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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3.3 (16)3.3 · 16 reviews
from$89at Keychron
Down 42% this monthDown 42% this month
4.9 (16)4.9 · 16 reviews
from$89at Keychron
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K1 Max
Low Profile
Build quality in the top 10% of 80% boards under $100.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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
- Keychron K1 Max
- Keychron K2 Pro
- Performance
- 8282
- Build quality
- 8290
- Productivity
- 9095
- Customizability
- 8996
- Portability
- 7379
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 4,000 mAh
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Case material: ABS, Aluminum, Plastic
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
- QMK
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.
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.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron K1 Max
16 owner reviews
“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…”
“Beware of the double-clicking issue. I have got 2 units of this. They're both having the same problem and worse.”
Keychron K2 Pro
16 owner reviews
“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.”
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
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
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 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
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.
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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