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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

Keychron K1 Max vs K2 ProLow Profile vs 75% Compact

Choose the K1 Max for an ultra-slim, light, low-profile typing experience with 2.4 GHz gaming, or the K2 Pro for a heavier, more customizable 75% board with better modding support.

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Low Profile

Keychron K1 Max

Keychron K1 Max QMK Wireless Benutzerdefinierte Mechanische Tastatur ISO Layout Kollektion

3.3 (16)

$89at Keychron

Down 42% this month

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Keychron K1 Max

Low Profile

Build quality in the top 10% of 80% boards under $100.

If you want

  • Ultra-slim low-profile design with Gateron low-profile switches that are 31% slimmer than normal switches.
  • 2.4 GHz wireless mode with 1000 Hz polling rate, ideal for low-latency gaming.
  • Lightweight at 608g and compact 80% TKL layout making it very portable.

Rules this board out

  • Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
  • North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
  • Missing ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW. The other board is sold in those layouts.
  • No numpad.

Get the

Keychron K2 Pro

75% Compact

Build quality in the top 5% of 75% boards under $100.

If you want

  • 75% layout offers a function row and more keys while remaining space-efficient.
  • Heavy 1070g construction with steel plate provides a stable, premium typing platform.
  • Screw-in PCB stabilizers deliver smoother and more consistent big-key performance.

Rules this board out

  • South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
  • Missing ISO-Nordic. The other board is sold in those layouts.
  • No numpad.

Bottom line

If you prioritize a slim, lightweight, and travel-friendly keyboard with low-latency 2.4 GHz gaming, the Keychron K1 Max is the clear choice. If you want a sturdier, more customizable board with a better modding ecosystem and a classic mechanical switch feel, the Keychron K2 Pro offers more value despite the lack of 2.4 GHz. Your decision ultimately hinges on whether you value portability and low-profile design or a heavier, more moddable typing experience.

What actually differs

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 K2 Pro

  • Layout size

    80%

    75%

  • Connection

    Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

    Bluetooth, Wired

    Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency

  • Low profile

    Yes

    No

  • Mount style

    PCB Mount, Plate Mount

    PCB Mount, Plate Mount, Tray Mount

  • Weight

    608 g

    1,070 g

    Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Keychron K1 Max
  • Keychron K2 Pro
Performance
82
82
Build quality
82
90
Productivity
90
95
Customizability
89
96
Portability
73
79

What they share

  • Hot-swappable
  • Battery: 4,000 mAh
  • Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
  • Case material: ABS, Aluminum, Plastic
  • Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
  • QMK
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

For gaming and travel, the K1 Max wins with its 2.4 GHz wireless, low-profile slimness, and lighter weight. For office, programming, modding, and content creation, the K2 Pro takes the lead thanks to its heavier build, steel plate, screw-in stabilizers, and far wider MX switch compatibility. The K2 Pro also benefits from a more flexible modding ecosystem with a barebones option and better stabilizer design.

For gaming

Pick the Keychron K1 Max

  • Supports 2.4 GHz wireless at 1000 Hz polling rate for competitive gaming, while the K2 Pro only has Bluetooth and wired.
  • Ultra-slim low-profile design is lighter (608g) and easier to position for fast-paced sessions.
  • Includes IXPE acoustic foam and latex foam for quieter keystrokes during play.

From real owners

What owners say

Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.

Keychron K1 Max

3.3

16 owner reviews

Praise
“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…”
Michal V.Verified buyer· via Keychron
Critique
“Beware of the double-clicking issue. I have got 2 units of this. They're both having the same problem and worse.”
NVerified buyer· via Keychron

Keychron K2 Pro

4.9

16 owner reviews

Praise
“I have been using the keychron K2 V2 for more than a year so when this came out, I knew I had to get this. and boy I never imagined the smoothness and thock on this thing. I replaced the brown switches with lavender purples and it feels even better.”
Kalu E.Verified buyer· via Keychron

Full specs

Keychron K1 Max vs K2 Pro specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

