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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 10, 2026

Keychron K1 V6 vs K13 MaxTKL vs 80% with Numpad Compared

Choose the K13 Max if you want an 80% layout with a numpad plus 2.4 GHz and PBT keycaps, or the K1 V6 if you prefer a classic TKL and a lower entry point.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Keychron K1 V6

TKL

Build quality in the top 20% of 80% boards under $100.

If you want

  • 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.

Rules this board out

  • Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
  • North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.

Get the

Keychron K13 Max

80% with Numpad Compared

Build quality in the top 15% of 80% boards under $150.

If you want

  • 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.

Rules this board out

  • Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
  • North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.

Bottom line

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.

What actually differs

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 V6

Keychron K13 Max

  • Connection

    Bluetooth, Wired

    Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

    Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency

  • Mount style

    Top Mount

    PCB Mount

  • Weight

    596 g

    600 g

    Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel

  • Sound dampening

    No

    Yes

  • Layout standard

    ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK

    ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, JIS

    ISO and JIS exist so regional layouts fit

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Keychron K1 V6
  • Keychron K13 Max
Performance
81
80
Build quality
78
79
Productivity
80
88
Customizability
88
89
Portability
73
76

What they share

  • Layout size: 80%
  • Hot-swappable
  • Battery: 2,000 mAh
  • Low profile
  • Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
  • Case material: ABS, Aluminum
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

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.

For gaming

Pick the Keychron 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.

From real owners

What owners say

Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.

Keychron K1 V6

5.0

4 owner reviews

Praise
“Love it! My first mechanical, now typing is a beautiful experience, I enjoy coming back to the keyboard! Remapped with Makros, so I have my apps at the fingertip. I am experiencing some minor bugs like "Enter"-key "stuck", meaning the keyboard typed enter…”
Boris· via Keychron

Keychron K13 Max

4.5

4 owner reviews

Praise
“Bought the K13 max to substitute my K1SE. The K1 worked flawlessly, but i needed a number pad for workflow. The build quality with the metal body is great, wifi connectivity is a nice addition, keycaps are larger and have less empty space between each other…”
Dário L.Verified buyer· via Keychron

Full specs

Keychron K1 V6 vs K13 Max specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

7 of 26 specs differ

Keychron K1 V6

Keychron K13 Max

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Tactile

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Top Mount
PCB Mount

Low profile

Yes
Yes

Sound dampening

No
Yes

Layout

Layout size

80%
80%

Layout standard

ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, JIS

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Media keys

Yes
Yes

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Max polling rate

1,000 Hz
1,000 Hz

Battery

2,000 mAh
2,000 mAh

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

ABS, Aluminum
ABS, Aluminum

Plate material

Aluminum
—

Keycaps

ABS
PBT

Weight

596 g
600 g

Dimensions

25 x 346 x 119 mm
8 x 346 x 119 mm

Typing angle

3°
3°

Backlight

RGB, north-facing
RGB, north-facing

Firmware & software

QMK

Yes
Yes

VIA

Yes
Yes

N-key rollover

Yes
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2024
2024

For EU buyers

ISO layouts by store

Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.

Keychron K1 V6

  • Keychron

    ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW

    In stockShips to you

  • Keychron (DE)

    ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-SW

    Out of stockDoes not ship to you

Keychron K13 Max

  • Keychron

    ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW

    In stockShips to you

  • Keychron (DE)

    ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-SW

    Out of stockDoes not ship to you

Where to buy

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.

FAQ

Keychron K1 V6 vs K13 Max: your questions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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