Redragon EISA K686 Pro SE vs MAX: Anime Design vs Mac Support

Compare Redragon EISA K686 Pro SE vs EISA MAX K686 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two very similar 98-key mechanical keyboards from Redragon. Both share a gasket mount, tri-mode connectivity, and extensive sound dampening, making the choice difficult. The decision ultimately hinges on aesthetic preference for themed keycaps versus a more utilitarian feature set with cross-platform support.

Model
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Sized at 60 x 430 x 60 mm	Compatible with both Mac and Windows Sized at 90 x 430 x 90 mm
Score	Scores Performance: 67.7 Build Quality: 65.3 Productivity: 71.5 Customizability: 62.1 Portability: 49.3	Scores Performance: 66.4 Build Quality: 64 Productivity: 84.1 Customizability: 68 Portability: 51.8
Name	Name Redragon EISA K686 Pro SE	Name Redragon EISA MAX K686
Release year	Release year 2024	Release year 2024
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear	Switch Options Linear
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 90%	Layout Size 90%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity -
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Gasket Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb	Backlight Rgb
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Plastic	Case Material Plastic
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 60 x 430 x 60 mm	Dimensions 90 x 430 x 90 mm
Weight	Weight 1200g	Weight 1200g

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0.0 stars (0 reviews)

Sized at 60 x 430 x 60 mm

Compatible with both Mac and Windows
Sized at 90 x 430 x 90 mm

Scores

Performance: 67.7
Build Quality: 65.3
Productivity: 71.5
Customizability: 62.1
Portability: 49.3

Scores

Performance: 66.4
Build Quality: 64
Productivity: 84.1
Customizability: 68
Portability: 51.8

Name

Redragon EISA K686 Pro SE

Name

Redragon EISA MAX K686

Release year

2024

Release year

2024

Switch Options

Linear

Switch Options

Linear

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

90%

Layout Size

90%

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

USB passthrough

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Polling Rate

Battery capacity

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb

Backlight

Rgb

Case Colors

Case Material

Plastic

Case Material

Plastic

Keycaps Material

PBT

Keycaps Material

PBT

Dimensions

60 x 430 x 60 mm

Dimensions

90 x 430 x 90 mm

Weight

1200g

Weight

1200g

Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice between these two Redragon keyboards is straightforward. If you need seamless switching between macOS and Windows, the EISA MAX K686 is the clear pick with its dedicated button and ergonomic keycaps. If you prefer a themed aesthetic with anime artwork and a slightly lower profile, the EISA K686 Pro SE is the better option, as core performance and modding features are otherwise identical.

Redragon EISA K686 Pro SE

+Features anime-themed, dye-sublimated PBT keycaps with character art.
+Slightly slimmer case design (60mm height) compared to the MAX model.
+Includes the same comprehensive five-layer sound dampening package.
+Comes with a full accessory kit including pullers and spare switches.

−Lacks the dedicated Mac/Win system switching button found on the MAX.
−Keycap profile is not specifically highlighted for ergonomics like the MAX's round caps.
−The anime aesthetic may not suit all professional or minimalist setups.

Redragon EISA MAX K686

+Includes a dedicated side button for switching between Windows and Mac systems.
+Uses MOA profile round PBT keycaps, which the vendor states offer better finger positioning.
+Shares the same robust feature set (gasket mount, hot-swap, tri-mode) at a potentially lower price point.
+Also includes the full five-layer sound dampening package.

−Has a taller case profile (90mm height) than the Pro SE model.
−Does not feature the themed, anime-inspired keycap design.
−Vendor reviews are fewer in number compared to the Pro SE model.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The EISA MAX K686 holds a clear advantage for office use due to its Mac/Win switch and ergonomic keycap profile. For travel, the Pro SE's slimmer dimensions give it a slight edge. In all other categories, including gaming, programming, modding, and content creation, the keyboards are functionally identical, making the choice one of aesthetics and that one specific productivity feature.

GamingTie

•Both offer identical 98-key layouts with a dedicated control knob.
•Both feature tri-mode connectivity (wired, 2.4GHz, Bluetooth) for flexible setup.
•Both are equipped with hot-swappable sockets for switch customization.

OfficeRedragon EISA MAX K686

•The EISA MAX K686 includes a dedicated Mac/Win switching button, according to its product page.
•Its vendor description highlights MOA profile round PBT keycaps designed for better finger positioning.
•Both share the same quiet, linear switch type and multi-layer sound dampening.

ProgrammingTie

•Both provide the full 98-key layout with a numpad for efficient data entry.
•Both support software for macro programming, as stated by the manufacturer.
•Hot-swappable sockets allow for switch changes to suit typing preference.

TravelRedragon EISA K686 Pro SE

•The EISA K686 Pro SE has a slightly slimmer profile (60mm height vs 90mm for the MAX).
•Both share the same weight (1200g) and wireless capabilities.
•The compact 96% layout is shared by both models.

ModdingTie

•Both keyboards feature a gasket mount design and hot-swappable sockets compatible with 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
•Both come pre-installed with multiple sound-dampening foams (PO foam, IXPE switch foam, PET pad, socket foam, silicone pad).
•Each includes a keycap and switch puller with four spare switches in the box.

Content CreationTie

•Both include a dedicated control knob for media playback and volume adjustment.
•Software support for macros and lighting effects is listed for both models.
•The shared 98-key layout provides quick access to function keys and a numpad.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)