Redragon HORUS K618 vs Keychron K1 MaxFull-Size vs TKL Low-Profile
Choose the Keychron K1 Max for premium build and customization, or the Redragon HORUS K618 for a full-size layout on a tighter budget.
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No reviews
from$64at Redragon
3.3 (16)3.3 · 16 reviews
from$89at Keychron
Down 42% this monthDown 42% this month
Which one should you get?
Get the
Redragon HORUS K618
Full-Size
Build quality in the bottom 10% of 100% boards under $100.
- Full-size 100% layout with a dedicated numpad.
- Includes 4x5 on-the-fly macro keys and dedicated media controls.
- Can connect to up to five devices via tri-mode connectivity.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
Get the
Keychron K1 Max
TKL Low-Profile
Build quality in the top 10% of 80% boards under $100.
- Hot-swappable PCB supports easy switch changes with Gateron low-profile switches.
- Extensive customization via open-source QMK and VIA firmware support.
- Build features an aluminum frame, PBT keycaps, and IXPE/latex sound-dampening foam.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- No numpad.
If your budget is limited and you require a full-size keyboard with macro keys, the Redragon HORUS K618 delivers core low-profile features. For all other users, especially those who value build quality, typing customization, and a compact form factor, the Keychron K1 Max is worth the higher investment. Its hot-swap capability, premium materials, and software support make it a more future-proof and enjoyable typing instrument.
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 HORUS K618
Keychron K1 Max
Layout size
100%
80%
Hot-swappable
No
Yes
Switch changes without soldering
Battery
1,900 mAh
4,000 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Case material
Plastic
ABS, Aluminum, Plastic
Mount style
Bottom Mount
PCB Mount, Plate Mount
- Redragon HORUS K618
- Keychron K1 Max
- Performance
- 7282
- Build quality
- 4382
- Productivity
- 4990
- Customizability
- 4489
- Portability
- 4873
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Low profile
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
What will you mostly use it for?
The Keychron K1 Max is the clear choice for programming, travel, and modding due to its compact TKL layout, extensive firmware support, and hot-swap capability. The Redragon HORUS K618 wins for office use and content creation where a full-size layout with a numpad and macro keys is non-negotiable. For gaming, the K1 Max's specified high polling rate and sound-dampened build give it an edge, though the HORUS offers dedicated macro keys.
Pick the Keychron K1 Max
- The Keychron K1 Max lists a 1000 Hz polling rate for its 2.4GHz and wired modes, which can benefit responsiveness.
- Its listed sound dampening with IXPE and latex foam may provide a more consistent, less hollow typing sound.
- The Redragon HORUS K618 offers dedicated macro keys, but its vendor description does not specify a polling rate.
Redragon HORUS K618 vs Keychron K1 Max specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
15 of 26 specs differ
Redragon HORUS K618
Keychron K1 Max
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Redragon HORUS K618
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Keychron K1 Max
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic
Out of stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK
Out of stockDoes not ship to you
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Redragon HORUS K618 vs Keychron K1 Max: your questions
The Keychron K1 Max has a larger 4000mAh battery compared to the Redragon HORUS K618's 1900mAh battery. However, the Redragon vendor page claims a 30-hour battery life. Actual runtime will depend on usage patterns like RGB brightness and connection mode.
No. The Redragon HORUS K618 is not listed as hot-swappable. Its switches are soldered to the PCB, so changing them would require desoldering and soldering new switches, a more advanced modification.
According to Keychron, the K1 Max is currently compatible with Gateron and Keychron low-profile mechanical switches only. The manufacturer notes that QMK firmware does not support low-profile optical switches for this model.
Yes. The Keychron K1 Max listing states it offers Mac layout compatibility and includes keycaps for both macOS and Windows. It also features a mode switch to toggle between operating systems.
The Keychron K1 Max is more portable. It has a compact TKL (80%) layout measuring 346mm wide and weighs 608g. The Redragon HORUS K618 is a full-size keyboard measuring 437mm wide and weighs 725g.
Yes, both the Redragon HORUS K618 and the Keychron K1 Max feature RGB backlighting. The Keychron listing mentions over 22 RGB backlight settings and a static white option.
The Keychron K1 Max product listing specifies a 1000 Hz polling rate when using the 2.4GHz wireless connection or the wired USB-C mode. The polling rate in Bluetooth mode is listed as 90 Hz.
Yes, the Redragon vendor description mentions 'Pro Software Customizable' for the HORUS K618, allowing for RGB backlighting control, key remapping, and macro keybindings.
The Keychron K1 Max has a more premium build based on its specifications. It uses an aluminum frame, PBT keycaps, and includes internal sound-dampening foams (IXPE and latex). The Redragon HORUS K618 uses a plastic case.
Yes, extensively. The Keychron K1 Max supports QMK and VIA firmware, which are open-source tools that allow for deep customization, including complex macro programming, layer creation, and key remapping directly through a web app.
The Redragon HORUS K618 is the better choice if a number pad is essential. It is a full-size 100% layout keyboard with a dedicated numpad. The Keychron K1 Max is a Tenkeyless (TKL) layout and does not include a numpad.
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