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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

Keychron C4 HE vs K2 MaxWired Hall Effect vs Wireless 75%

Choose the C4 HE for maximum wired gaming performance and Hall Effect switches, or the K2 Max for wireless flexibility and a space-saving 75% layout.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Keychron C4 HE

Wired Hall Effect

Build quality in the top 10% of 100% boards under $100.

If you want

  • 8000 Hz polling rate for ultra-low latency input.
  • Hall Effect magnetic switches offer adjustable actuation and a different feel.
  • Full-size layout includes a number pad.

Rules this board out

  • Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
  • North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
  • No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.

Get the

Keychron K2 Max

Wireless 75%

Build quality in the top 10% of 75% boards under $100.

If you want

  • Tri-mode wireless connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired).
  • Compact 75% layout saves space while keeping arrow and function keys.
  • Available with an aluminum frame for a more premium build.

Rules this board out

  • South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
  • No numpad.

Bottom line

Your primary need dictates the winner. If your priority is the absolute lowest latency for competitive gaming or you require a full number pad, the wired Keychron C4 HE is the specialized tool. If you value a clean desk, need to switch between multiple devices wirelessly, or have limited space, the versatile Keychron K2 Max is the more practical daily driver.

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 C4 HE

Keychron K2 Max

  • Layout size

    100%

    75%

  • Hall effect (magnetic)

    Yes

    No

    Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing

  • Connection

    Wired

    Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

    Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency

  • Max polling rate

    8,000 Hz

    1,000 Hz

    Higher polling helps competitive FPS and does nothing for typing

  • Case material

    Plastic

    ABS, Aluminum

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Keychron C4 HE
  • Keychron K2 Max
Performance
89
81
Build quality
83
85
Productivity
95
95
Customizability
92
91
Portability
45
79

What they share

  • Hot-swappable
  • Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
  • QMK
  • VIA
  • Sound dampening
  • Plate material: Steel
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The C4 HE is the clear choice for dedicated gaming setups and tasks requiring a number pad, like data entry or certain creative workflows. The K2 Max wins for office environments and travel due to its wireless freedom and compact size. For programming and modding, both are strong contenders, with the decision resting on layout preference versus wireless capability.

For gaming

Pick the Keychron C4 HE

  • Higher 8000 Hz polling rate for reduced input lag.
  • Hall Effect magnetic switches with adjustable actuation points.
  • Wired-only connection ensures a consistent, interference-free signal.

Full specs

Keychron C4 HE vs K2 Max specs

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

13 of 27 specs differ

Keychron C4 HE

Keychron K2 Max

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Tactile

Hall effect (magnetic)

Yes
No

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
PCB Mount, Plate Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Screw-in stabilizers

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

100%
75%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Media keys

Yes
Yes

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Max polling rate

8,000 HzBetter
1,000 Hz

Battery

Wired only
4,000 mAh

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Plastic
ABS, Aluminum

Plate material

Steel
Steel

Keycaps

PBT
PBT

Weight

970 g
940 g

Dimensions

30 x 446 x 138 mm
32 x 317 x 122 mm

Typing angle

9°
5°

Backlight

RGB, north-facing
RGB, south-facing

Firmware & software

QMK

Yes
Yes

VIA

Yes
Yes

N-key rollover

No
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2026
2024

For EU buyers

ISO layouts by store

Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.

Keychron C4 HE

No ISO layout at the stores we track.

Keychron K2 Max

  • Keychron

    ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW

    In stockShips to you

  • Keychron (DE)

    ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-SW

    Out of stockDoes not ship to you

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.

FAQ

Keychron C4 HE vs K2 Max: your questions

The Keychron C4 HE uses Hall Effect magnetic switches, which detect key presses via magnets rather than physical metal contacts. According to Keychron, this allows for features like adjustable actuation points. The K2 Max uses traditional mechanical switches like the Keychron Super series.

Yes, the Keychron K2 Max supports a wired USB-C connection in addition to its 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless modes. Using it wired also allows for configuration via the Keychron Launcher web app.

Both aim to enhance typing feel with sound-dampening foam and PBT keycaps. The C4 HE uses a gasket mount and Cherry profile keycaps, while the K2 Max uses a plate mount and OSA profile keycaps. Preference depends on your desired level of flex and keycap shape.

Yes, both the Keychron C4 HE and K2 Max list Mac and Windows support. The K2 Max specifically mentions including keycaps for both systems and a system toggle switch.

Yes, both keyboards are hot-swappable. The C4 HE supports compatible Hall Effect magnetic switches. The K2 Max supports standard 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches.

Keychron lists the K2 Max as having a 4000mAh battery. The vendor description does not provide an estimated battery life in hours, which will vary based on backlight usage and connection type.

Both have RGB backlighting with over 22 modes. The C4 HE uses north-facing LEDs, which may provide better shine-through for keycap legends. The K2 Max uses south-facing LEDs, which prevent interference with Cherry-profile keycaps and offer a different lighting angle.

A higher polling rate can reduce input lag. The 8000Hz rate on the C4 HE is marketed for competitive gaming where milliseconds count. For general use, the difference from a standard 1000Hz keyboard (like the K2 Max) may be less perceptible.

The C4 HE listing mentions a Type-C cable and a Type-A to Type-C adapter. The K2 Max description does not detail included accessories, but both are pre-built keyboards that should include necessary cables for operation.

Yes, both keyboards support key remapping and macro creation. They are compatible with both the open-source QMK firmware and the Keychron Launcher web app for customization.

The Keychron K2 Max is more portable due to its smaller 75% layout, wireless capability, and slightly lower weight (940g vs 970g). The C4 HE is a larger, wired-only board designed for a stationary setup.

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