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Compare Keychron K1 Max vs K13 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison helps buyers decide between two similar low-profile wireless keyboards from Keychron that share the same Max series DNA. Both are 80% low-profile keyboards with 1000 Hz polling, hot-swappable Gateron low-profile switches, QMK/VIA support, and aluminum frame construction. The key differentiator is layout, the K1 Max is a traditional TKL without a numpad while the K13 Max squeezes in a numpad column. The K1 Max also offers a significantly larger 4000mAh battery compared to the K13 Max's 2000mAh battery.

85
Keychron K1 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
84
Keychron K13 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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4.5 (14)
4.5 (4)
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO, ANSI layout standard
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 608 g
  • Sized at 24 x 346 x 119 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Aluminum, Plastic case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, White North-face, Rgb North-face, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-SW, ISO-Nordic, JIS, ANSI layout standard
  • Equipped with a 2000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 600 g
  • Sized at 8 x 346 x 119 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Aluminum case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 80.7
  • Build Quality: 79.8
  • Productivity: 89.2
  • Customizability: 90.2
  • Portability: 76.8
Scores
  • Performance: 80.7
  • Build Quality: 78.5
  • Productivity: 89.2
  • Customizability: 90.2
  • Portability: 76.7
Name
Keychron K1 Max
Name
Keychron K13 Max
Release year
2024
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Low Profile
Profile
Low Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
80%
Layout Standard
ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO, ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-SW, ISO-Nordic, JIS, ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
2000 mAh
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
PCB Mount
Mount Style
PCB Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, North-face, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, North-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS, Aluminum, Plastic
Case Material
ABS, Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
24 x 346 x 119 mm
Dimensions
8 x 346 x 119 mm
Weight
608g
Weight
600g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice between the Keychron K1 Max and K13 Max hinges on layout preference and battery needs. Pick the K1 Max if you want a traditional TKL with double the battery life for longer wireless use and a compact footprint. Choose the K13 Max if you need a built-in numpad for data entry but want to keep a smaller overall size compared to a full-size keyboard.

Keychron K1 Max

  • +Larger 4000mAh battery capacity compared to the K13 Max's 2000mAh battery.
  • +Compact TKL layout saves more desk space than the K13 Max.
  • +Comes with a polycarbonate plate option which may offer a different typing feel compared to the K13 Max.
  • −Lacks a dedicated numpad, which may slow down data entry tasks.
  • −The K1 Max has fewer available layout variants (ISO only) compared to the K13 Max which also includes JIS support.

Keychron K13 Max

  • +Integrated numpad in an 80% layout, ideal for spreadsheet work and numeric input without needing a separate numpad.
  • +Offers JIS layout support, providing a wider range of regional options than the K1 Max.
  • +Based on one customer review, users report the keyboard works well with Mac systems and allows for key remapping.
  • −Smaller 2000mAh battery capacity, half that of the K1 Max, may require more frequent charging.
  • −The K13 Max is only available with a PCB mount, lacking a polycarbonate plate option that the K1 Max offers.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

For gaming and programming, the two keyboards are essentially tied, sharing the same core gaming specs and QMK/VIA customization capabilities. The K13 Max wins in office and content creation use cases thanks to its integrated numpad, which is a practical advantage for data entry tasks. The K1 Max edges ahead for travel due to its larger 4000mAh battery, offering longer intervals between charges. For modding, both are equally capable with the same hot-swap sockets, acoustic foams, and QMK support.

GamingTie
  • •Both feature 1000 Hz polling rate on 2.4 GHz and wired modes for low latency gaming.
  • •Both support N-Key Rollover over wireless and wired connections.
  • •Both use the same low-profile Gateron switches for fast actuation.
  • •Both have an aluminum frame for stability during intense gaming sessions.
OfficeKeychron K13 Max
  • •The K13 Max's built-in numpad speeds up data entry tasks like spreadsheet work.
  • •Both keyboards include multi-media keys and Mac/Win support for productivity.
  • •The K13 Max layout reduces the need for an external numpad, saving desk space.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both offer full QMK and VIA support for custom keymaps and macros tailored to coding workflows.
  • •Both are hot-swappable with Gateron low-profile switches, letting programmers choose their preferred tactile feel.
  • •The low-profile design and LSA keycaps on both reduce wrist strain during long coding sessions.
TravelKeychron K1 Max
  • •The K1 Max has a 4000mAh battery, double the 2000mAh of the K13 Max, for longer battery life on the go.
  • •Both keyboards are ultra-slim low-profile designs, but the K1 Max is slightly lighter at 608g vs 600g, a negligible difference.
  • •The K1 Max supports Bluetooth 5.1 multipoint for connecting to three devices, ideal for working across laptop, tablet, and phone while traveling.
ModdingTie
  • •Both keyboards are hot-swappable with low-profile Gateron mechanical switches, no soldering required.
  • •Both ship with IXPE acoustic foam and latex foam for improved sound dampening from the factory.
  • •Both feature QMK and VIA support for extensive firmware-level customization of keymaps and macros.
  • •The metal plate and PCB mount design on both offer a solid foundation for switch and stabilizer mods.
Content CreationKeychron K13 Max
  • •The built-in numpad on the K13 Max is useful for numeric data entry in video editing or audio production timelines.
  • •Both keyboards offer the same multi-media keys and Mac compatibility for creative workflows.
  • •The K13 Max's 80% layout with numpad provides a good balance of space-saving and dedicated number keys for editors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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