What is the main difference between the Keychron K1 V6 and K13 Max?

The K1 V6 uses a standard 80% TKL layout with 87 keys, while the K13 Max uses an 80% layout with a numpad for 90 keys. The K13 Max also adds a 2.4 GHz connection and double-shot PBT keycaps, where the K1 V6 uses shine-through ABS caps.

Do both keyboards support QMK and VIA?

Both list QMK support and work with the Keychron Launcher web app for key remapping and macros. VIA support is listed in the feature sets for both boards, though Keychron's own pages emphasize Launcher as the primary tool.

Is the Keychron K13 Max good for gaming?

The K13 Max supports 2.4 GHz wireless at a 1000 Hz polling rate, which Keychron describes as making latency hardly noticeable in competitive games. Wired mode also runs at 1000 Hz, so it covers both cable and wireless setups.

Does the Keychron K1 V6 have 2.4 GHz wireless?

No, the K1 V6 lists Bluetooth and wired connectivity only, with no 2.4 GHz option. Its wireless polling runs at a lower rate than its 1000 Hz wired mode, per Keychron's listed figures.

Which keyboard has better keycaps?

The K13 Max ships with low-profile double-shot PBT keycaps, which Keychron describes as oil resistant for long-term use. The K1 V6 uses shine-through ABS LSA keycaps, chosen for backlight effect rather than durability.

Can I hot-swap switches on both keyboards?

Both offer a hot-swappable version in their RGB backlight configuration. Keychron notes that both boards accept Gateron and Keychron low-profile mechanical switches only, since QMK does not support low-profile optical switches.

Which is better for programming, the K1 V6 or K13 Max?

The K13 Max has a 90-key layout with a numpad and double-shot PBT keycaps, which suits heavy daily typing. Both boards run QMK with the Launcher web app, so remapping and macros are available on either.

How long does the battery last on each keyboard?

Both use a 2000 mAh battery, with Keychron listing up to 160 hours for the K1 V6 and up to 154 hours for the K13 Max. Actual figures depend on backlight use and connection type.

Do both keyboards come in ISO layouts?

Both list ISO variants including UK, German, Swiss, and Nordic layouts. The K13 Max additionaly lists JIS in its layout standards, widening regional coverage beyond the K1 V6.

Are these keyboards compatible with Mac and Windows?

Yes, both include keycaps for macOS and Windows and let you set separate keymaps for each. Keychron Launcher works on macOS, Windows, and Linux through a Chrome, Edge, or Opera browser with the keyboard connected by cable.

What foam is inside each keyboard?

The K1 V6 uses IXPE and latex acoustic foam plus EPDM foam, which Keychron describes as targeting a quieter, more supported typing feel. The K13 Max uses IXPE and latex acoustic foam for the same purpose.

Which keyboard weighs less?

The K1 V6 lists 596 g, while the K13 Max lists 600 g, a difference of a few grams. Both share the same 346 mm width, so the choice is about layout rather than footprint.

Compare Keychron K1 V6 vs K13 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two low-profile Keychron boards that share an 80% width but split on layout and wireless. The K1 V6 is a slim TKL with a 2000 mAh battery and shine-through ABS keycaps, while the K13 Max squeezes a numpad into an 80% frame and adds a 2.4 GHz connection with double-shot PBT caps. The decision is hard because both run QMK via Launcher, both are hot-swappable in their RGB hot-swap versions, and both use a 1000 Hz wired polling rate, so the difference comes down to key count, keycap material, and how you connect.

Model
	84	86	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	5.0 stars (2 reviews)	4.5 stars (4 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-SW, ISO-Nordic, ANSI layout standard Uses a Top Mount mounting style Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity Weighs about 596 g Sized at 25 x 346 x 119 mm Features ABS keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face, White RGB lighting	Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-SW, ISO-Nordic, JIS, ANSI layout standard Has built-in sound dampening Uses a PCB Mount mounting style Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity Weighs about 600 g Sized at 8 x 346 x 119 mm Features PBT keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 81.6 Build Quality: 78.5 Productivity: 80.1 Customizability: 88.4 Portability: 72.8	Scores Performance: 79.9 Build Quality: 79 Productivity: 88.2 Customizability: 88.9 Portability: 76.2
Name	Name Keychron K1 V6	Name Keychron K13 Max
Release year	Release year 2024	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 80%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-SW, ISO-Nordic, ANSI	Layout Standard ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-SW, ISO-Nordic, JIS, 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 Top 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 ABS, Aluminum	Case Material ABS, Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material ABS	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 25 x 346 x 119 mm	Dimensions 8 x 346 x 119 mm
Weight	Weight 596g	Weight 600g

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Pros and Trade-offs

Pick the K13 Max if your work involves numbers, spreadsheets, or macros that benefit from a numpad, and if you want 2.4 GHz wireless and double-shot PBT caps. Pick the K1 V6 if you prefer a classic TKL and want the lower entry point in Keychron's low-profile line. Both run QMK via Launcher and offer a hot-swappable version, so the decision rests on layout and keycap material rather than software.

