Coldcard Q
Coldcard with a full QWERTY keyboard, QR scanner, dual SD and battery. The power-user’s air-gapped signer.
Overview
The Coldcard Q is Coinkite's power-user flagship — everything the Mk4 does, plus the hardware that makes advanced Bitcoin custody far more comfortable. It adds a full QWERTY keyboard, a built-in QR scanner and larger display for camera-based air-gapped workflows, dual microSD slots, and a rechargeable battery. If the Mk4's keypad-and-tiny-screen experience put you off, the Q is the answer while keeping the same paranoid, Bitcoin-only philosophy.
It's designed around air-gapped operation: you can sign transactions entirely via QR codes or microSD, never connecting to a computer. The QWERTY keyboard makes entering long passphrases and BIP-39 words genuinely practical, which matters a lot for multisig setups. It keeps the Coldcard hallmarks — dual secure elements, open-source firmware, duress/trick PINs, strong multisig support, and BIP-85.
The trade-offs are cost and scope. It's noticeably more expensive than the Mk4, and it remains Bitcoin-only. It's also still a device aimed at people who want deep control; casual users holding a modest amount may be over-served and would be happier with something simpler like a BitBox02 or Trezor. But for multisig practitioners and QR-air-gap enthusiasts who want a real keyboard and screen, the Q is the most capable option Coinkite makes.
Key features
- Full QWERTY keyboard for passphrases, seed words, and multisig
- Built-in QR scanner plus larger screen for camera-based air-gap
- Dual microSD slots and a rechargeable battery
- Dual secure elements and open-source Bitcoin-only firmware
- Duress/trick PINs and strong multisig + BIP-85 support
- USB-C available alongside fully air-gapped modes
- Built by Coinkite for serious self-custodians
Specs
- connection QR + microSD + USB-C
- open Source Yes
- secure Element Yes
- bitcoin Only Yes
Who it’s for
Multisig power users who want QR air-gap and a real keyboard.
Watch: hands-on videos
Coldcard Q: frequently asked questions
Why choose the Coldcard Q over the Mk4?
For the QWERTY keyboard, QR scanner, bigger screen, dual SD slots, and battery. These make air-gapped and multisig workflows much more comfortable, at a higher price.
Is it fully air-gapped?
It can be. You can sign via QR codes or microSD and never plug it into a computer, though USB-C is available if you want it.
Does it support altcoins?
No. Like all Coldcards it is Bitcoin-only by design.
Is the Q overkill for a beginner with a small stack?
Often yes. Its strengths are multisig, passphrases, and deep control. A casual holder may be better served by a simpler wallet like a BitBox02 or Trezor Safe 3.
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