KeebFinder
Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare Keychron K1 Max vs K3 Pro Differences Side by Side

This comparison helps you decide between two low-profile wireless mechanical keyboards from Keychron: the K1 Max with an 80% TKL layout and the K3 Pro with a 75% compact layout. Both support QMK and VIA for customization, offer hot-swappable low-profile Gateron switches, and connect via Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, or wired. The choice is difficult because they share many core features, but differ significantly in layout, battery capacity, and weight, making each better suited to different desk setups and usage habits.

85
Keychron K1 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
87
Keychron K3 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

Select a keyboard to compare

4.5 (14)
4.6 (54)
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO, ANSI layout standard
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a PCB Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • 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, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2022
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless, 2.4 GHz connectivity
  • Equipped with a 1550 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 930 g
  • Sized at 15 x 306 x 116 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Plastic, ABS case
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 80.8
  • Build Quality: 79.7
  • Productivity: 89.1
  • Customizability: 90.2
  • Portability: 76.9
Scores
  • Performance: 80.9
  • Build Quality: 81.3
  • Productivity: 79.8
  • Customizability: 89.1
  • Portability: 77.2
Name
Keychron K1 Max
Name
Keychron K3 Pro
Release year
2024
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Low Profile
Profile
Low Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO, ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless, 2.4 GHz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
1550 mAh
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
PCB Mount
Mount Style
Tray Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, North-face, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face, White, North-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS, Aluminum, Plastic
Case Material
Aluminum, Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Dimensions
24 x 346 x 119 mm
Dimensions
15 x 306 x 116 mm
Weight
608g
Weight
930g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

If you prioritize battery life and a full TKL layout with dedicated navigation keys, the Keychron K1 Max is the clear choice. For a more compact, travel-friendly design that still offers full QMK/VIA customization, the Keychron K3 Pro is the better pick. Both are excellent low-profile keyboards, but your final decision should be based on whether you need that extra space for arrow keys or a smaller footprint.

Keychron K1 Max

  • +Large 4000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
  • +Features IXPE acoustic foam and latex foam for a quieter typing experience.
  • +Offers a polycarbonate plate material for different flex characteristics.
  • +TKL layout includes dedicated arrow keys and navigation cluster.
  • −Heavier at 930g compared to the more portable K3 Pro.
  • −Fewer layout standard options (ISO vs. ISO/JIS/ANSI on the K3 Pro).

Keychron K3 Pro

  • +More compact 75% layout saves desk space.
  • +Lighter weight at 608g makes it more portable.
  • +Offers a wider variety of layout standards including JIS, FR-ISO, and ES-ISO.
  • +Includes pre-lubed Gateron low-profile switches from the factory.
  • −Smaller 1550mAh battery requires more frequent charging.
  • −Sound dampening foam is not mentioned in product descriptions.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron K1 Max wins for gaming and office use due to its guaranteed 1000 Hz polling on wireless and larger battery. For travel, the smaller K3 Pro is the better choice. Programming and content creation are ties as both offer the same customization software and switch options. For modding, the K1 Max pulls ahead with specific foam and plate material options.

GamingKeychron K1 Max
  • •The K1 Max offers a 1000 Hz polling rate on both 2.4 GHz and wired modes, as stated by the manufacturer.
  • •The larger TKL layout provides dedicated function row and navigation cluster useful for many game genres.
OfficeKeychron K1 Max
  • •The K1 Max has a 4000mAh battery which is significantly larger than the K3 Pro's 1550mAh for longer wireless use.
  • •The TKL layout includes dedicated arrow keys and a full navigation cluster without taking up too much desk space.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both keyboards feature QMK and VIA support for extensive key remapping and macro creation.
  • •Both have low-profile switches for a comfortable typing angle and are available with tactile Gateron Brown switches.
TravelKeychron K3 Pro
  • •The K3 Pro has a smaller footprint at 306 x 116 mm compared to the K1 Max at 346 x 119 mm.
  • •The K3 Pro's 75% layout is more compact, making it easier to fit into a backpack or travel bag.
ModdingKeychron K1 Max
  • •The K1 Max uses IXPE acoustic foam and latex foam for sound dampening, a feature not mentioned for the K3 Pro.
  • •The K1 Max has a polycarbonate plate material option, which is different from the K3 Pro's plastic plate.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both offer hot-swappable switches for customizing feel and sound.
  • •Both support VIA for mapping shortcuts for video and audio editing software.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

84
$94
Keychron K1 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 6
Keychron K1 V6
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Alu case,
Top Mount

83
$94
Keychron K3 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 3
Keychron K3 V3
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Top Mount

86
$67
Keychron K1 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K1 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

94
$84
Keychron K3 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K3 Max
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Plate Mount

68
$96
Keychron K3 Ultra-slim Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (Version 2)
Keychron K3 V2
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

84
$109
Keychron K13 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K13 Max
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
PCB Mount

77
$90
Keychron K3 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 3
Keychron K3 QMK V3
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
QMK,
HE,
Alu case,
Plate Mount

98
$94
Keychron V1 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V1 Max
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

86
$94
Keychron K5 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K5 Max
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
PCB Mount

88
$69
Keychron K5 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K5 Pro
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount