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Compare Keychron K1 Max vs K17 Pro Differences Side by Side

This comparison helps buyers decide between two ultra-slim low-profile keyboards from Keychron: the 80% TKL K1 Max and the 96% K17 Pro. Both offer QMK/VIA support, hot-swappable low-profile Gateron switches, and PBT keycaps. The decision is hard because the K1 Max excels in gaming connectivity and battery life, while the K17 Pro packs more keys and a knob into a similar footprint. Your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a numpad and knob or wireless gaming performance and longer battery life.

85
Keychron K1 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
88
Keychron K17 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard

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4.5 (14)
5.0 (4)
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO, ANSI layout standard
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a PCB Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • 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
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 2000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 679 g
  • Sized at 19 x 120 x 387 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Plastic, ABS case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 80.8
  • Build Quality: 79.7
  • Productivity: 89.1
  • Customizability: 90.2
  • Portability: 76.9
Scores
  • Performance: 83.5
  • Build Quality: 81.6
  • Productivity: 86.9
  • Customizability: 92.6
  • Portability: 53.8
Name
Keychron K1 Max
Name
Keychron K17 Pro
Release year
2024
Release year
2023
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
96%
Layout Standard
ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO, ANSI
Layout Standard
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, 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
Tray 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
Aluminum, Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
24 x 346 x 119 mm
Dimensions
19 x 120 x 387 mm
Weight
608g
Weight
679g
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Pros and Trade-offs

The K1 Max is the better choice for gamers and travelers who prioritize wireless performance and long battery life, thanks to its 2.4 GHz support and 4000mAh battery. The K17 Pro is ideal for office workers and content creators who need a numpad and a rotary knob in a compact frame. If you can sacrifice the numpad, the K1 Max offers more gaming-ready features; if you need dedicated keys for data entry, the K17 Pro is the practical pick.

Keychron K1 Max

  • +Ultra-slim 80% TKL design with 2.4 GHz connection at 1000 Hz polling rate for low-latency gaming.
  • +Large 4000mAh battery, doubling the K17 Pro's capacity for extended wireless use.
  • +Includes IXPE acoustic foam and latex foam inside for quieter keystrokes.
  • +Lighter at 608g, making it more portable than the K17 Pro.
  • +Available in ISO layouts including UK, German, Swiss, and Nordic.
  • −Lacks a dedicated numpad, which may slow down data entry tasks.
  • −Does not include a rotary knob for quick volume or function control.

Keychron K17 Pro

  • +96% layout packs 103 keys including a numpad, ideal for number-heavy workflows.
  • +Includes a rotary knob for convenient volume or scroll adjustment.
  • +Supports multi-device Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity across up to 3 devices.
  • +User reviews note the premium feel of the aluminum frame and knob.
  • −Heavier at 679g and has a smaller 2000mAh battery for shorter wireless runtime.
  • −Does not support 2.4 GHz connectivity, relying only on Bluetooth and wired modes.
  • −Only available in ANSI layout, limiting options for ISO users.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The K1 Max wins for Gaming and Travel thanks to its 2.4 GHz connection, lighter weight, and double the battery capacity. The K17 Pro takes Office and Content Creation due to its numpad and rotary knob. Both are equally capable for Programming and Modding since each offers full QMK/VIA customization and hot-swappable switches. The key tiebreaker is whether you need a numpad and knob (K17 Pro) or prefer superior wireless gaming performance and battery life (K1 Max).

GamingKeychron K1 Max
  • •Supports 2.4 GHz wireless connection with a 1000 Hz polling rate out of the box.
  • •Includes interior IXPE acoustic foam and latex foam for a quieter gaming experience.
  • •Larger 4000mAh battery supports longer wireless gaming sessions.
  • •Three-level adjustable typing angle for ergonomic wrist support during long sessions.
OfficeKeychron K17 Pro
  • •96% layout with a numpad is more efficient for data entry and spreadsheet work.
  • •Includes a rotary knob for quick volume or scroll control.
  • •103 keys provide more dedicated keys than the K1 Max's 88 keys.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both support QMK and VIA for full key remapping and macro creation.
  • •Both offer low-profile Gateron switches in linear, tactile, and clicky options.
  • •Both have low-profile double-shot PBT keycaps for durability.
  • •Both are compatible with macOS and Windows with included keycaps.
TravelKeychron K1 Max
  • •Lighter at 608g compared to the K17 Pro's 679g.
  • •Significantly larger 4000mAh battery for longer unplugged use.
  • •2.4 GHz wireless dongle offers reliable connectivity anywhere without Bluetooth pairing.
  • •Smaller 80% TKL layout takes up less desk space and fits better in bags.
ModdingTie
  • •Both are hot-swappable with Gateron/Keychron low-profile mechanical switches.
  • •Both are compatible with QMK firmware for deep customization.
  • •Both use double-shot PBT keycaps that resist wear and oil.
  • •Both feature a tray-like mount with accessible PCB for switch swaps.
Content CreationKeychron K17 Pro
  • •96% layout includes a numpad essential for numeric input in video timelines or spreadsheets.
  • •Rotary knob provides convenient timeline scrubbing or volume control.
  • •103 keys offer more dedicated function keys for shortcuts.
  • •Feedback from K17 Pro reviews highlights the knob and satisfying typing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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