Keychron K1 Max vs S1Wireless vs All-Metal Low Profile
Choose the K1 Max for wireless versatility and a TKL layout, or the S1 for a heavier, denser all-metal build if you only need a wired connection.
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4.6 (10)4.6 · 10 reviews
from$89at Keychron
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4.8 (12)4.8 · 12 reviews
from$82at Keychron
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K1 Max
Wireless
Build quality in the top 10% of 80% boards under $100.
- Supports 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.1, and wired connections for flexible use
- Lighter weight at 608 grams, making it easier to move around
- 4000mAh battery provides power for extended wireless sessions
- 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 S1
All-Metal Low Profile
Build quality in the top 15% of 75% boards under $100.
- Full CNC machined aluminum body for an extremely solid and premium feel
- Heavier weight at 960 grams keeps the keyboard firmly planted on a desk
- Steel plate contributes to a distinct typing feel and sound profile
- 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.
Choose the Keychron K1 Max if you need wireless flexibility, a lighter keyboard for occasional moves, or a TKL layout with dedicated navigation keys. Choose the Keychron S1 if you prioritize a dense, all-metal build and typing feel over connectivity options and are comfortable with a wired-only setup. The K1 Max is the more versatile daily driver, while the S1 is a solid desk queen for those who prefer simplicity and heft.
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 S1
Layout size
80%
75%
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Case material
ABS, Aluminum, Plastic
Aluminum
Mount style
PCB Mount, Plate Mount
Plate Mount, Tray Mount
Weight
608 g
960 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
- Keychron K1 Max
- Keychron S1
- Performance
- 8282
- Build quality
- 8182
- Productivity
- 9080
- Customizability
- 8989
- Portability
- 7365
- 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 the majority of use cases due to its wireless connectivity and lighter weight, making it a better fit for office, programming, travel, and content creation. The S1 matches the K1 Max for modding due to shared QMK/VIA support and switch compatibility. Gaming favors the K1 Max for its 2.4 GHz wireless option. Overall, the K1 Max is more adaptable for varied environments, while the S1 is a specialist for users who prioritize a denser build over portability.
Pick the Keychron K1 Max
- Supports 2.4 GHz wireless with a 1000 Hz polling rate, reducing cable clutter
- Offers both wireless and wired 1000 Hz polling rate options for flexibility
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 S1
12 owner reviews
“Got it today, hands on my first mechanical keyboard and feels so good. And a lot of difference in day-to-day way of typing.”
Keychron K1 Max vs S1 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
11 of 26 specs differ
Keychron K1 Max
Keychron S1
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 S1
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 S1: your questions
The K1 Max is generally better for gaming because it supports a 2.4 GHz wireless connection, which eliminates cable drag while offering a 1000 Hz polling rate. The S1 is also wired with a 1000 Hz polling rate and is a very capable gaming keyboard, but it lacks the wireless freedom of the K1 Max.
No, the Keychron S1 is a wired-only keyboard. It connects via USB-C and does not have any built-in battery or wireless radios. If you need wireless, the Keychron K1 Max is the better option.
The Keychron S1 is significantly heavier at 960 grams, compared to the K1 Max which weighs 608 grams. The S1's weight comes from its full CNC machined aluminum body and steel plate, giving it a very solid and stable feel on a desk.
Yes, the K1 Max is designed for both Mac and Windows. It includes keycaps for both operating systems and has a system toggle. You can also configure different keymaps for each OS using the Keychron Launcher web app.
Yes, both the K1 Max and S1 are available with hot-swappable sockets. They both support low-profile Gateron mechanical switches. The K1 Max hot-swap option is included by default per the vendor, and the S1 offers it as an option.
Both keyboards come with low-profile double-shot PBT keycaps in an LSA (low profile spherical-angled) profile. These keycaps are designed to be oil-resistant and durable. The K1 Max keycaps are non-backlight shine-through, and the S1 keycaps are also not shine-through.
The K1 Max has a built-in 4000mAh battery and supports wireless modes, so it has battery life to consider. The Keychron S1 is wired-only and has no battery, so this comparison is not applicable to the S1.
The Keychron S1 is generally considered to have a higher build quality due to its full CNC machined aluminum body and steel plate, offering a denser and more premium feel. The K1 Max uses an ABS frame with an aluminum plate, which is lighter but less solid.
Yes, both keyboards support QMK and VIA for full key remapping, macros, and shortcuts. The K1 Max also supports the Keychron Launcher web app. This makes both keyboards highly customizable for productivity and gaming.
The K1 Max has an 80% TKL layout with 88 keys, which includes a dedicated navigation cluster and function row. The S1 has a more compact 75% layout, which is shorter and lacks a dedicated navigation cluster, but still has the function row.
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