What is the main difference between the Keychron K1 Pro and K17 Max?

The K1 Pro is an 80% keyboard weighing 580 g, while the K17 Max is a 96% keyboard weighing 750 g. The K17 Max also adds 2.4 GHz connectivity and knob support.

Does the Keychron K17 Max have 2.4 GHz wireless?

Yes, the K17 Max lists 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, and wired connections. Keychron specifies a 1000 Hz polling rate for its 2.4 GHz and wired modes.

Does the Keychron K1 Pro support 2.4 GHz?

The K1 Pro's listed connections are Bluetooth and wired, with no 2.4 GHz option listed. Its vendor description specifies a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode.

Which keyboard is more portable, the K1 Pro or K17 Max?

The K1 Pro is lighter at 580 g, compared with 750 g for the K17 Max. Its listed length is also shorter, 346 mm versus 387 mm.

Are the Keychron K1 Pro and K17 Max hot-swappable?

Both models are offered with hot-swappable versions, so check the configuration before ordering. Keychron describes the K1 Pro option for Gateron low-profile mechanical switches and the K17 Max option for Gateron or Keychron low-profile mechanical switches.

Do the K1 Pro and K17 Max support QMK and VIA?

Both list QMK and VIA support. Keychron also describes using its Launcher web app for key remapping and macros.

Which layout is larger, the K1 Pro or K17 Max?

The K17 Max has a 96% layout, while the K1 Pro has an 80% layout. Choose the K17 Max if you prefer the fuller layout, or the K1 Pro if a smaller keyboard is the priority.

Do the Keychron K1 Pro and K17 Max have PBT keycaps?

Both models list PBT keycaps, and Keychron describes them as low-profile double-shot PBT. The vendor says these keycaps are non-shine-through.

Does the Keychron K17 Max have sound-dampening foam?

Yes, Keychron describes IXPE acoustic foam and latex foam inside the K17 Max. The vendor associates these layers with quieter keystrokes and switch support.

Can you use the K1 Pro and K17 Max with Mac and Windows?

Both list Mac/Windows support, and Keychron describes Mac and Windows keymaps for each model. The K1 Pro vendor also says it includes keycaps for both operating systems.

Which keyboard is better for gaming, the K1 Pro or K17 Max?

The K17 Max offers 2.4 GHz wireless with a stated 1000 Hz polling rate, as well as wired connectivity. The K1 Pro lists a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode, making it an option if you plan to play wired.

Does the Keychron K17 Max have a knob?

Knob support is listed as a feature of the K17 Max. The K1 Pro's listed extra features do not include knob support.

Compare Keychron K1 Pro vs K17 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers choosing between two low-profile Keychron keyboards with QMK, VIA, hot-swap options, and wired and Bluetooth connectivity. The K1 Pro is the lighter 80% option, while the K17 Max uses a 96% layout and adds 2.4 GHz wireless and knob support. Both list a 1000 Hz polling rate, 2000 mAh battery, and PBT keycaps, so the choice rests mainly on layout, connection options, and portability. Check the specific hot-swappable version when ordering, since the vendor describes hot-swap as an option for both models.

Model
	86	91	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	5.0 stars (5 reviews)	4.8 stars (4 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2023 Available in a 80% layout Built with the ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, JIS, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, ANSI layout standard Uses a Tray Mount mounting style Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity Weighs about 580 g Sized at 8 x 346 x 119 mm Made with a Aluminum, Plastic, ABS case Features ABS, PBT keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face, White, White North-face RGB lighting	Released in 2024 Available in a 96% layout Built with the ISO, ANSI layout standard Comes with a knob Has built-in sound dampening Uses a PCB Mount mounting style Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity Weighs about 750 g Sized at 27 x 119 x 387 mm Made with a ABS, Aluminum case Features PBT keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 81.3 Build Quality: 80.3 Productivity: 80 Customizability: 88.2 Portability: 72.7	Scores Performance: 83.3 Build Quality: 81.3 Productivity: 92.9 Customizability: 91.1 Portability: 53.1
Name	Name Keychron K1 Pro	Name Keychron K17 Max
Release year	Release year 2023	Release year 2024
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile	Profile Low Profile	Profile Low Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 80%	Layout Size 96%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, JIS, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, ANSI	Layout Standard ISO, ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 2000 mAh	Battery capacity 2000 mAh
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Tray Mount	Mount Style PCB Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, North-face, White	Backlight Rgb, White, North-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum, Plastic, ABS	Case Material ABS, Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material ABS, PBT	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 8 x 346 x 119 mm	Dimensions 27 x 119 x 387 mm
Weight	Weight 580g	Weight 750g

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Pros and Trade-offs

Pick the K1 Pro if lower weight and a shorter 80% layout matter more than extra connection options. Choose the K17 Max if you want a 96% layout, 2.4 GHz wireless, or knob support, and are comfortable with its larger, heavier body. For either keyboard, confirm the exact hot-swappable configuration before buying.

Keychron K1 Pro

+80% layout in a lighter 580 g body.
+Bluetooth and wired connectivity, with a stated 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode.
+QMK and VIA support, plus a hot-swappable version.
+Vendor-described low-profile double-shot PBT keycaps and Gateron low-profile switches.

−No 2.4 GHz connection is listed, unlike the K17 Max.
−The 80% layout is smaller than the K17 Max's 96% layout.
−The vendor limits the hot-swappable option to Gateron low-profile mechanical switches.

Keychron K17 Max

+96% layout with 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, and wired connectivity.
+Knob support, alongside listed multimedia keys.
+Vendor-described IXPE acoustic foam and latex foam inside the keyboard.
+QMK and VIA support, with a hot-swappable version available.

−At 750 g, it weighs more than the K1 Pro.
−Its listed 387 mm length is greater than the K1 Pro's 346 mm length.
−Hot-swap is an optional version, not a feature to assume on every configuration.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The K17 Max has the edge for gaming flexibility and desk-based work thanks to its 2.4 GHz option, larger layout, and knob support. The K1 Pro is the more practical travel pick because it is lighter and shorter. For programming and switch or firmware customization, the shared QMK, VIA, and hot-swap features make either a reasonable fit. Choose the layout that better suits your desk and typing habits.

GamingKeychron K17 Max

•The K17 Max supports 2.4 GHz wireless at a stated 1000 Hz polling rate, as well as wired play.
•The K1 Pro lists a 1000 Hz polling rate for wired mode, but its listed connections do not include 2.4 GHz.

OfficeKeychron K17 Max

•The K17 Max's 96% layout provides a fuller keyboard layout than the K1 Pro's 80% layout.
•The K17 Max includes knob support and vendor-described IXPE and latex foam layers for sound dampening and switch support.

ProgrammingTie

•Both keyboards support QMK and VIA, and the vendor describes using Keychron Launcher for remapping keys and macros.
•The K1 Pro is the more compact 80% choice, while the K17 Max offers a 96% layout.

TravelKeychron K1 Pro

•The K1 Pro weighs 580 g, compared with 750 g for the K17 Max.
•The K1 Pro's listed dimensions are 346 x 119 mm, shorter than the K17 Max's 387 x 119 mm.

ModdingTie

•Both list hot-swappable switches, QMK support, and VIA support.
•The K1 Pro hot-swap option is described for Gateron low-profile mechanical switches; the K17 Max description also names Gateron and Keychron low-profile mechanical switches.

Content CreationKeychron K17 Max

•The K17 Max adds knob support, a useful differentiator for workflows that benefit from a dedicated control.
•Its 96% layout is roomier than the K1 Pro's 80% layout, while both list multimedia keys.