What is the main difference between the Keychron K1 Max and K2 QMK V3?

The K1 Max is an 80% low-profile keyboard with 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, and wired connectivity. The K2 QMK V3 is a standard-profile 75% keyboard with Bluetooth and wired connections listed in its metadata.

Does the Keychron K1 Max have 2.4 GHz wireless?

Yes, the K1 Max lists Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connectivity. Keychron specifies a 1000 Hz polling rate for its 2.4 GHz and wired modes.

Does the Keychron K2 QMK V3 support 2.4 GHz?

The K2 QMK V3 metadata lists Bluetooth, wired, and wireless connectivity, but does not name 2.4 GHz. Keychron's product description specifies Bluetooth and a wired USB-C connection.

Which keyboard is smaller, the K1 Max or K2 QMK V3?

The K2 QMK V3 has a 75% layout, compared with the K1 Max's 80% layout. Keychron lists the K2's dimensions as 311.14 x 121.14 mm, while the K1 Max metadata lists 24 x 346 x 119 mm.

Which keyboard is lighter, the Keychron K1 Max or K2 QMK V3?

The K1 Max metadata lists a weight of 608 g. Keychron lists the K2 QMK V3 at about 813 g, making the K1 Max lighter by the listed figures.

Can you change switches on both the K1 Max and K2 QMK V3?

Both models have hot-swappable options. Keychron says the K1 Max hot-swap version supports Gateron or Keychron low-profile mechanical switches, while the K2 QMK V3 version supports almost all 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches.

Which keyboard is better for mechanical keyboard switch modding?

The K2 QMK V3 has broader stated switch compatibility in its hot-swappable version, covering almost all 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches. The K1 Max hot-swap version is limited to Gateron or Keychron low-profile mechanical switches.

Do the Keychron K1 Max and K2 QMK V3 support QMK and VIA?

Both list QMK support and VIA support in their metadata. Keychron also describes the Launcher web app for remapping keys and setting macros on both models.

Which keyboard has shine-through keycaps?

Keychron describes the K2 QMK V3's Cherry-profile double-shot PBT keycaps as shine-through. The K1 Max vendor description calls its double-shot PBT keycaps non-backlight shine-through.

What foam is inside the Keychron K2 QMK V3?

Keychron describes the K2 QMK V3 as having sound-absorbing foam, IXPE acoustic foam, EPDM foam, and PET foam. Its description notes that the Black fully assembled version does not include sound-absorbing foam or a silicone pad.

What foam is inside the Keychron K1 Max?

Keychron describes the K1 Max as including IXPE acoustic foam and resilient latex foam. The description associates these layers with sound, comfort, and switch support.

Which Keychron keyboard has adjustable typing angles?

Keychron describes three adjustable typing-angle levels for both the K1 Max and K2 QMK V3. The K2 listing specifies 5°, 9°, and 13°, while the K1 Max metadata lists a 3° typing angle.

Compare Keychron K1 Max vs K2 QMK V3 Differences Side by Side

This comparison suits buyers deciding between a low-profile 80% keyboard and a standard-profile 75% model. Both offer QMK, VIA, hot-swappable options, PBT keycaps, and Bluetooth and wired connections. The K1 Max adds 2.4 GHz connectivity and weighs 608 g, while the K2 QMK V3 has a more compact layout and vendor-listed sound-absorbing foam. The trade-off is less about core customization and more about profile, desk space, and switch compatibility.

Model
	88	83	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	4.2 stars (18 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2024 Features a low-profile design Available in a 80% layout Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO, ANSI layout standard Has built-in sound dampening Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate 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	Released in 2025 Available in a 75% layout Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ANSI layout standard Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity Made with a Aluminum case Features PBT keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, White RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 82.3 Build Quality: 82.1 Productivity: 89.7 Customizability: 89.1 Portability: 73.4	Scores Performance: 82.2 Build Quality: 78.9 Productivity: 80.5 Customizability: 88.9 Portability: 80.3
Name	Name Keychron K1 Max	Name Keychron K2 QMK V3
Release year	Release year 2024	Release year 2025
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile	Profile Low Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 80%	Layout Size 75%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO, ANSI	Layout Standard ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, 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, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 4000 mAh	Battery capacity 4000 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
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material ABS, Aluminum, Plastic	Case Material Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT, ABS	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 24 x 346 x 119 mm	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight 608g	Weight -

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Pros and Trade-offs

Pick the K1 Max if low-profile typing and 2.4 GHz connectivity are your priorities. Choose the K2 QMK V3 if you want a more compact 75% layout or plan to experiment with a wider range of MX-style switches. Both provide QMK, VIA, and hot-swappable options, so profile and switch compatibility are the decisive differences.

