Keychron K1 Max vs K3 V32.4GHz vs Bluetooth Showdown
Choose the K1 Max for its 2.4 GHz gaming performance and larger battery, or the K3 V3 for its more compact 75% layout and POM keycap options.
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3.3 · 16 reviews
from$89at Keychron
Down 42% this monthDown 42% this month
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K1 Max
2.4GHz
Build quality in the top 10% of 80% boards under $100.
- 2.4 GHz wireless with 1000 Hz polling rate for competitive gaming
- 4000mAh battery offers extended wireless use
- Low-profile double-shot PBT keycaps for durability and oil resistance
- 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-SW. The other board is sold in those layouts.
- No numpad.
Get the
Keychron K3 V3
Bluetooth Showdown
Build quality in the top 10% of 75% boards under $100.
- More compact 75% layout (306 mm wide) for smaller desks or travel
- Keychron Milk POM switches are pre-lubed for a smooth typing feel
- Offers three different typing angles (2.5°, 4.2°, 6.5°) for ergonomic comfort
- 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.
Choose the Keychron K1 Max if you need low-latency wireless gaming via 2.4 GHz and prefer a larger battery and quiet foam padding. Opt for the Keychron K3 V3 if a compact 75% layout, smoother pre-lubed switches, and a lower starting price are more important for your daily typing or travel needs. Both keyboards are solid low-profile options with full QMK customization, so the final choice depends on whether you prioritize connectivity and battery life or portability and switch feel.
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 V3
Layout size
80%
75%
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Battery
4,000 mAh
1,550 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Case material
ABS, Aluminum, Plastic
ABS, Aluminum
Mount style
PCB Mount, Plate Mount
PCB Mount, Plate Mount, Top Mount
- Keychron K1 Max
- Keychron K3 V3
- Performance
- 8282
- Build quality
- 8283
- Productivity
- 9080
- Customizability
- 8989
- Portability
- 7477
- Hot-swappable
- Low profile
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
- QMK
- VIA
What will you mostly use it for?
The K1 Max wins for gaming and content creation due to its 2.4 GHz connectivity and larger battery. The K3 V3 is the better choice for office work and travel thanks to its more compact size and lighter weight. For programming and modding, the two are closely matched, with the K1 Max slightly ahead on modding potential with its included foams and plate options. Overall, the K1 Max offers superior wireless performance, while the K3 V3 excels in portability and out-of-box switch smoothness.
Pick the Keychron K1 Max
- Supports 2.4 GHz wireless with a 1000 Hz polling rate for low latency
- Larger 4000mAh battery for longer wireless gaming sessions
- 80% TKL layout provides more dedicated space for mouse movement
Keychron K1 Max vs K3 V3 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 V3
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 V3
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW
In stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, 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 K3 V3: your questions
The Keychron K1 Max has better wireless gaming connectivity because it supports 2.4 GHz with a 1000 Hz polling rate. The K3 V3 only offers Bluetooth and wired connections, with a 90 Hz polling rate on Bluetooth.
Yes, the K3 V3 is available in a hot-swappable version, allowing you to swap Keychron Milk POM low-profile switches without soldering. It is compatible with Gateron or Keychron low-profile mechanical switches.
Yes, both keyboards support QMK firmware and the Keychron Launcher web app. This allows you to remap keys, create macros, and adjust settings on macOS, Windows, and Linux.
The K1 Max has a 4000mAh battery, which is significantly larger than the K3 V3's 1550mAh battery. This gives the K1 Max a longer runtime between charges, especially when using the 2.4 GHz wireless mode.
The K3 V3 offers three adjustable typing angles of 2.5°, 4.2°, and 6.5°, while the K1 Max provides a fixed 3° angle. The K3 V3 gives you more flexibility to find an ergonomic wrist position.
No. The K1 Max uses low-profile double-shot PBT keycaps for durability and oil resistance. The K3 V3 uses shine-through ABS keycaps, which allow for better RGB backlight visibility.
The K3 V3 is lighter at 540g and smaller at 306 x 116 mm, making it more portable than the K1 Max which weighs 608g and measures 346 x 119 mm.
Yes, the K1 Max supports wired (USB-C), Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz wireless connections. The wired mode also offers a 1000 Hz polling rate.
The K3 V3 is available with Keychron Milk POM switches in Red (linear), Brown (tactile), and Banana (tactile) options. These switches are pre-lubed and made with POM and POK materials.
Yes. The K1 Max has an 80% TKL layout with 88 keys, while the K3 V3 has a 75% layout with 84 keys. The K3 V3 is more compact but removes the function key row, while the K1 Max retains it.
Yes, both the K1 Max and K3 V3 come with extra keycaps for macOS and Windows. They also allow you to configure different keymaps for each OS using the Keychron Launcher.
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