Redragon EISA MAX K686 vs HORUS K618Gasket vs Low-Profile
Choose the EISA MAX K686 for a premium typing experience and modding, or the HORUS K618 for a slim, full-size layout with dedicated macro keys.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Redragon EISA MAX K686
Gasket
- 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.
Get the
Redragon HORUS K618
Low-Profile
Build quality in the bottom 10% of 100% boards under $100.
- 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.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
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.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Redragon EISA MAX K686
Redragon HORUS K618
Layout size
90%
100%
Hot-swappable
Yes
No
Switch changes without soldering
Low profile
No
Yes
Switch options
Linear
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Mount style
Gasket Mount
Bottom Mount
- Redragon EISA MAX K686
- Redragon HORUS K618
- Performance
- 6672
- Build quality
- 6343
- Productivity
- 8349
- Customizability
- 6744
- Portability
- 5248
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Case material: Plastic
What will you mostly use it for?
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.
Pick the Redragon 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.
Redragon EISA MAX K686 vs HORUS K618 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
12 of 21 specs differ
Redragon EISA MAX K686
Redragon HORUS K618
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Connection
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Redragon EISA MAX K686 vs HORUS K618: your questions
The EISA MAX K686 is likely quieter for an office. Its vendor description highlights five sound-absorbing pads, including PO foam and a silicone bottom pad, designed to reduce hollow noise. The HORUS K618's description does not mention specific sound-dampening features.
The vendor description for the HORUS K618 does not mention a hot-swappable socket. It is listed as a pre-built keyboard. The EISA MAX K686, however, is explicitly described as having a hot-swap socket that is nearly all switches compatible.
The HORUS K618 has a built-in 1900mAh battery, which its vendor page states provides up to 30 hours of use. The EISA MAX K686's specifications and description do not list a battery capacity or estimated wireless runtime.
Yes, both keyboards offer Mac and Windows support. The EISA MAX K686 has a side button for system switching. The HORUS K618 also mentions a one-touch Win/Mac switch button and Mac function keys on the keyboard.
The EISA MAX K686 uses a gasket mount, where the plate is suspended by silicone gaskets for a softer, more cushioned typing feel and reduced case noise. The HORUS K618 uses a bottom mount, a more traditional method where the plate is fixed directly to the bottom case, typically resulting in a firmer feel.
The EISA MAX K686 includes more accessories: a detachable USB-C cable, a nano receiver, a keycap and switch puller, four spare switches, a sticker, and a user manual. The HORUS K618 package includes just the keyboard, a detachable USB-C cable, and a user manual.
No, the EISA MAX K686 is a 96% or 98-key layout. It retains the numpad and navigation keys but reduces the size by 6% compared to a full 100% layout by compacting the spacing. The HORUS K618 is a full 104-key 100% size keyboard.
The EISA MAX K686 uses PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) keycaps. The vendor description states they are wear-resistant with an MOA/DSA round profile. The keycap material for the HORUS K618 is not specified in the provided information.
Yes, according to its vendor description, the HORUS K618 has 4x5 on-the-fly macro keys, meaning you can record frequently used macros directly on the keyboard without needing software.
The EISA MAX K686 is significantly heavier and more substantial, weighing 1200g (1.2 kg). The HORUS K618 is much lighter at 725g, due to its low-profile, ultra-slim design.
Yes, both the Redragon EISA MAX K686 and the HORUS K618 feature RGB backlighting. Both are also listed as supporting customizable software for lighting effects.
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