Keychron K1 Max vs K2 V3Low vs Standard
Choose the K1 Max for a low-profile layout and 2.4 GHz wireless, or the K2 QMK V3 for a smaller standard-profile board and broader switch-swap options.
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4.6 (10)4.6 · 10 reviews
from$89at Keychron
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5.0 (1)5.0 · 1 reviews
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K1 Max
Low
Build quality in the top 10% of 80% boards under $100.
- 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.
- 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 V3
Standard
Build quality in the top 10% of 75% boards under $100.
- 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.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- No numpad.
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.
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 V3
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
Case material
ABS, Aluminum, Plastic
Aluminum
Mount style
PCB Mount, Plate Mount
PCB Mount
- Keychron K1 Max
- Keychron K2 V3
- Performance
- 8282
- Build quality
- 8185
- Productivity
- 9095
- Customizability
- 8992
- Portability
- 7380
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 4,000 mAh
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
- QMK
- VIA
What will you mostly use it for?
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.
Pick the Keychron 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.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron K1 Max
10 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…”
Keychron K2 V3
1 owner reviews
Keychron K1 Max vs K2 V3 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
11 of 27 specs differ
Keychron K1 Max
Keychron K2 V3
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 V3
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, 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 V3: your questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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