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Compare Redragon HORUS K618 vs Keychron K17 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a value-oriented and a enthusiast-focused low-profile wireless mechanical keyboard. The Redragon HORUS K618 offers a full-size layout and a lower price point, while the Keychron K17 Max provides extensive programmability, a more compact 96% form factor, and higher-grade materials. The decision hinges on how much you prioritize customization potential, build quality, and layout size versus initial cost.

HORUS K618 Ultra-slim Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
88
Keychron K17 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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0.0 (0)
4.5 (2)
  • Released in 2021
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear switch options
  • Available in a 100% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a Bottom Mount mounting style
  • Equipped with a 1900 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 725 g
  • Sized at 17 x 437 x 147 mm
  • Made with a Plastic case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Supports hot-swappable switches
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Built with the ISO, ANSI layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Compatible with both Mac and Windows
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a PCB Mount mounting style
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Equipped with a 2000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 750 g
  • Sized at 27 x 119 x 387 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Aluminum case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 71.8
  • Build Quality: 43.6
  • Productivity: 48.7
  • Customizability: 44.4
  • Portability: 47.4
Scores
  • Performance: 83.8
  • Build Quality: 81.8
  • Productivity: 93.2
  • Customizability: 93
  • Portability: 54.7
Name
Redragon HORUS K618
Name
Keychron K17 Max
Release year
2021
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Profile
Low Profile
Profile
Low Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
100%
Layout Size
96%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO, ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
1900 mAh
Battery capacity
2000 mAh
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Bottom Mount
Mount Style
PCB Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, North-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic
Case Material
ABS, Aluminum
Keycaps Material
-
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
17 x 437 x 147 mm
Dimensions
27 x 119 x 387 mm
Weight
725g
Weight
750g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your budget and priorities for customization define this choice. If you want a straightforward, full-size wireless keyboard at a lower cost and can forgo premium materials and deep programmability, the Redragon HORUS K618 is a practical pick. If you are willing to invest more for a compact layout, hot-swappable switches, PBT keycaps, and the extensive customization offered by QMK/VIA firmware, the Keychron K17 Max is the clear winner for a long-term, enthusiast-grade setup.

Redragon HORUS K618

  • +Lower cost option for a full-size, low-profile mechanical keyboard.
  • +Includes 4x5 on-the-fly macro keys and dedicated media controls per its product page.
  • +Claims support for connecting to five devices simultaneously via three Bluetooth channels, 2.4GHz, and wired modes.
  • +Full 100% layout with a number pad.
  • +Vendor description mentions a 30-hour battery life from its 1900mAh battery.
  • −Case material is plastic, lacking the aluminum frame option of the K17 Max.
  • −Uses a bottom mount style, which is generally less favored for typing feel than other mounts.
  • −Keycap material is not specified, and it lacks the confirmed PBT construction of the K17 Max.
  • −Does not list support for open-source firmware like QMK or VIA, relying on proprietary software.

Keychron K17 Max

  • +Offers a hot-swappable version for easy switch customization without soldering.
  • +Supports QMK and VIA open-source firmware for extensive key remapping and macro programming.
  • +Built with an aluminum frame and ABS case, and includes double-shot PBT keycaps.
  • +Product description specifies sound dampening with IXPE acoustic foam and latex foam.
  • +Lists a 1000 Hz polling rate for its 2.4GHz and wired connection modes.
  • −Priced higher than the Redragon HORUS K618.
  • −96% layout omits some navigation keys, which may require adjustment from a full-size user.
  • −The vendor page states the hot-swappable version is only compatible with specific Gateron or Keychron low-profile mechanical switches.
  • −Battery life in hours is not explicitly stated in the provided description, unlike the HORUS K618.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron K17 Max is the stronger choice for most specialized uses, particularly programming, modding, and office environments where customization, quieter typing, and durable PBT keycaps are valued. It also holds an edge for gaming due to its specified high polling rate. The Redragon HORUS K618 remains a contender for content creation thanks to its dedicated macro keys, and it serves as a cost-effective full-size option. For travel, the K17 Max's more compact footprint gives it a slight advantage, though both share similar wireless features.

GamingKeychron K17 Max
  • •The Keychron K17 Max lists a 1000 Hz polling rate in its 2.4GHz and wired modes, which the Redragon's specifications do not mention.
  • •Keychron's product description mentions a powerful ARM MCU for low latency, a detail not provided for the HORUS K618.
  • •Both offer N-key rollover and multi-mode wireless connectivity.
OfficeKeychron K17 Max
  • •The Keychron K17 Max includes PBT keycaps, which are more durable and resistant to shine than the unspecified keycap material on the HORUS K618.
  • •Keychron's listing specifies sound dampening with IXPE and latex foam for quieter typing, while the Redragon's description does not mention acoustic treatment.
  • •Both support Mac and Windows, and offer low-profile switches suitable for extended typing.
ProgrammingKeychron K17 Max
  • •The Keychron K17 Max supports QMK and VIA firmware for deep, open-source key remapping and macro programming.
  • •Its 96% layout saves desk space while retaining a dedicated number pad, unlike the HORUS K618's full 100% size.
  • •Keychron's product page mentions a dedicated software web app (Keychron Launcher) for customization.
TravelKeychron K17 Max
  • •The Keychron K17 Max has a more compact 96% layout (387mm wide) compared to the HORUS K618's full-size 437mm width.
  • •Both are similar in weight (750g vs 725g) and offer tri-mode wireless connectivity.
  • •The K17 Max has a slightly larger 2000mAh battery versus the HORUS K618's 1900mAh battery.
ModdingKeychron K17 Max
  • •The Keychron K17 Max offers a hot-swappable version, allowing switch changes without soldering.
  • •It features a PCB mount style and an aluminum frame construction, which are preferred modding platforms over the HORUS K618's plastic case and bottom mount.
  • •Keychron's compatibility with QMK/VIA offers extensive firmware customization, which the Redragon's proprietary software does not match.
Content CreationTie
  • •The HORUS K618 has dedicated media control keys and 4x5 on-the-fly macro keys, as stated in its vendor description.
  • •The Keychron K17 Max lists 12 multimedia keys and supports extensive macros through QMK/VIA.
  • •Both offer RGB backlighting and multi-device connectivity for switching between workstations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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