A technique relates to quantum error correction. Code qubits are configured as target qubits, and the code qubits have a first dephasing time and a first anharmonicity. Syndrome qubits are configured as control qubits, and the syndrome qubits have a second dephasing time and a second anharmonicity. The target qubits and the control qubits are configured to form one or more controlled not (CNOT) gates. The first dephasing time is greater than the second dephasing time and the second anharmonicity is greater than the first anharmonicity.