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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Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron C4 HE
Wired Hall Effect
Build quality in the top 10% of 100% boards under $100.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- No numpad.
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.
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
- Keychron C4 HE
- Keychron K2 Max
- Performance
- 8981
- Build quality
- 8385
- Productivity
- 9595
- Customizability
- 9291
- Portability
- 4579
- Hot-swappable
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
- QMK
- VIA
- Sound dampening
- Plate material: Steel
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.
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.
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
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Hot-swappable
Mount style
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
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
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 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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