Compare Keychron K1 Max vs K17 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers who want a low-profile wireless mechanical keyboard with QMK support and are deciding between the 80% TKL layout of the K1 Max and the 96% layout of the K17 Max. The decision is challenging because both keyboards share the same core features: low-profile Gateron switches, 1000 Hz polling on 2.4 GHz and wired modes, hot-swap options, PBT keycaps, and interior acoustic foam. The primary trade-off is between the K1 Max's lighter weight and smaller footprint versus the K17 Max's full numpad and navigation cluster with its larger battery.

Model
	87	91	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	4.2 stars (18 reviews)	4.7 stars (3 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Available in a 80% layout 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 RGB lighting	Available in a 96% layout Built with the ISO, ANSI layout standard Comes with a knob Equipped with a 2000 mAh battery Weighs about 750 g Sized at 27 x 119 x 387 mm Made with a ABS, Aluminum case Features PBT keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 80 Build Quality: 79.8 Productivity: 88.2 Customizability: 89.8 Portability: 76.4	Scores Performance: 83.4 Build Quality: 81.4 Productivity: 93 Customizability: 92.4 Portability: 53.4
Name	Name Keychron K1 Max	Name Keychron K17 Max
Release year	Release year 2024	Release year 2024
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile	Profile Low Profile	Profile Low Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 80%	Layout Size 96%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO, ANSI	Layout Standard ISO, ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 4000 mAh	Battery capacity 2000 mAh
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style PCB Mount	Mount Style PCB Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, White, North-face	Backlight Rgb, White, North-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material ABS, Aluminum, Plastic	Case Material ABS, Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT, ABS	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 24 x 346 x 119 mm	Dimensions 27 x 119 x 387 mm
Weight	Weight 608g	Weight 750g

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Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice boils down to layout and battery: the K17 Max offers more keys for productivity with a knob, while the K1 Max is lighter and has a larger battery for travel. If you frequently work with numbers or need extra macro keys, the K17 Max is the better fit. If compact size and all-day wireless use are priorities, the K1 Max is the stronger option.

Keychron K1 Max

+Significantly lighter at 608g for better portability.
+4000mAh battery offers high capacity for extended wireless use.
+Compact 80% TKL layout saves desk space and improves mouse travel.
+Available in multiple ISO layout options (UK, German, Swiss, Nordic).

−Lacks a dedicated number pad, which can slow down data entry.
−No physical knob for quick volume or media control.

Keychron K17 Max

+96% layout includes a full number pad and navigation cluster.
+Knob support adds physical control for volume or other functions.
+Heavier 750g build provides a more solid typing platform.

−Heavier and larger than the K1 Max, less portable for travel.
−2000mAh battery is half the capacity of the K1 Max.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The K17 Max wins for productivity tasks like office work and content creation due to its full 96% layout including a numpad and knob support. The K1 Max is better for travel and gaming because of its lighter weight and more compact TKL footprint. For modding, both keyboards are equally capable with hot-swap sockets and QMK/VIA support. Programming users benefit from the K17 Max's additional keys for shortcuts and navigation.

GamingKeychron K1 Max

•Lighter 608g weight is easier to move for mouse space on a cluttered desk.
•TKL (80%) layout provides a more compact footprint for a lower-sensitivity gaming setup.
•Both have 1000 Hz polling on 2.4 GHz and wired modes.

OfficeKeychron K17 Max

•96% layout includes a number pad for data entry tasks.
•Larger battery capacity per the vendor description is not specified, but the layout is more productive for numbers.
•Includes knob support for volume control.

ProgrammingKeychron K17 Max

•96% layout includes dedicated navigation and arrow keys without sacrificing numpad for coding shortcuts.
•QMK and VIA support allow for custom macro and layer programming.

TravelKeychron K1 Max