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Compare Keychron K13 Max vs K15 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two low-profile wireless mechanical keyboards from Keychron: the K13 Max and the K15 Max. The decision is difficult because both share the same core technology: 1000 Hz polling, QMK/VIA support, hot-swappable low-profile Gateron switches, and a 2000mAh battery. While the K13 Max offers a familiar 80% layout with a full numpad and several ISO versions, the K15 Max introduces an Alice ergonomic layout in a compact 75% form factor. Your choice will depend on whether you prioritize dedicated number entry or a more natural, split typing stance.

-25% off
86
Keychron K13 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
-25% off
89
Keychron K15 Max (Alice Layout) QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard

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4.5 (4)
4.1 (14)
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-SW, ISO-Nordic, JIS, ANSI layout standard
  • Offers Normal ergonomics
  • Weighs about 600 g
  • Sized at 8 x 346 x 119 mm
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Offers Alice ergonomics
  • Weighs about 700 g
  • Sized at 29 x 370 x 143 mm
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 82
  • Build Quality: 80
  • Productivity: 89.1
  • Customizability: 89.5
  • Portability: 73.4
Scores
  • Performance: 80.8
  • Build Quality: 79.5
  • Productivity: 92.7
  • Customizability: 88.7
  • Portability: 79.3
Name
Keychron K13 Max
Name
Keychron K15 Max
Release year
2024
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Low Profile
Profile
Low Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-SW, ISO-Nordic, JIS, ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Alice
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, 2.4 GHz, 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
PCB Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, North-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, White
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS, Aluminum
Case Material
ABS, Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
8 x 346 x 119 mm
Dimensions
29 x 370 x 143 mm
Weight
600g
Weight
700g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

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.

Keychron K13 Max

  • +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).
  • +Slightly smaller footprint for easier transport.

  • 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.

Keychron K15 Max

  • +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.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingTie
  • 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.
OfficeKeychron K13 Max
  • The K13 Max includes a dedicated numpad, beneficial for spreadsheet work and data entry.
  • It offers additional ISO layout support (UK, DE, Swiss, Nordic) for regional typing standards.
  • The 80% layout is more familiar to users transitioning from full-size keyboards.
ProgrammingKeychron K15 Max
  • The Alice layout encourages a more natural hand position, reducing strain during long coding sessions.
  • The compact 75% layout keeps navigation keys close, as noted by users who appreciate the Fn key placement.
  • QMK/VIA support allows extensive customization of layers and macros for code shortcuts.
TravelKeychron K13 Max
  • The K13 Max is lighter at 600g compared to the K15 Max at 700g.
  • It has a slightly smaller footprint (346 x 119 mm vs 370 x 143 mm), making it easier to pack.
  • Both share the same 2000mAh battery and wireless connectivity.
ModdingTie
  • Both are hot-swappable for Gateron low-profile switches and have QMK/VIA firmware for keymap edits.
  • Both include IXPE acoustic foam and latex foam for sound dampening.
Content CreationTie
  • Both support triple wireless connectivity (2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, wired) for easy device switching.
  • Both have 12 multimedia keys and macOS/Windows compatibility.
  • QMK/VIA allows macro creation for editing shortcuts, but neither has a dedicated macro column.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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