touch ID/numeric keypad review tests the 2021 Lightning predecessor. Its measured travel, force…
ResearchRecorded 2026-09-14
The RTINGS Touch ID/numeric keypad review tests the 2021 Lightning predecessor. Its measured travel, force and latency are not evidence for the 2024 USB-C unit; no independent latency measurement of that USB-C unit was verified in S13.
Anas agreed to broaden the guide to standalone low-profile/scissor keyboards, retaining typing 0.34, build 0.22, features 0.20, ergonomics 0.12, value 0.10, latency 0.02 (sum 1.00). Only Apple is newly assessed; this is not a comprehensive low-profile survey or a rerun of the five existing boards.
The guide’s scope was broadened at the reader’s request. Criteria and weights were retained before the new candidate was researched.
48
Retained original scores and check dates
ResearchRecorded 2026-09-14
Original five retained scores: Keychron 74.50, Ducky 72.80, CHERRY 71.00, IQUNIX 69.40, be quiet! 67.70. Their model assessments and Malaysian checks are dated 2026-08-25. A per-criterion model spread is disagreement, not a statistical confidence interval or proof that rank gaps are significant.
The original five scores and Malaysian availability records were re-read without re-scoring or a fresh stock survey. Model disagreement is not a statistical confidence interval.
49
Model ages on 14 September 2026
CalculationRecorded 2026-09-14
Ages on 2026-09-14 calculated from the retained catalog release dates: be quiet! Light Mount TKL: 2026-08-25, 20 days; CHERRY XTRFY MX 8.2 Pro TMR Wireless: 2026-01-29, 228 days; Ducky Cushion 98: 2026-06-15, 91 days; IQUNIX EC75: 2026-08-15, 30 days; Keychron Q1 Ultra: 2026-01-06, 251 days. These dates are existing catalog data, not re-verified launch claims in S13.
Calendar-day differences from retained catalog release dates. Model age does not measure reliability.
50
Apple panel scores and missing-latency bound
CalculationRecorded 2026-09-14
Apple panel: typing 59.5 (Claude 55, Grok 64); build 70 (Claude 70, GPT 65, Grok 70); features 57 (57, 50, 60); ergonomics 63 (58, 65, 63); value 39.5 (Claude 37, Grok 42). GPT omitted typing/value and all omitted latency. Weighted subtotal 58.54, coverage 0.98, renormalised overall 59.7; if latency were 0–100 the full-rubric result is 58.54–60.54, always below fifth at 67.7. Maximum criterion spread 10; agreement is not validation of accuracy. Three calls: Claude Opus 5, GPT-6 Astra via ask-codex, Grok via CLI; separate from the original panel.
Our model estimates, not physical tests. Typing and value combine two panellists; build, features and ergonomics combine three. All omitted latency. The weighted subtotal is divided by measured coverage for display; the completion interval keeps the omitted weight instead. The existing five were assessed in a different session.
51
Apple Malaysia: listed at RM699, stock unverified
OfficialRecorded 2026-09-14
The official white-key US English USB-C listing shows RM699 and an Add to Bag button. Checkout inventory and delivery estimates were not verified.
An official listing establishes the advertised price and channel, not stock for a particular delivery address.
Retained catalog USD MSRP baseline: Keychron Q1 Ultra 229.99, Ducky Cushion 98 149, CHERRY XTRFY MX 8.2 Pro 249.99, IQUNIX EC75 179.99, be quiet! Light Mount TKL 139.9. Re-read on 2026-09-14; these are retained catalog MSRP values, not current retail offers or landed Malaysian prices.
Historical catalog price inputs retained for comparison. They have not been refreshed as current retail offers.
53
Recency refresh cycle: 2 year(s). Keyboard lines are refreshed about every two years; no single cadence is…
ResearchRecorded 2026-09-27
Recency refresh cycle: 2 year(s). Keyboard lines are refreshed about every two years; no single cadence is documented across these brands, so this is an editorial choice.
Research record retained on file; no public source link was recorded.
Recency scores, max(0, round(100 × (1 − age_days / (2 × cycle_days)))) at 2026-09-27: Keychron Q1 Ultra 264 days → 82 (refer catalog release date, as the page shows); Ducky Cushion 98 104 days → 93 (refer catalog release date, as the page shows); CHERRY XTRFY MX 8.2 Pro TMR Wireless 241 days → 84 (refer catalog release date, as the page shows); IQUNIX EC75 43 days → 97 (refer catalog release date, as the page shows); be quiet! Light Mount TKL 33 days → 98 (refer catalog release date, as the page shows); Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad (USB-C) 699 days → 52 (refer catalog release date, as the page shows).
Calculated from the recorded inputs. This is not a separately observed market price.
55
Totals with recency, recomputed from the unrounded pre-recency totals (0.9 × total + 0.1 × recency; an…
CalculationRecorded 2026-09-27
Totals with recency, recomputed from the unrounded pre-recency totals (0.9 × total + 0.1 × recency; an entry missing a criterion is renormalised over the weight actually scored), in order: 1 Keychron Q1 Ultra 74.460 → 75.214 (75.2); 2 Ducky Cushion 98 72.780 → 74.802 (74.8); 3 CHERRY XTRFY MX 8.2 Pro TMR Wireless 70.980 → 72.282 (72.3); 4 IQUNIX EC75 69.400 → 72.160 (72.2); 5 be quiet! Light Mount TKL 67.680 → 70.712 (70.7); 6 Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad (USB-C) 59.735 → 58.947 (58.9) (renormalised over scored weight 0.982). The earlier totals row blended the one-decimal published totals; every displayed score and position is unchanged. Entries whose totals round to the same one-decimal score share a rank. No stock-based tie-break.
Calculated from the recorded inputs. This is not a separately observed market price.