Keychron K1 Max vs V1 UltraLow-Profile vs 8K Gaming
Choose the K1 Max for its ultra-slim, low-profile design and aluminum frame, or the V1 Ultra for its gasket mount comfort and 8000 Hz wireless polling rate.
KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
3.3 (16)3.3 · 16 reviews
from$89at Keychron
Down 42% this monthDown 42% this month
5.0 (1)5.0 · 1 reviews
from$97at MK
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K1 Max
Low-Profile
Build quality in the top 10% of 80% boards under $100.
- Ultra-slim design with a low-profile aluminum frame, making it one of the thinnest wireless mechanical keyboards.
- 80% TKL layout provides dedicated navigation cluster, useful for many typing and editing tasks.
- Weighs only 608g, excellent for portability.
- 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-FR, ISO-ES. The other board is sold in those layouts.
- No numpad.
Get the
Keychron V1 Ultra
8K Gaming
Build quality in the top 10% of 75% boards under $100.
- Industry-leading 8000 Hz polling rate in both 2.4 GHz and wired modes for minimal input lag.
- Gasket mount design with a PC plate provides a softer, quieter, and more flexible typing experience.
- Comes with pre-lubed Keychron Silk POM switches for a smooth feel out of the box.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- Missing ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic. The other board is sold in those layouts.
- No numpad.
Your choice hinges on your primary use case. If you value an ultra-slim, lightweight design for portability and prefer a classic TKL layout, the Keychron K1 Max is the better fit. However, if you prioritize maximum gaming performance with an 8000 Hz polling rate, a cushioned gasket mount typing feel, and superior battery life, the Keychron V1 Ultra is the more versatile and powerful option. The V1 Ultra also offers greater long-term modding flexibility with standard switch support.
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 V1 Ultra
Layout size
80%
75%
Low profile
Yes
No
Max polling rate
1,000 Hz
8,000 Hz
Higher polling helps competitive FPS and does nothing for typing
Case material
ABS, Aluminum, Plastic
ABS, Plastic
Switch options
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Linear, Tactile
- Keychron K1 Max
- Keychron V1 Ultra
- Performance
- 8291
- Build quality
- 8284
- Productivity
- 9098
- Customizability
- 8994
- Portability
- 7379
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 4,000 mAh
- QMK
- VIA
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
For gaming and content creation, the V1 Ultra's faster 8000 Hz polling and gasket mount design give it a clear edge. The V1 Ultra also wins for office use due to its quieter acoustic foam and exceptional battery life, and for modding due to its broader switch compatibility and sturdier stabilizer foundation. Both keyboards are tied for programming. The K1 Max is the stronger choice for travel, thanks to its lighter weight and ultra-slim profile. Only the K1 Max offers a low-profile design and an 80% layout.
Pick the Keychron V1 Ultra
- 8000 Hz polling rate in both 2.4 GHz and wired modes, significantly reducing input lag.
- Gasket mount design paired with a PC plate provides a softer, quieter, and more flexible typing feel.
- Comes with Keychron Silk POM switches, which are pre-lubed for smooth, responsive keystrokes.
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 V1 Ultra
1 owner reviews
“Keychron has the best keyboard for keyboard enthusiasts. This is my 3rd and I have no notes. Exactly what I wanted, versatility, thockiness, and portability.”
Keychron K1 Max vs V1 Ultra specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
16 of 28 specs differ
Keychron K1 Max
Keychron V1 Ultra
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
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 V1 Ultra
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-FR, ISO-ES
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 V1 Ultra: your questions
The Keychron V1 Ultra has a significantly higher polling rate of 8000 Hz in both 2.4 GHz and wired modes. The Keychron K1 Max offers a 1000 Hz polling rate on those same connections. This makes the V1 Ultra the better choice for competitive gaming where minimal input lag is critical.
No, the K1 Max is only compatible with Gateron or Keychron low-profile mechanical switches. It does not support standard 3-pin or 5-pin MX-style switches due to its low-profile design. In contrast, the V1 Ultra is compatible with almost all standard MX-style switches.
The Keychron V1 Ultra is better suited for quiet offices. It features multiple layers of acoustic foams, including Sound Absorbing Foam, EPDM Foam, and Bottom Case Acoustic Foam, which work together to minimize noise and echo. The K1 Max also has IXPE and latex foam, but the V1 Ultra has more extensive dampening layers.
Yes, both the Keychron K1 Max and Keychron V1 Ultra support the same three connection modes: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless, and wired USB-C. Both can also be used wirelessly in 2.4 GHz mode for low-latency gaming.
The Keychron K1 Max is more portable. It weighs 608 grams compared to the V1 Ultra's 770 grams, and its ultra-slim low-profile body is much thinner. This makes it easier to slip into a bag for travel or commuting.
The K1 Max uses the open-source QMK firmware and can be customized via the Keychron Launcher web app. The V1 Ultra uses ZMK firmware and is also customizable through the Keychron Launcher web app. Both offer extensive remapping and macro capabilities without needing to install software.
Yes, the Keychron V1 Ultra comes with a knob, which can be used for functions like volume control or scrolling. The K1 Max does not have a physical knob.
The Keychron V1 Ultra has superior battery life, rated for up to 660 hours with the backlight turned off. The K1 Max has a 4000 mAh battery but its specific battery life is not stated in the same detail. The V1 Ultra's battery life is a major advantage for users who want to charge less frequently.
The K1 Max comes with low-profile double-shot PBT keycaps. The V1 Ultra comes with OSA (OEM Spherical Angled) profile double-shot PBT keycaps. Both use durable PBT material that resists shine and fading.
Yes, the K1 Max is designed for both Mac and Windows. It includes a system toggle switch and comes with extra keycaps for both operating systems, allowing you to seamlessly switch between them.
Not sold on either?
Still torn?
Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.