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.
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4.6 (10)4.6 · 10 reviews
from$89at Keychron
90-day lowLowest price in 90 days
No reviews
from$122at Keychron (DE)
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K1 Max
Battery
Build quality in the top 10% of 80% boards under $100.
- 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.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
Get the
Keychron K1 SE
Build quality in the top 45% of 80% boards under $150.
- 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.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
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
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Battery
4,000 mAh
2,000 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Case material
ABS, Aluminum, Plastic
Aluminum, Plastic
QMK
Yes
No
The deep option when you want to remap every key
VIA
Yes
No
GUI remapping without compiling firmware
- Keychron K1 Max
- Keychron K1 SE
- Performance
- 8267
- Build quality
- 8160
- Productivity
- 9067
- Customizability
- 8972
- 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.
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
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Keychron K1 Max
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic
Out of stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK
Out of stockDoes not ship to you
Keychron K1 SE
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
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 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.
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