Redragon HORUS K618 vs Keychron K5 Max
Choose the Keychron K5 Max for hot-swap switches and QMK, or the Redragon HORUS K618 for its dedicated macro keys and five-device switching.
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No reviews
from$64at Redragon
4.1 (16)4.1 · 16 reviews
from$94at Keychron
Which one should you get?
Get the
Redragon HORUS K618
Build quality in the bottom 10% of 100% boards under $100.
- Three connection modes: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and USB-C wired.
- Redragon describes switching among five device connections.
- Dedicated media controls and on-the-fly macro keys.
- 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 K5 Max
Hot-swappable
Build quality in the top 15% of 100% boards under $100.
- Hot-swappable version supports compatible low-profile Gateron or Keychron mechanical switches.
- QMK support and Keychron Launcher provide key remapping and macro customization.
- Offers ANSI and ISO layout variants, including ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, and ISO-UK.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
Choose the Keychron K5 Max if you want switch hot-swap capability, QMK key remapping, or ISO layout choices. Pick the Redragon HORUS K618 if dedicated macro keys and five-device switching matter more than solder-free switch changes. Both provide full-size, low-profile designs with wired and wireless connection options.
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 K5 Max
Hot-swappable
No
Yes
Switch changes without soldering
Battery
1,900 mAh
2,000 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Case material
Plastic
ABS, Aluminum
Mount style
Bottom Mount
PCB Mount, Plate Mount
Weight
725 g
720 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
- Redragon HORUS K618
- Keychron K5 Max
- Performance
- 7281
- Build quality
- 4381
- Productivity
- 4889
- Customizability
- 4488
- Portability
- 4853
- Layout size: 100%
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Low profile
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
What will you mostly use it for?
The Keychron K5 Max takes the edge for gaming, programming, modding, and content creation, largely through its polling-rate specification, QMK support, and hot-swap option. Office use is a close call because both have multi-mode connectivity, with different conveniences for media and operating-system switching. Travel is also close: the K618 emphasizes five-device switching and an ultra-thin design, while the K5 Max is slightly lighter and narrower. Buyers should check their preferred layout and switch-replacement plans before choosing.
Pick the Keychron K5 Max
- The K5 Max lists a 1000 Hz polling rate for 2.4 GHz and wired modes.
- The K5 Max supports N-key rollover in both wireless and wired modes.
- The K618 also offers N-key rollover, RGB, and low-profile switches, so it remains a capable alternative for buyers who value its dedicated macro keys.
Redragon HORUS K618 vs Keychron K5 Max specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
14 of 26 specs differ
Redragon HORUS K618
Keychron K5 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 K5 Max
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic
In stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK
In stockDoes not ship to you
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
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Redragon HORUS K618 vs Keychron K5 Max: your questions
The K5 Max adds QMK support, a hot-swappable version, and several ISO layout options. The K618 stands out for its dedicated macro keys and vendor-described switching among five device connections.
A hot-swappable version of the K5 Max is available. Keychron says that version supports low-profile Gateron or Keychron mechanical switches, rather than standard MX switches.
The K618's switches are soldered, so changing them requires soldering. Its compatibility rules also specify low-profile switches and keycaps.
Neither keyboard supports standard MX keycaps according to its compatibility rules. Both require low-profile keycaps, and the K5 Max's north-facing LEDs may cause Cherry-profile keycaps to hit the switch housing.
The Keychron K5 Max supports QMK and Keychron Launcher for key remapping and macros. The K618 vendor description mentions software customization and remapping, but does not identify QMK support.
The K5 Max is listed with ANSI and ISO options, including ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, and ISO-UK. The K618's compatibility rules specify that ISO variants are not offered.
The K5 Max lists a 1000 Hz polling rate for 2.4 GHz and wired modes, plus N-key rollover in wireless and wired modes. The K618 also has N-key rollover and low-profile switches, but its metadata does not list a polling rate.
Both offer Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless, as well as a wired connection. Redragon describes the K618 as switchable across five devices, while Keychron lists Bluetooth connections for up to three devices.
Redragon describes the K618 as having on-the-fly macro keys alongside dedicated media controls. The K5 Max instead offers macro setup through QMK and Keychron Launcher.
The K5 Max weighs 720 g, compared with 725 g for the K618. The K5 Max is listed as 424 x 119 mm, while the K618 measures 437 x 147 x 17 mm.
The K618 has a listed 1900 mAh battery, and its vendor description states 30 hours of use. The K5 Max has a 2000 mAh battery, and Keychron lists up to 95 hours.
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