Keychron K1 Max

+80% layout with low-profile ergonomics.
+Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connections.
+1000 Hz polling rate is specified for 2.4 GHz and wired modes.
+Hot-swappable version supports Gateron or Keychron low-profile mechanical switches.
+608 g weight and 4000 mAh battery in the metadata.

−Hot-swap compatibility is limited to Gateron or Keychron low-profile mechanical switches, according to Keychron.
−The vendor describes its double-shot PBT keycaps as non-shine-through, so backlighting does not shine through the legends.
−Its 80% layout occupies a longer footprint than the K2 QMK V3's 75% layout.

Keychron K2 QMK V3

+75% layout with vendor-listed dimensions of 311.14 x 121.14 mm.
+Hot-swappable version supports almost all 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches, according to Keychron.
+Vendor-described sound treatment includes sound-absorbing foam, IXPE acoustic foam, EPDM foam, and PET foam.
+Cherry-profile double-shot PBT keycaps are described by Keychron as shine-through.
+4000 mAh battery and Bluetooth, wired, and wireless connectivity are listed in the metadata.

−The vendor lists a weight of about 813 g, heavier than the K1 Max's 608 g metadata weight.
−The metadata does not list 2.4 GHz connectivity, unlike the K1 Max.
−Its standard profile may not suit buyers specifically looking for a low-profile keyboard.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The K1 Max has the clearer edge for gaming if 2.4 GHz wireless matters, while the K2 QMK V3 is the more compact layout for a desk with limited space. Modding favors the K2's broader stated switch compatibility. Office and programming are close calls because both share QMK, VIA, and multimedia controls, but differ in profile and layout. The K2's shine-through keycaps also make it the more suitable pick for buyers prioritizing visible backlighting through the legends.

GamingKeychron K1 Max

•The K1 Max supports 2.4 GHz, with a stated 1000 Hz polling rate for 2.4 GHz and wired modes.
•The K2 QMK V3 vendor description lists a 1000 Hz polling rate, but its listed connections are Bluetooth and wired.

OfficeTie

•The K1 Max has an 80% layout and low-profile design, while the K2 QMK V3 uses a 75% layout and standard profile.
•The K2 QMK V3 vendor description lists IXPE, EPDM, and PET foam; the K1 Max description lists IXPE and latex foam.
•Both support QMK, VIA, multimedia keys, and Mac/Windows layouts.

ProgrammingTie

•Both keyboards support QMK and VIA, with the vendor descriptions naming the Keychron Launcher for remapping and macros.
•The K1 Max has an 80% layout, while the K2 QMK V3 has a 75% layout, so the preferred balance of keys and desk space depends on the user.

TravelKeychron K2 QMK V3

•The K2 QMK V3 is a 75% keyboard with vendor-listed dimensions of 311.14 x 121.14 mm, compared with the K1 Max's 80% layout and metadata dimensions of 24 x 346 x 119 mm.
•The K1 Max weighs 608 g; the K2 QMK V3 vendor description lists a weight of about 813 g, so the K2 is smaller but heavier.

ModdingKeychron K2 QMK V3

•The K2 QMK V3 hot-swappable version supports almost all 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches, according to Keychron.
•The K1 Max hot-swappable version is limited to Gateron or Keychron low-profile mechanical switches, according to Keychron.
•Both support QMK and VIA.

Content CreationKeychron K2 QMK V3

•The K2 QMK V3 vendor description says its shine-through keycaps create a backlight effect.
•The K1 Max vendor description identifies its PBT keycaps as non-backlight shine-through, which may make its backlighting less visible through the legends.
•Both include multimedia keys.