Keychron K1 V6

+Low-profile TKL layout with Keychron Milk POM switches that Keychron says are pre-lubed for a smooth feel.
+Shine-through ABS LSA keycaps give a strong backlight effect across 22+ RGB modes.
+Hot-swappable version accepts Keychron and Gateron low-profile mechanical switches, per Keychron.
+QMK firmware with the Launcher web app supports key remapping and macros across macOS, Windows, and Linux.
+2000 mAh battery rated by Keychron for up to 160 hours of use.

−Shine-through keycaps are ABS rather than PBT, so they may show shine sooner with heavy use.
−Bluetooth tops out at a lower wireless polling rate than wired, per Keychron's listed figures.
−No 2.4 GHz option, which leaves the K13 Max as the only one of the two with that connection.

Keychron K13 Max

+Unique 80% layout with a numpad for number-heavy work without going full-size.
+Low-profile double-shot PBT keycaps resist oil and shine for long-term use.
+2.4 GHz and Bluetooth up to three devices, with 1000 Hz polling on 2.4 GHz and wired.
+QMK firmware and Keychron Launcher for remapping and macros.
+IXPE and latex acoustic foam aimed at quieter, more comfortable typing.

−Bluetooth polling runs at a lower rate than 2.4 GHz or wired, per Keychron's listed figures.
−Hot-swap compatibility is limited to Gateron and Keychron low-profile mechanical switches, since QMK does not support low-profile optical switches.
−Its 80% layout with numpad may feel cramped for users used to a full-size board.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The K13 Max takes most productivity-oriented categories because of its 80% numpad layout, double-shot PBT caps, 2.4 GHz connection, and acoustic foam. The K1 V6 holds limited ground on travel thanks to its slightly lower weight and wider spread of ISO layout standards. Gaming and modding are decided by wireless technology rather than switch feel, since both share a 1000 Hz wired rate and hot-swappable low-profile support. Office and programming favor the K13 Max for key count and keycap durability. Content creation follows the same pattern, with the numpad and PBT caps doing the work.

GamingKeychron K13 Max

•The K13 Max supports 2.4 GHz wireless with a 1000 Hz polling rate, giving a low-latency link without a cable.
•Both boards share a 1000 Hz wired polling rate, so the K13 Max adds an option the K1 V6 does not list.
•Both use north-facing switches and a 2000 mAh battery for wireless sessions.

OfficeKeychron K13 Max

•The K13 Max fits a numpad into an 80% layout, useful for spreadsheet and data entry work.
•Its IXPE and latex acoustic foam is described by Keychron as targeting quieter keystrokes.
•Double-shot PBT keycaps resist oil and shine over long-term daily typing.

ProgrammingKeychron K13 Max

•The K13 Max has a 90-key 80% layout including a numpad, versus the K1 V6's 87-key TKL.
•Both run QMK firmware and the Keychron Launcher web app for remapping and macros.
•Double-shot PBT caps on the K13 Max hold up better under heavy daily keying.

TravelKeychron K1 V6

•The K1 V6 lists a 596 g weight, slightly below the 600 g of the K13 Max.
•The K1 V6 is offered across more layout standards including ANSI and ISO variants, matching more regional setups.
•Both use a low-profile design and 2000 mAh battery for portable wireless use, though the K13 Max has the same footprint.

ModdingTie

•Both offer a hot-swappable version compatible with Gateron and Keychron low-profile mechanical switches, per Keychron.
•Both support QMK and the Launcher web app for full key remapping and macros.
•Both use a north-facing switch face and 2000 mAh battery, so the modding path is similar.

Content CreationKeychron K13 Max

•The K13 Max adds a numpad within an 80% frame, useful for hotkey-heavy editing workflows.
•Double-shot PBT keycaps resist wear through long editing sessions.
•2.4 GHz on the K13 Max gives a cable-free option with the same 1000 Hz rate as wired.