12 of 27 specs differ

Keychron K1 Max

Keychron K2 Pro

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Tactile

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

PCB Mount, Plate Mount
PCB Mount, Plate Mount, Tray Mount

Low profile

Yes
No

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Screw-in stabilizers

No
Yes

Layout

Layout size

80%
75%

Layout standard

ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, JIS

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Media keys

Yes
Yes

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, Wired

Max polling rate

1,000 Hz
1,000 Hz

Battery

4,000 mAh
4,000 mAh

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

ABS, Aluminum, Plastic
ABS, Aluminum, Plastic

Plate material

Plastic, Polycarbonate
Steel

Keycaps

ABS, PBT
ABS, PBT

Weight

608 g
1,070 g

Dimensions

24 x 346 x 119 mm
25 x 317 x 122 mm

Typing angle

3°
5°

Backlight

RGB, north-facing
RGB, south-facing

Firmware & software

QMK

Yes
Yes

VIA

Yes
Yes

N-key rollover

Yes
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2024
2022

For EU buyers

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 K2 Pro

  • Keychron

    ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW

    In stockShips to you

  • Keychron (DE)

    ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW

    In stockDoes not ship to you

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

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.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

FAQ

Keychron K1 Max vs K2 Pro: your questions

The K1 Max is generally better for gaming because it supports 2.4 GHz wireless with a 1000 Hz polling rate, while the K2 Pro only offers Bluetooth and wired connections. The K1 Max's ultra-slim low-profile design also makes it lighter and easier to position during fast-paced gaming sessions.

No, the K1 Max uses low-profile Gateron switches with a unique stem and keycap design. The vendor specifies that only Gateron/Keychron low-profile mechanical switches are compatible, and standard MX keycaps will not fit due to the different stem height and profile.

No, the K2 Pro does not support 2.4 GHz wireless. It connects via Bluetooth 5.1 for wireless use and USB-C for a wired connection. If you need a low-latency wireless dongle, the K1 Max is the better option.

The Keychron K2 Pro features screw-in PCB stabilizers, which are preferred for modding because they mount securely to the PCB and reduce wobble. The K1 Max uses redesigned plate-mounted stabilizers that are less customizable for aftermarket swaps.

Yes, the K1 Max is hot-swappable, but it is only compatible with Gateron and Keychron low-profile mechanical switches. It does not support standard MX switches, so your switch choices are limited to the low-profile form factor.

The hot-swappable versions of the K2 Pro include sound-absorbing foam and a thick silicone dampening bottom pad. However, the non-hot-swappable Black Fully Assembled version does not include these foam layers, according to the vendor.

The Keychron K1 Max is lighter at 608g and has an ultra-slim low-profile body, making it more portable for travel. The K2 Pro weighs 1070g and is thicker, so it is better suited as a desk-bound keyboard.

Yes, both keyboards support open-source QMK firmware and the Keychron Launcher web app for key remapping and macro creation. The K2 Pro also supports VIA software for on-the-fly customization, though some users noted minor VIA compatibility issues after firmware updates.

The K1 Max offers low-profile Gateron Mechanical Red (linear) and Low Profile Gateron Mechanical Brown (tactile) switches. Both are pre-installed in the hot-swappable version, and you can swap them with other low-profile Gateron or Keychron switches.

Yes, the K2 Pro has a 75% layout that includes a dedicated function row (F1-F12), unlike the K1 Max's 80% TKL layout which also has a function row but is slightly wider. The 75% layout is more compact while retaining row keys.

Both keyboards have a 4000mAh battery, but actual battery life depends on usage and backlight settings. The K2 Pro's battery life is noted in user reviews to have inconsistent battery level indication, while the K1 Max's battery life is not specifically detailed beyond its capacity.

Yes, both keyboards include keycaps for macOS and Windows and support easy switching between operating systems. The K1 Max offers a Mac layout with the same multimedia and function keys as Apple keyboards, while the K2 Pro also includes Mac/Win support with included keycaps.

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