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Compare Keychron K13 Max vs K13 Pro Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Keychron's two low-profile 80% keyboards. The choice is difficult because both share an ultra-slim aluminum body, QMK/VIA programmability, hot-swap sockets for Gateron low-profile switches, and double-shot PBT keycaps. The primary trade-off is between the K13 Max's added 2.4GHz wireless connectivity and the K13 Pro's typically lower cost for a very similar feature set.

84
Keychron K13 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
87
Keychron K13 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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4.5 (4)
4.5 (8)
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • 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
  • Made with a ABS, Aluminum case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ISO, JIS, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK layout standard
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Weighs about 580 g
  • Made with a ABS, Aluminum, Plastic case
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
Scores
  • Performance: 80.7
  • Build Quality: 78.5
  • Productivity: 89.2
  • Customizability: 90.2
  • Portability: 76.7
Scores
  • Performance: 81.1
  • Build Quality: 81.4
  • Productivity: 79.8
  • Customizability: 89.1
  • Portability: 72.9
Name
Keychron K13 Max
Name
Keychron K13 Pro
Release year
2024
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Profile
Low Profile
Profile
Low Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
80%
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-SW, ISO-Nordic, JIS, ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO, JIS, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
2000 mAh
Battery capacity
2000 mAh
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
PCB Mount
Mount Style
Tray Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, North-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, North-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS, Aluminum
Case Material
ABS, Aluminum, Plastic
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Dimensions
8 x 346 x 119 mm
Dimensions
8 x 346 x 119 mm
Weight
600g
Weight
580g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice hinges on the value of 2.4GHz wireless. If you plan to game wirelessly or want the absolute lowest latency wireless connection, the Keychron K13 Max is the necessary upgrade. If you will primarily use Bluetooth or a wired connection, the Keychron K13 Pro delivers an almost identical typing and programming experience for less money. Consider the K13 Pro's wider range of ISO layouts if you require a specific regional key arrangement.

Keychron K13 Max

  • +Includes a 2.4GHz wireless connection with a 1000 Hz polling rate for low-latency use.
  • +Features PCB mount style and listed internal IXPE and latex acoustic foam.
  • +Equipped with double-shot PBT keycaps as standard.
  • +Powerful ARM MCU with 256KB Flash for firmware flexibility.
  • −Typically carries a higher price than the K13 Pro.
  • −The vendor description notes keycap legends are not shine-through, which can hinder visibility in low light.
  • −Compatibility is limited to Gateron/Keychron low-profile mechanical switches only.

Keychron K13 Pro

  • +Generally available at a lower cost than the K13 Max.
  • +Shares core features like QMK/VIA, hot-swap, low-profile design, and PBT keycaps.
  • +Offers extensive ISO layout options including UK, German, Nordic, Swiss, French, and Spanish.
  • +Maintains a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode for responsive gaming.
  • −Lacks a 2.4GHz wireless mode, offering only Bluetooth and wired connectivity.
  • −Uses a tray/plate mount style instead of PCB mount.
  • −The vendor description for the K13 Pro also mentions non-shine-through keycap legends.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The K13 Max has a clear edge for wireless gaming due to its 2.4GHz mode and may appeal more to modders with its specific mounting and foam. For office work, programming, travel, and content creation, the keyboards are functionally identical, making the decision primarily about budget and the need for that specific wireless mode. The shared low-profile design, programmability, and layout make them equally capable for most productivity tasks.

GamingKeychron K13 Max
  • •The K13 Max offers a 2.4GHz wireless connection with a 1000 Hz polling rate for low-latency gaming.
  • •Both keyboards have a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode.
  • •Both support N-key rollover for accurate keypress registration.
OfficeTie
  • •Both have an 80% layout with a numpad, which is useful for data entry.
  • •Both support multi-device Bluetooth connectivity for switching between computers.
  • •Both include Mac and Windows keycaps and OS compatibility.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both are fully programmable via open-source QMK firmware and the VIA/Keychron Launcher web app.
  • •Both feature a compact layout that saves desk space while retaining essential keys.
  • •Both offer hot-swappable versions for customizing switch feel.
TravelTie
  • •Both share identical ultra-slim, low-profile designs and similar weights (600g vs 580g).
  • •Both offer wireless Bluetooth operation to reduce cable clutter.
  • •Both have the same compact 80% footprint.
ModdingKeychron K13 Max
  • •The K13 Max uses a PCB mount style, while the K13 Pro uses a tray/plate mount.
  • •The K13 Max listing mentions included IXPE and latex foam for sound dampening.
  • •Both are hot-swappable and compatible with Gateron/Keychron low-profile mechanical switches.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both include 12 multimedia keys for controlling media and system functions.
  • •Full programmability via QMK allows for creating macros for editing software.
  • •The low-profile design may be comfortable for long typing sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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