Redragon HORUS K618 vs Keychron K17 MaxBudget vs Customizable
Choose the Keychron K17 Max for deep customization and premium build, or the Redragon HORUS K618 for a lower-cost, full-size layout with basic features.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Redragon HORUS K618
Budget
- 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.
- 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.
Get the
Keychron K17 Max
Customizable
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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 K17 Max
Layout size
100%
96%
Hot-swappable
No
Yes
Battery
1,900 mAh
2,000 mAh
Case material
Plastic
ABS, Aluminum
Mount style
Bottom Mount
PCB Mount
- Redragon HORUS K618
- Keychron K17 Max
- Performance
- 7283
- Build quality
- 4481
- Productivity
- 4893
- Customizability
- 4491
- Portability
- 4853
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Low profile
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
What will you mostly use it for?
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.
Pick the Keychron 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.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Redragon HORUS K618
No owner reviews collected yet.
Keychron K17 Max
4 owner reviews
“Wish it was metal but i do love the low profile keyboard”
Redragon HORUS K618 vs Keychron K17 Max specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
16 of 26 specs differ
Redragon HORUS K618
Keychron K17 Max
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Redragon HORUS K618 vs Keychron K17 Max: your questions
The Keychron K17 Max is likely better for quiet office typing. Its product description explicitly mentions including IXPE acoustic foam and latex foam for sound dampening, which the Redragon HORUS K618's listing does not reference. Additionally, the K17 Max uses PBT keycaps, which can contribute to a more muted sound profile compared to unspecified keycap materials.
The Redragon HORUS K618 is listed as a pre-built keyboard without a hot-swappable option in its metadata or description. This suggests switch changes would require soldering. In contrast, the Keychron K17 Max offers a specific hot-swappable version designed for easy switch replacement.
Yes, the Keychron K17 Max is listed with Mac/Win support. Its vendor description states it offers a Mac layout with matching multimedia and function keys, and you can configure keymaps for both Mac and Windows using the Keychron Launcher software.
The Redragon HORUS K618's vendor page claims a 30-hour battery life from its 1900mAh battery. The Keychron K17 Max has a slightly larger 2000mAh battery, but its product description does not provide a specific battery life estimate in hours, making a direct runtime comparison difficult.
The Keychron K17 Max has attributes beneficial for gaming. Its specifications list a 1000 Hz polling rate for 2.4GHz and wired modes, and the product description mentions a powerful ARM MCU for low latency. The Redragon HORUS K618 does not specify its polling rate in the provided information.
The Redragon HORUS K618 is a full-size (100%) keyboard with a standard layout including a full number pad. The Keychron K17 Max uses a 96% layout, which condenses the navigation cluster and removes some gaps to save space while still including a number pad.
Yes, the Keychron K17 Max supports QMK and VIA firmware, which allow for deep customization. This includes remapping any key, creating complex macros, and programming layers. The Redragon HORUS K618 uses proprietary software, which may offer remapping but likely with less flexibility than open-source QMK/VIA.
The Keychron K17 Max is more compact, with dimensions of 387mm in width compared to the Redragon HORUS K618's 437mm width. Both have similar weights and tri-mode wireless, but the K17 Max's smaller 96% footprint makes it easier to fit in a bag.
Yes, both the Redragon HORUS K618 and the Keychron K17 Max feature RGB backlighting. The Keychron's description notes over 22 RGB backlight settings and also offers a white-backlight-only version.
The Keychron K17 Max comes with low-profile, double-shot PBT keycaps. PBT plastic is known for its durability and resistance to shine over time. The material of the Redragon HORUS K618's keycaps is not specified in the provided information.
The Redragon HORUS K618 vendor description states it can connect to five devices, supporting three Bluetooth connections, one 2.4GHz connection, and a wired connection. The Keychron K17 Max description mentions connecting via Bluetooth 5.1 to three devices, plus a 2.4GHz and wired connection.
Not sold on either?
Still torn?
Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.