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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

Keychron B33 vs K9 Max80% TKL vs 60% Low-Profile Keyboard

Choose the B33 for a larger, dedicated TKL layout with silent typing, or the K9 Max for a compact, ultra-slim build with extensive firmware and hardware customization.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Keychron B33

80% TKL

Build quality in the top 40% of 80% boards under $100.

If you want

  • 80% TKL layout retains arrow keys, function row, and navigation cluster.
  • Features a unique scissor switch mechanism designed for silent, stable typing.
  • Larger 4000mAh battery capacity for extended wireless use.

Rules this board out

  • Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
  • Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
  • No numpad.

Get the

Keychron K9 Max

60% Low-Profile Keyboard

Build quality in the top 25% of 60% boards under $150.

If you want

  • Extremely compact and light 60% layout, weighing only 426g.
  • Supports QMK and VIA firmware for deep, open-source customization.
  • Hot-swappable switch sockets (on RGB version) allow easy switch changes.

Rules this board out

  • Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
  • North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
  • Compact layout only. No function row, dedicated arrow keys, or numpad.

Bottom line

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you want a ready-to-use, quiet keyboard with a familiar TKL layout for office tasks or programming, the Keychron B33 is the straightforward option. If you prioritize portability, desire deep customization through QMK and hot-swappable switches, and are comfortable with a 60% layout, the Keychron K9 Max offers a more advanced and compact platform. Consider the B33 for its larger form and silent scissor switches, and the K9 Max for its slim profile and modding potential.

What actually differs

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.

Keychron B33

Keychron K9 Max

  • Layout size

    80%

    60%

  • Hot-swappable

    No

    Yes

    Switch changes without soldering

  • Battery

    4,000 mAh

    1,550 mAh

    A larger battery means fewer cables during the day

  • Case material

    ABS, Metal

    ABS

  • Weight

    1,977 g

    426 g

    Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Keychron B33
  • Keychron K9 Max
Performance
58
75
Build quality
66
75
Productivity
86
91
Customizability
53
92
Portability
74
87

What they share

  • Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
  • Low profile
  • Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
  • Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
  • Sound dampening
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The B33 wins for office work, programming, and content creation, largely due to its more expansive 80% TKL layout that provides dedicated arrow, function, and media keys. The K9 Max is the superior choice for travel and modding, thanks to its ultra-compact 60% size, lighter weight, and support for hot-swapping and QMK firmware. For gaming, the K9 Max has a slight edge with its detailed low-latency components and internal foam, though both share a high polling rate.

For gaming

Pick the Keychron K9 Max

  • The K9 Max lists a 1000 Hz polling rate for its 2.4 GHz and wired modes, matching the B33.
  • Its listing mentions an ARM MCU with 256KB Flash for low latency, a detail not specified for the B33.
  • The K9 Max includes interior IXPE and latex acoustic foam, which may provide a more consistent sound profile.

From real owners

What owners say

Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.

Keychron B33

4.7

3 owner reviews

Praise
“I switch between my laptop and tablet throughout the day and Bluetooth pairing has been seamless. Typing is nearly silent, which is great for shared spaces.”
Brandon S.Verified buyer· via Keychron

Keychron K9 Max

5.0

2 owner reviews

Praise
“The keyboard sounds and looks good on my desk. It works with my Mac.”
LiamVerified buyer· via Keychron

Full specs

Keychron B33 vs K9 Max specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

11 of 27 specs differ

Keychron B33

Keychron K9 Max

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Tactile

Hot-swappable

No
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
—

Low profile

Yes
Yes

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Screw-in stabilizers

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

80%
60%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Media keys

Yes
Yes

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Max polling rate

1,000 Hz
1,000 Hz

Battery

4,000 mAhBetter
1,550 mAh

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

ABS, Metal
ABS

Plate material

Aluminum
—

Keycaps

ABS, PBT
PBT

Weight

1,977 g
426 g

Dimensions

33 x 370 x 146 mm
25 x 287 x 98 mm

Typing angle

5°, 7°
3°

Backlight

None
RGB, north-facing

Firmware & software

QMK

No
Yes

VIA

No
Yes

N-key rollover

Yes
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2025
2025

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

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.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

Keychron B334 stores

FAQ

Keychron B33 vs K9 Max: your questions

The Keychron K9 Max is significantly more portable. It weighs 426g compared to the B33's 1977g and has much smaller dimensions (287 x 98 mm vs 370 x 146 mm). The K9 Max is also marketed as an 'ultra-slim' keyboard, making it easier to carry in a bag.

Yes, but only on the specific RGB Backlight Hot-Swappable version. The vendor description states the hot-swappable version allows you to change low-profile Gateron mechanical switches without soldering. The standard version may not have this feature.

Yes. According to its vendor description, the B33 can be programmed using the Keychron Launcher web app. This allows for key remapping, macros, and shortcuts. It does not, however, support the open-source QMK or VIA firmware like the K9 Max.

The Keychron B33 is specifically designed for quiet environments. Its vendor description emphasizes 'silent typing' with a scissor mechanism and fully pre-lubed keys for an 'ultra-quiet typing experience.' The K9 Max uses mechanical switches with acoustic foam, which may still be quiet but is not marketed as specifically silent.

The Keychron B33 has a larger 4000mAh battery, while the K9 Max has a 1550mAh battery. The B33's vendor description claims up to 320 hours of wireless use, suggesting potentially longer runtime between charges compared to the K9 Max.

No, the K9 Max uses a 60% layout which does not include dedicated arrow keys. You must access them through a function layer. The B33, with its 80% TKL layout, has dedicated arrow keys and a navigation cluster.

The Keychron K9 Max has RGB backlighting with north-facing LEDs and over 22 lighting effects. The Keychron B33 does not have any backlighting, according to both its metadata and vendor description.

Yes. The K9 Max comes with low-profile double-shot PBT keycaps. The B33 uses ABS keycaps, as listed in its specifications. PBT is generally considered more durable and resistant to shine than ABS.

Yes. The K9 Max vendor description states it offers a Mac layout with compatible multimedia keys and includes keycaps for both macOS and Windows. The B33 also has a system toggle for Windows and macOS compatibility.

QMK is open-source firmware that allows for nearly limitless key remapping, macro creation, and layer configuration. It offers more advanced and community-driven customization compared to the proprietary Keychron Launcher app used by the B33.

The Keychron B33 offers adjustable typing angles of 5° and 7°, according to its metadata. The Keychron K9 Max has a fixed 3° typing angle, but its vendor description mentions 'three levels of adjustable typing angle' via feet, suggesting different height options.

The B33 uses a scissor switch mechanism, not a traditional mechanical switch. Its vendor description calls it a 'wireless keyboard' with a 'scissor mechanism,' designed for a quiet, low-profile typing experience distinct from standard mechanical switches.

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