Keychron K1 Max vs K1 SE
Choose the K1 Max for advanced firmware and low-latency gaming, or the K1 SE for a more basic, budget-friendly low-profile experience.
3.3 · 16 reviews
from$89
Down 23% this monthDown 23% this month
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K1 Max
Battery
- Supports QMK and VIA firmware for extensive key remapping and macros.
- Features a 2.4 GHz wireless connection with a 1000 Hz polling rate for gaming.
- Includes interior IXPE and latex foam for sound dampening and typing comfort.
- Some user reviews mention occasional double-keypress issues in wireless mode.
- The RGB backlighting is less visible with its non-shine-through PBT keycaps, as noted in a review.
- Officially compatible only with Gateron or Keychron brand low-profile mechanical switches.
Get the
Keychron K1 SE
- Offers a hot-swappable version compatible with both low-profile Gateron mechanical and Keychron optical switches.
- Features a reinforced aluminum top case with a plastic bottom for a streamlined design.
- Includes two levels of adjustable rubber feet for ergonomic typing angles.
- Lacks a 2.4 GHz wireless connection, relying solely on Bluetooth and wired modes.
- Battery capacity is 2000mAh, half the size of the K1 Max's battery.
- Vendor description does not mention support for QMK, VIA, or advanced programming software.
The Keychron K1 Max is the superior and more versatile keyboard for most buyers, justifying its potentially higher cost with features like 2.4GHz wireless, QMK/VIA, and better build details. Only choose the Keychron K1 SE if you strictly need a basic, low-profile hot-swappable keyboard and do not plan on advanced customization or low-latency wireless gaming.
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 K1 Max
Keychron K1 SE
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, Wired
Battery
4,000 mAh
2,000 mAh
Case material
ABS, Aluminum, Plastic
Aluminum, Plastic
QMK
Yes
No
VIA
Yes
No
- Keychron K1 Max
- Keychron K1 SE
- Performance
- 8266
- Build quality
- 8260
- Productivity
- 9067
- Customizability
- 8971
- Portability
- 7377
- Layout size: 80%
- Hot-swappable
- Low profile
What will you mostly use it for?
The Keychron K1 Max is the clear choice for technical and performance-focused users, winning in Gaming, Programming, and Modding due to its 2.4GHz wireless, QMK support, and detailed modding specifications. It also takes the lead for Office and Content Creation thanks to multi-ISO support, extensive programmability, and a larger battery. For basic Travel needs, both keyboards are equally matched. The K1 SE is best considered for users who want the low-profile TKL form factor without needing the advanced features of the Max.
Pick the Keychron K1 Max
- The K1 Max has a dedicated 2.4 GHz wireless mode with a specified 1000 Hz polling rate for low latency.
- Its vendor description highlights a powerful ARM MCU for responsiveness in competitive games.
- The K1 SE's description does not mention a 2.4 GHz connection or a high polling rate, focusing only on Bluetooth.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron K1 Max
16 owner reviews
“My first better keyboard and I am absolutely satisfied. We'll see how it works after a longer time. I just thought of one small thing, I have nowhere to hide the receiver when I leave with just the laptop and I want to leave the keyboard at home. Like you can…”
“Beware of the double-clicking issue. I have got 2 units of this. They're both having the same problem and worse.”
Keychron K1 SE
No owner reviews collected yet.
Keychron K1 Max vs K1 SE specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
10 of 26 specs differ
Keychron K1 Max
Keychron K1 SE
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
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
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.
Keychron K1 Max vs K1 SE: your questions
The Keychron K1 Max adds a 2.4 GHz wireless mode with a 1000 Hz polling rate and supports QMK/VIA firmware for deep customization. The K1 SE is a more basic model that uses only Bluetooth and wired connections and lacks mentioned support for QMK or VIA.
The K1 Max is better for gaming. Its product description specifically highlights a 2.4 GHz connection with a 1000 Hz polling rate for low latency, which is not mentioned for the K1 SE. The K1 SE relies on Bluetooth, which typically has higher latency.
The vendor description for the K1 SE does not mention support for QMK, VIA, or any advanced key remapping software. It focuses on hot-swappable switches and Bluetooth connectivity. For extensive reprogramming, the K1 Max with QMK/VIA support is the appropriate choice.
Yes, according to their vendor descriptions, both the Keychron K1 Max and the K1 SE include keycaps for both Windows and macOS layouts, allowing for easy switching between operating systems.
The manufacturer states the K1 Max is currently compatible with Gateron and Keychron brand low-profile mechanical switches only. The product description clarifies that QMK does not support low-profile optical switches for this model.
The K1 SE offers versions with hot-swappable sockets for either low-profile Keychron optical switches or low-profile Gateron mechanical switches. The vendor notes that these are not compatible with normal profile MX-style switches.
The Keychron K1 Max has a 4000mAh battery, while the K1 SE has a 2000mAh battery. Based on capacity alone, the K1 Max should last longer between charges, though actual battery life depends on usage patterns like backlighting and connection type.
No, user reviews for the K1 Max note that the double-shot PBT keycaps are not shine-through, making the RGB backlighting less visible for legend illumination. The lighting effects are primarily visible around and between the keys.
The provided specifications and vendor description for the Keychron K1 SE do not mention any internal sound-dampening foam. The K1 Max, however, specifically lists IXPE acoustic foam and latex foam in its construction.
The Keychron Launcher web app for the K1 Max is listed as compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux. The keyboard itself should function on Linux via its wired, Bluetooth, or 2.4 GHz connections without special drivers.
Both are similarly portable due to their shared 80% TKL low-profile form factors. The decision for travel would come down to personal preference for battery life (K1 Max has a larger battery) or potentially a slight weight difference, though specific travel cases are not detailed for either model.
Not sold on either?
Still torn?
Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.