Keychron K1 Max vs K3 Max SE80% TKL vs 75% Low-Profile
Choose the K1 Max if you need a dedicated function row in a TKL layout and a larger battery; choose the K3 Max SE if you prefer wooden accents and a more compact 75% frame.
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3.3 · 16 reviews
from$89at Keychron
Down 42% this monthDown 42% this month
5.0 · 2 reviews
from$104at Keychron
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K1 Max
80% TKL
Build quality in the top 10% of 80% boards under $100.
- 80% TKL layout with a dedicated function row and 12 multi-media keys.
- Larger 4000mAh battery provides extended wireless use between charges.
- Advanced IXPE and latex acoustic foam for quieter typing.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- No numpad.
Get the
Keychron K3 Max SE
75% Low-Profile
Build quality in the top 35% of 75% boards under $150.
- Compact 75% layout saves desk space and is easier to carry (566g).
- Distinctive ABS case with wooden side frames for a natural look.
- Uses Keychron Milk POM switches with self-lubricating materials for smooth keystrokes.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
- No numpad.
The Keychron K1 Max is the stronger choice for users who need a traditional TKL layout with a large battery and extensive multi-media keys. The Keychron K3 Max SE appeals to those who prioritize a smaller footprint and unique wooden design over function row convenience. Both keyboards share core strengths in wireless performance and customization, so your final decision should hinge on layout preference and battery needs.
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 K3 Max SE
Layout size
80%
75%
Battery
4,000 mAh
1,550 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Case material
ABS, Aluminum, Plastic
ABS, Wood
Weight
608 g
566 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
Layout standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK
ANSI
ISO and JIS exist so regional layouts fit
- Keychron K1 Max
- Keychron K3 Max SE
- Performance
- 8280
- Build quality
- 8274
- Productivity
- 9089
- Customizability
- 8986
- Portability
- 7480
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Low profile
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
- QMK
What will you mostly use it for?
For gaming and programming, both keyboards perform equally due to shared features like 1000 Hz polling and QMK support. The K1 Max wins in office and content creation scenarios thanks to its TKL layout and larger battery. The K3 Max SE is the better travel companion due to its lighter weight and smaller footprint. Modders may prefer the K1 Max for its multi-material plate options and higher customizability score.
It's a tie
- Both offer 1000 Hz polling on 2.4 GHz and wired modes.
- Both support N-Key Rollover for simultaneous key presses.
- Both use low-profile switches that can feel nimble for gaming.
- Neither has a clear advantage in latency or switch options.
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 K3 Max SE
2 owner reviews
“Beautiful service from yourselves, got updates at every point required. Product is amazing and arrived wrapped well. Only issue was the courier delivering the parcel by throwing it into the house rather than handing it in person. Already reviewed their poor…”
Keychron K1 Max vs K3 Max SE specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
10 of 26 specs differ
Keychron K1 Max
Keychron K3 Max SE
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
Sound dampening
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 K3 Max SE
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Keychron K1 Max vs K3 Max SE: your questions
Both keyboards use low-profile mechanical switches, but they are not necessarily cross-compatible. The K1 Max is compatible with Gateron low-profile MX switches, while the K3 Max SE uses Keychron Milk POM low-profile switches. You should verify switch compatibility before swapping between models.
The Keychron K1 Max has a much larger 4000mAh battery compared to the K3 Max SE's 1550mAh battery. This gives the K1 Max a significant advantage for users who want to go longer between charges, especially with 2.4 GHz or Bluetooth connectivity.
Yes, both the K1 Max and K3 Max SE support QMK firmware and VIA software for key remapping, macros, and lighting control. You can customize them using the Keychron Launcher web app in Chrome, Opera, or Edge browsers.
Both keyboards offer a 1000 Hz polling rate on 2.4 GHz and wired modes, which is suitable for competitive gaming. The K1 Max has a 90 Hz polling rate in Bluetooth mode, while the K3 Max SE specifies 125 Hz in Bluetooth mode.
Both keyboards offer Mac layouts with multimedia and function keys compatible with Apple keyboards. The K1 Max includes specific ISO variants for UK, German, Swiss, and Nordic regions, while the K3 Max SE only comes in ANSI. Both include extra keycaps for macOS and Windows.
No, both keyboards come with low-profile double-shot PBT keycaps that are not shine-through. The K1 Max uses non-backlight shine-through PBT material, and the K3 Max SE uses similar non-shine-through PBT keycaps. RGB lighting is visible around the keys rather than through legends.
The K1 Max features IXPE acoustic foam and latex foam for sound dampening. The K3 Max SE includes EPDM acoustic foam and bottom case acoustic foam. Both provide a quieter typing experience, but the materials and layers differ between the two models.
Yes, Keychron states that the Keychron Launcher web app is compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux for both keyboards. The keyboards themselves work with Linux systems as they support standard USB and Bluetooth protocols.
The Keychron K1 Max weighs 608g, while the K3 Max SE weighs approximately 566g. The K3 Max SE is about 42g lighter, making it slightly more portable for travel or carrying between workspaces.
The K3 Max SE features a unique ABS plastic case with wooden side frames for a natural aesthetic. The K1 Max uses an ABS and aluminum frame without wood accents. If wood design is important, the K3 Max SE is the clear choice.
The K1 Max is available in UK-ISO, German DE-ISO, Swiss-ISO, and Nordic-ISO layouts. The K3 Max SE is only available in ANSI layout. For users needing ISO regional layouts, the K1 Max is the only option.
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