Keychron K1 SE vs K13 Pro
Choose the K13 Pro for advanced firmware customization and broader layout support, or the K1 SE for its optical switch option.
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No reviews
from$122at Keychron (DE)
3.8 (10)3.8 · 10 reviews
from$83at Keychron
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K1 SE
Build quality in the top 45% of 80% boards under $150.
- Offers a choice between Gateron mechanical and Keychron optical low-profile switches.
- Vendor description highlights 0.2 ms ultra-low latency for its optical switch option.
- Includes two levels of adjustable rubber feet for ergonomic support.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
Get the
Keychron K13 Pro
QMK
Build quality in the top 10% of 80% boards under $100.
- Supports QMK and VIA firmware for extensive programmability and key remapping.
- Available in a wide array of layout standards including ANSI, ISO, JIS, and several ISO regional variants.
- Specifies a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode for low latency.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
For most users, the Keychron K13 Pro is the more versatile choice due to its superior firmware support and broader layout selection. Only choose the Keychron K1 SE if your primary requirement is access to low-profile optical switches, as it sacrifices programmability and layout options for that specific feature.
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 SE
Keychron K13 Pro
Case material
Aluminum, Plastic
ABS, Aluminum, Plastic
QMK
No
Yes
The deep option when you want to remap every key
VIA
No
Yes
GUI remapping without compiling firmware
Layout standard
ANSI
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, JIS
ISO and JIS exist so regional layouts fit
Backlight
RGB
RGB, north-facing
RGB for looks and low light rather than speed
- Keychron K1 SE
- Keychron K13 Pro
- Performance
- 6681
- Build quality
- 6081
- Productivity
- 6779
- Customizability
- 7188
- Portability
- 7773
- Layout size: 80%
- Connection: Bluetooth, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 2,000 mAh
- Low profile
What will you mostly use it for?
The K13 Pro holds clear advantages for gamers seeking a high polling rate and for programmers or modders who require QMK/VIA firmware support. For office work, travel, and content creation, the keyboards are closely matched, sharing core wireless and low-profile features. The K1 SE's unique offering is its optional optical switches, which may appeal to users prioritizing that specific switch technology.
Pick the Keychron K13 Pro
- The K13 Pro lists a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode, which is specified for competitive gaming.
- Its vendor description states the 1000 Hz polling rate makes latency 'hardly noticeable even in competitive games'.
- The K1 SE vendor page mentions 0.2 ms ultra-low latency for its optical switches, but does not specify a polling rate.
Keychron K1 SE vs K13 Pro specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
7 of 25 specs differ
Keychron K1 SE
Keychron K13 Pro
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
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 SE
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Keychron K13 Pro
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic
In stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic
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 SE vs K13 Pro: your questions
The Keychron K13 Pro has significantly better software support. It is compatible with the open-source QMK and VIA firmware, allowing for deep key remapping, macro creation, and layer programming. The K1 SE does not offer this level of firmware-based customization.
No. The manufacturer's description for the K13 Pro explicitly states that its QMK firmware does not support low-profile optical switches. The K13 Pro is only compatible with Gateron or Keychron low-profile mechanical switches for its hot-swappable version.
The Keychron K13 Pro has a 1000 Hz polling rate when used in wired mode, as specified in its product metadata and vendor description. Its wireless polling rate is listed as 90 Hz. The K1 SE's vendor page does not specify a polling rate.
Yes. The K13 Pro comes with low-profile double-shot PBT keycaps, which are noted for durability and oil resistance. The materials for the K1 SE's keycaps are not specified in the provided information, though it includes keycaps for both Mac and Windows.
Both keyboards are well-suited for Mac users. Each includes keycaps for macOS, and their vendor descriptions highlight full compatibility with Mac layouts, including specific multimedia and function keys. The K13 Pro adds the ability to configure different keymaps for Mac and Windows via its software.
No, neither keyboard has a dedicated numpad. Both are 80% layout keyboards, which is a tenkeyless (TKL) form factor that omits the numpad to save space. The K13 Pro is described by its vendor as having a 'numpad TKL layout,' which refers to its compact size, not the presence of a numpad.
Both the Keychron K1 SE and K13 Pro are equipped with a 2000mAh battery. Actual battery life will depend on usage patterns, backlight brightness, and connectivity mode. The vendor descriptions do not provide estimated battery life in hours.
Yes, both offer adjustable typing angles. The K1 SE features two levels of adjustable rubber feet. The K13 Pro provides three levels of adjustable typing angle for ergonomic support, according to its vendor description.
No. The vendor description for the K1 SE clearly states that its low-profile Keychron optical and Gateron mechanical versions are 'NOT compatible with any normal profile mx style mechanical switch.' It is designed exclusively for low-profile switches.
The vendor description for the K13 Pro mentions 'more than 22 types of RGB backlight settings.' The K1 SE's vendor page describes '18 different color effects.' Therefore, the K13 Pro is listed as having a greater variety of RGB lighting effects.
Both are good candidates for travel due to their shared 80% form factor, which reduces their footprint, and their wireless Bluetooth capability. They have the same battery capacity and low-profile designs described as 'ultra-slim.' The K13 Pro is slightly heavier at 580g.
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