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Compare Keychron K1 Max vs K5 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for users deciding between Keychron's two premium low-profile wireless keyboards. The choice hinges entirely on layout preference: the 80% TKL K1 Max saves desk space and is easier to transport, while the 100% K5 Max includes a full number pad for data entry and accounting. Both share identical core features like QMK/VIA programmability, hot-swap sockets, and triple connectivity, making the decision a matter of form factor and specific workflow needs.

85
Keychron K1 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
86
Keychron K5 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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4.5 (14)
3.9 (22)
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • 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
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, White North-face, Rgb North-face, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Available in a 100% layout
  • Equipped with a 2000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 720 g
  • Sized at 18 x 424 x 119 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Aluminum case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 80.7
  • Build Quality: 79.8
  • Productivity: 89.2
  • Customizability: 90.2
  • Portability: 76.8
Scores
  • Performance: 82.4
  • Build Quality: 81.8
  • Productivity: 89.4
  • Customizability: 90.1
  • Portability: 54.8
Name
Keychron K1 Max
Name
Keychron K5 Max
Release year
2024
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Profile
Low Profile
Profile
Low Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
100%
Layout Standard
ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO, ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO, 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, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
2000 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
PCB Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, North-face, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, North-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS, Aluminum, Plastic
Case Material
ABS, Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
24 x 346 x 119 mm
Dimensions
18 x 424 x 119 mm
Weight
608g
Weight
720g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your need for a number pad is the deciding factor. If you regularly work with numbers or prefer a traditional full-size keyboard, the Keychron K5 Max is the logical choice. If you value a cleaner desk, more mouse space, or plan to move the keyboard often, the more compact and longer-lasting Keychron K1 Max is the better option. Both deliver the same premium low-profile typing experience and customization features.

Keychron K1 Max

  • +More portable 80% TKL layout (346mm wide, 608g).
  • +Larger 4000mAh battery capacity for extended wireless use.
  • +Includes sound-dampening IXPE and latex foam.
  • +Hot-swappable for Gateron/Keychron low-profile switches.
  • +Full QMK and VIA programmability via web app.
  • −Lacks a dedicated number pad, which some users require.
  • −Vendor reviews mention occasional double-input issues in wireless mode.
  • −Non-shine-through PBT keycaps limit RGB backlight visibility.

Keychron K5 Max

  • +Full 100% layout with integrated number pad for data entry.
  • +Includes sound-dampening IXPE and latex foam.
  • +Hot-swappable for Gateron/Keychron low-profile switches.
  • +Full QMK and VIA programmability via web app.
  • +Sturdy, planted feel on desk due to its size and 720g weight.
  • −Less portable due to larger size (424mm wide, 720g).
  • −Smaller 2000mAh battery compared to the K1 Max.
  • −Non-shine-through PBT keycaps limit RGB backlight visibility.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The K5 Max is the clear choice for office work and content creation where a number pad is essential. The K1 Max wins for gaming and travel due to its more compact, lightweight form factor and larger battery. For programming and modding, the keyboards are functionally identical, leaving the decision to personal layout preference. Your daily tasks will dictate which layout serves you better.

GamingKeychron K1 Max
  • •The 80% TKL layout of the K1 Max frees up more mouse movement space.
  • •It is lighter at 608g compared to the K5 Max's 720g, making it slightly easier to reposition.
  • •Both offer the same 1000Hz polling rate for responsive gameplay.
OfficeKeychron K5 Max
  • •The K5 Max's 100% layout includes a dedicated number pad, crucial for data entry and spreadsheets.
  • •Its larger size and 720g weight provide a stable, planted feel on a desk.
  • •Both offer quiet low-profile switches and sound-dampening IXPE and latex foam.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both keyboards support full QMK and VIA firmware for extensive key remapping and macros.
  • •Both feature hot-swappable sockets for customizing switch feel.
  • •The choice depends on personal preference for a compact TKL layout (K1 Max) or a layout with a number pad for numerical input (K5 Max).
TravelKeychron K1 Max
  • •The K1 Max is significantly more compact, measuring 346mm in width versus the K5 Max's 424mm.
  • •It is over 100g lighter (608g vs 720g).
  • •It has a larger 4000mAh battery compared to the K5 Max's 2000mAh for longer wireless use between charges.
ModdingTie
  • •Both are hot-swappable, compatible with Gateron and Keychron low-profile mechanical switches.
  • •Both support open-source QMK and VIA firmware for deep customization.
  • •Both feature a similar construction with IXPE and latex foam, aluminum frames, and redesigned stabilizers.
Content CreationKeychron K5 Max
  • •The K5 Max's full number pad allows for quick numerical input in video editing timelines or graphic design software.
  • •The larger layout provides dedicated media keys for playback control.
  • •Its stable, full-size form factor is suited for a permanent desk setup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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