Keychron K13 Max vs K15 MaxNumpad vs Alice Layout
Choose the K13 Max if you need a numpad and ISO layouts, or the K15 Max if you prefer an ergonomic Alice layout for better typing posture.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K13 Max
Numpad
- Dedicated numpad for efficient numeric data entry.
- Lighter weight (600g) than the K15 Max.
- Available in multiple ISO layouts (UK, DE, Swiss, Nordic, JIS, ANSI).
- Standard staggered layout does not provide the ergonomic wrist position of the Alice layout.
- No hot-swappable option with shine-through keycaps out of the box according to customer feedback.
Get the
Keychron K15 Max
Alice Layout
- Alice layout promotes a more natural, split typing posture.
- Lower starting price point from some vendors.
- Compact 75% form factor saves desk space while retaining navigation and function keys.
- Heavier (700g) and physically larger then the K13 Max.
- ANSI-only layout may not suit users requiring ISO keycap shapes.
- Alice layout has a learning curve, particularly for key placement like the "6" key on the left side.
If you need a numpad for finance, data entry, or regional ISO layouts, buy the Keychron K13 Max. If you prioritize ergonomics and are willing to adapt to a split Alice layout for better wrist alignment, the Keychron K15 Max is the better pick. For most other tasks, both keyboards deliver identical performance, connectivity, and customization 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 K13 Max
Keychron K15 Max
Layout size
80%
75%
Ergonomics
Standard
Alice
Weight
600 g
700 g
Layout standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, JIS
ANSI
Backlight
RGB, north-facing
RGB
- Keychron K13 Max
- Keychron K15 Max
- Performance
- 8081
- Build quality
- 7980
- Productivity
- 8893
- Customizability
- 8988
- Portability
- 7679
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 2,000 mAh
- Low profile
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Case material: ABS, Aluminum
What will you mostly use it for?
The Keychron K13 Max wins in the Office and Travel categories thanks to its lighter weight, more compact dimensions, and a dedicated numpad that suits data entry and spreadsheet work. For Gaming, Modding, and Content Creation, both keyboards perform equally well due to shared internals like 1000 Hz polling, QMK/VIA customization, and acoustic foam construction. The Keychron K15 Max pulls ahead for Programming, as its Alice layout offers ergonomic benefits for long typing sessions, though some users note the layout takes adjustment for specific key placements.
It's a tie
- Both offer 1000 Hz polling rate over 2.4 GHz and wired modes for low latency.
- Both have N-key rollover and QMK support for key remapping.
- Neither has a dedicated screen or extra macro keys specific to gaming.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron K13 Max
4 owner reviews
“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…”
Keychron K15 Max
18 owner reviews
“This keyboard is perfect for me. Combined with the side-scrolling mouse I purchased, it does everything I need it to do, and is extremely comfortable to use all day.”
“My biggest issue is easily that they advertise these products as being Linux compatible, but as a recent convert, I wasn't aware how often companies will claim that, but then offer little or no support for actual functionality. When trying to flash updated…”
Keychron K13 Max vs K15 Max specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
6 of 25 specs differ
Keychron K13 Max
Keychron K15 Max
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Keychron K13 Max vs K15 Max: your questions
The Keychron K13 Max includes a dedicated numpad in its 80% layout, while the Keychron K15 Max does not have a numpad due to its compact 75% Alice layout.
Yes, both keyboards support QMK firmware and VIA software for remapping keys, creating macros, and adjusting lighting. They can also be customized using the Keychron Launcher web app.
No, the Keychron K15 Max is only available in ANSI layout. If you need an ISO layout, you should choose the Keychron K13 Max which offers UK-ISO, DE-ISO, Swiss-ISO, and Nordic-ISO versions.
The Keychron K13 Max is lighter at 600g and has slightly smaller dimensions (346 x 119 mm) compared to the K15 Max (700g, 370 x 143 mm), making it the more portable option.
Both the Keychron K13 Max and Keychron K15 Max have a 2000mAh battery. Actual battery life will vary depending on usage and backlight settings.
Yes, both the Keychron K13 Max and Keychron K15 Max are offered in hot-swappable versions that support Gateron low-profile mechanical switches. Optical switches are not compatible due to QMK limitations.
The Keychron K13 Max is generally better for Excel and spreadsheet work because it includes a dedicated numpad for quick number entry. Some users find the K15 Max's Alice layout challenging for heavy Excel use.
Yes, both keyboards are compatible with macOS and Windows out of the box. They include keycaps for both systems and allow you to switch between Mac and Windows keymaps using the Keychron Launcher.
Both the Keychron K13 Max and K15 Max feature advanced IXPE acoustic foam and resilient latex foam for quieter keystrokes and improved key switch support.
Both the Keychron K13 Max and K15 Max come with 12 multimedia keys for controlling media playback and volume.
Both keyboards have a 1000 Hz polling rate in 2.4 GHz wireless and wired modes. In Bluetooth mode, the polling rate is 90 Hz.
Yes, both keyboards use low-profile double-shot PBT keycaps that are removable. The switches must also be low-profile Gateron MX style, and the K15 Max hot-swappable version allows easy cap and switch swaps.
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