Keychron K10 HE vs K9 MaxFull-Size Magnetic vs 60% Low-Profile
Choose the K10 HE for advanced magnetic switch features and a full layout, or the K9 Max for ultra-portability and a low-profile design.
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4.2 (18)4.2 · 18 reviews
from$134at MK
5.0 (2)5.0 · 2 reviews
from$137at Keychron (DE)
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K10 HE
Full-Size Magnetic
Build quality in the top 5% of 100% boards under $150.
- Advanced Gateron double-rail magnetic switches with adjustable actuation points.
- Full 100% layout with aluminum and optional wood frame construction.
- Includes multiple sound-dampening foams: EVA acoustic foam, EPDM foam, and a silicone pad.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
Get the
Keychron K9 Max
60% Low-Profile
Build quality in the top 25% of 60% boards under $150.
- Extremely portable 60% low-profile design, weighing only 426g.
- Ultra-slim profile, 33% slimmer than standard mechanical switches.
- Includes low-profile double-shot PBT keycaps and Keychron Milk POM switches.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
- Compact layout only. No function row, dedicated arrow keys, or numpad.
Select the Keychron K10 HE if you need a full-featured, stationary keyboard with cutting-edge magnetic switch technology for gaming or precise control. Opt for the Keychron K9 Max if your priority is a highly portable, low-profile keyboard for travel or a minimalist desk setup, and you can work within a 60% layout. Your decision ultimately comes down to form factor versus advanced input features.
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 K10 HE
Keychron K9 Max
Layout size
100%
60%
Hall effect (magnetic)
Yes
No
Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing
Rapid trigger
Yes
No
Faster resets help in games and not in normal typing
Battery
4,000 mAh
1,550 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Low profile
No
Yes
- Keychron K10 HE
- Keychron K9 Max
- Performance
- 9275
- Build quality
- 8975
- Productivity
- 9491
- Customizability
- 9492
- Portability
- 5587
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- QMK
- VIA
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Keychron K10 HE is the clear choice for stationary, feature-intensive use cases like gaming, programming, and office work, thanks to its magnetic switches and full layout. The Keychron K9 Max dominates for travel and portability with its lightweight, low-profile 60% form factor. For modding, the K10 HE offers more advanced internal components and switch technology to tinker with.
Pick the Keychron K10 HE
- Features adjustable actuation points from 0.2 to 3.8 mm with 0.1 mm sensitivity for precise control.
- Includes gaming-specific features like Rapid Trigger, Dynamic Keystrokes, and Last Key Priority.
- Offers a 1000 Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4 GHz modes for low latency.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron K10 HE
18 owner reviews
“Fantastically smooth design with sturdy make, elegant look and satisfying typing experience. The clicking is just right, and the keyboard feels incredible to type with.”
“caps lock, num lock and win/mac indicators don't work. Keychron support has no fix and a no free return policy that will cost me to return. Not worth it to send it back. One of the worst keyboards I have ever used and will wind up putting it in the trash.”
Keychron K9 Max
2 owner reviews
“The keyboard sounds and looks good on my desk. It works with my Mac.”
Keychron K10 HE vs K9 Max specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
12 of 29 specs differ
Keychron K10 HE
Keychron K9 Max
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Rapid trigger
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
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 K10 HE
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK
In stockDoes not ship to you
Keychron K9 Max
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Keychron K10 HE vs K9 Max: your questions
The K10 HE uses Gateron double-rail magnetic switches with adjustable actuation points and TMR sensors. The K9 Max uses low-profile Keychron Milk POM mechanical switches, which are 33% slimmer but lack magnetic adjustability.
The Keychron K10 HE is better for office work due to its full 100% layout with a number pad. It also includes dedicated keycaps for both Mac and Windows and a larger battery. The K9 Max's 60% layout requires more key combinations for numbers and navigation.
The K9 Max has a 1000 Hz polling rate in its 2.4 GHz and wired modes, which is suitable for gaming. However, it lacks the specialized gaming features of the K10 HE, such as Rapid Trigger, adjustable actuation points, and Analog Mode.
Yes, both keyboards offer hot-swappable versions. The K10 HE is hot-swappable for compatible Gateron double-rail magnetic switches only. The K9 Max offers a hot-swappable option for Keychron Milk POM low-profile switches.
The Keychron K10 HE has a significantly larger 4000mAh battery compared to the K9 Max's 1550mAh battery. According to the manufacturer, the K10 HE offers up to 120 hours of wireless working time, though actual use will vary.
Yes, both the Keychron K10 HE and K9 Max are compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux. They include keycaps for both macOS and Windows layouts and have a system toggle switch.
Yes. Both keyboards feature north-facing RGB backlighting with over 22 lighting modes. You can customize the hue, saturation, brightness, and effect speed using the Keychron Launcher web app.
The K10 HE includes 3.5mm thick EVA acoustic foam, EPDM foam, and a silicone pad inside the case. The K9 Max uses IXPE acoustic foam and latex foam to dampen sound and provide a cushioned typing feel.
Yes, the K9 Max is excellent for travel. Its 60% layout, low-profile design, and light weight of 426g make it very compact and easy to pack. It's significantly more portable than the full-size, 1320g K10 HE.
Both the Keychron K10 HE and K9 Max use open-source QMK firmware and are compatible with the VIA and Keychron Launcher web apps for key remapping, macros, and shortcuts without installing software.
The Keychron K10 HE Standard Version uses an aluminum frame. The Special Edition uses an aluminum frame with natural rosewood accents. The K9 Max uses an ABS plastic frame.
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