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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4.7 (3)4.7 · 3 reviews
from$34at MK
5.0 (2)5.0 · 2 reviews
from$137at Keychron (DE)
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron B33
80% TKL
Build quality in the top 40% of 80% boards under $100.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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
- Keychron B33
- Keychron K9 Max
- Performance
- 5875
- Build quality
- 6675
- Productivity
- 8691
- Customizability
- 5392
- Portability
- 7487
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Low profile
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
- Sound dampening
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.
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.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron B33
3 owner reviews
“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.”
Keychron K9 Max
2 owner reviews
“The keyboard sounds and looks good on my desk. It works with my Mac.”
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
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
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
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
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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