Compare Redragon EISA MAX K686 vs HORUS K618 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two Redragon keyboards at a similar price point. The EISA MAX K686 offers a gasket-mounted, 98-key layout focused on sound and feel, while the HORUS K618 is a 100% low-profile board prioritizing a slim form factor and extra macro keys. The decision hinges on whether you value a cushioned, mod-friendly typing experience or a sleek, full-featured desktop keyboard.

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Main differences	Released in 2024 Has Linear switch options Supports hot-swappable switches Available in a 90% layout Comes with a knob Compatible with both Mac and Windows Has built-in sound dampening Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style Weighs about 1200 g Sized at 90 x 430 x 90 mm Features PBT keycaps	Released in 2021 Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear switch options Features a low-profile design Available in a 100% layout Features N-key rollover Uses a Bottom Mount mounting style Equipped with a 1900 mAh battery Weighs about 725 g Sized at 17 x 437 x 147 mm
Score	Scores Performance: 66 Build Quality: 63.7 Productivity: 84 Customizability: 68 Portability: 51.9	Scores Performance: 71.7 Build Quality: 43.5 Productivity: 48.7 Customizability: 44.4 Portability: 47.5
Name	Name Redragon EISA MAX K686	Name Redragon HORUS K618
Release year	Release year 2024	Release year 2021
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear	Switch Options Clicky, Tactile, Linear
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Low Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 90%	Layout Size 100%
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 1900 mAh
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 Bottom 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 -
Dimensions	Dimensions 90 x 430 x 90 mm	Dimensions 17 x 437 x 147 mm
Weight	Weight 1200g	Weight 725g

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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you want a deeply customizable, acoustically tuned typing experience and are willing to trade portability for it, the EISA MAX K686 is the clear option. If you need a full-size keyboard with macro keys, a sleek low-profile design for easy transport, and immediate switch variety, the HORUS K618 is the better fit.

Redragon EISA MAX K686

+Gasket mount design with silicone gaskets for a softer, more consistent typing feel.
+Includes five layers of sound-dampening material (PO foam, IXPE foam, PET pad, socket foam, silicone pad).
+Hot-swappable PCB supports both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches.
+Comes with a keycap & switch puller and four spare switches.
+Features a dedicated control knob for media and backlight adjustment.

−Heavier at 1200g, making it less portable.
−Only available with linear Mint Mambo switches out of the box.
−Does not include a built-in battery for wireless use.

Redragon HORUS K618

+Ultra-slim low-profile design with a height of 17mm.
+Offers a choice of low-profile linear, tactile, or clicky switch types.
+Includes five dedicated on-the-fly macro keys and dedicated media controls.
+Can connect and switch between up to five devices via Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired modes.
+Lighter weight of 725g and includes a 1900mAh rechargeable battery.

−Uses a standard bottom mount construction, not a gasket mount.
−The vendor description does not mention hot-swappable sockets.
−Package includes fewer accessories (keyboard, cable, manual only).
−Vendor description does not specify keycap material.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The EISA MAX K686 wins for programming and modding due to its compact layout, hot-swap capability, and extensive sound-dampening construction. The HORUS K618 is better for travel and content creation, thanks to its lighter weight, slim profile, and dedicated macro/media keys. For gaming and office use, the choice depends on preference for macro keys versus a premium typing feel, leading to a split decision.

GamingRedragon HORUS K618

•The HORUS K618 offers a choice of linear, tactile, or clicky low-profile switches.
•It includes five dedicated on-the-fly macro keys for game commands.
•Its low-profile design may allow for faster key actuation, as noted in the vendor description.

OfficeTie

•Both support tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired) for multiple devices.
•The EISA MAX K686 has a knob for media control and quieter, dampened acoustics.
•The HORUS K618 has a full 104-key layout with a dedicated numpad and a low-profile design that may suit shared spaces.

ProgrammingRedragon EISA MAX K686

•The EISA MAX K686's 98-key layout saves desk space while retaining essential navigation keys.
•Its hot-swappable socket allows for easy switch replacement to preferred typing feels.
•The included PBT keycaps are wear-resistant for long-term use.

TravelRedragon HORUS K618

•The HORUS K618 is significantly lighter at 725g versus 1200g.
•Its ultra-slim, low-profile design at 17mm height is more packable.
•It has a built-in 1900mAh battery for wireless use.

ModdingRedragon EISA MAX K686

•The EISA MAX K686 is hot-swappable and compatible with 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
•It features a gasket mount design for a softer typing feel.
•It includes multiple sound-dampening foams (PO foam, IXPE switch foam, PET pad, socket foam, silicone pad) for acoustic customization.

Content CreationRedragon HORUS K618

•The HORUS K618 has dedicated media control keys and a full set of function keys.
•Its five macro keys can be assigned to shortcuts for editing software.
•The ability to connect to five devices simultaneously aids in multi-device workflows.