KeebFinder
Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare Keychron K13 Max vs K15 Pro Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two very different low-profile wireless keyboards from Keychron. The K13 Max offers a unique 80% layout that keeps a full numpad without going to a full-size board, making it a strong pick for number-heavy work. The K15 Pro uses an Alice layout designed for a more natural hand position, appealing to those focused on ergonomics. The decision is hard because both support QMK/VIA customization and hot-swappable switches, but their layouts serve completely different typing needs.

84
Keychron K13 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
91
Keychron K15 Pro (Alice Layout) QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard

Select a keyboard to compare

4.5 (4)
4.8 (12)
  • Released in 2024
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-SW, ISO-Nordic, JIS, ANSI layout standard
  • Offers Normal ergonomics
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a PCB Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Weighs about 600 g
  • Sized at 8 x 346 x 119 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Aluminum case
  • Released in 2023
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Offers Alice ergonomics
  • Comes with a knob
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Weighs about 696 g
  • Sized at 12 x 370 x 143 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Plastic, ABS case
Scores
  • Performance: 80.7
  • Build Quality: 78.5
  • Productivity: 89.1
  • Customizability: 90.1
  • Portability: 76.9
Scores
  • Performance: 83.7
  • Build Quality: 81.9
  • Productivity: 91.6
  • Customizability: 93.2
  • Portability: 81.8
Name
Keychron K13 Max
Name
Keychron K15 Pro
Release year
2024
Release year
2023
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, 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
Aluminum, Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
8 x 346 x 119 mm
Dimensions
12 x 370 x 143 mm
Weight
600g
Weight
696g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice between the Keychron K13 Max and K15 Pro should be driven by your layout and ergonomic preferences. If your work involves frequent numeric entry, the K13 Max's 80% layout with a numpad is the clear choice. If you prioritize hand comfort and creative workflow tools, the K15 Pro's Alice layout and programmable knob offer distinct advantages. Both keyboards are well-built low-profile options with excellent QMK/VIA support.

Keychron K13 Max

  • +Unique 80% layout with a full numpad in a compact form factor.
  • +Supports 2.4 GHz wireless connection with 1000 Hz polling rate for low latency.
  • +Includes advanced IXPE and latex acoustic foam for noise dampening.
  • +Available in multiple ISO layouts (UK, German, Swiss, Nordic) for international users.
  • +Redesigned stabilizers for less wobble on large keys like the space bar and enter key.
  • −Limited to Gateron/Keychron low-profile mechanical switches, per the vendor page.
  • −The non-shine-through PBT keycaps may not appeal to those who want vibrant RGB backlighting.
  • −Larger footprint than the 75% K15 Pro due to the additional numpad column.
  • −Only 4 user reviews available, making community feedback limited.

Keychron K15 Pro

  • +Ergonomic Alice layout designed for a more natural hand and wrist position.
  • +Includes a programmable aluminum rotary encoder knob for creative workflow shortcuts.
  • +Lighter weight than some competitors at 696g, with a 2000mAh battery.
  • +Available in both white and RGB backlight versions, with a hot-swappable option.
  • +A standard ANSI layout that is popular in the modding community.
  • −Does not support a 2.4 GHz wireless connection, relying only on Bluetooth and wired mode.
  • −Limited to Gateron/Keychron low-profile mechanical switches, as stated on the product page.
  • −The non-shine-through PBT keycaps are a common complaint in user reviews, who wish for shine-through options.
  • −No official carrying case is available, which may disappoint those wanting to travel with it.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron K13 Max wins for Gaming and Office use thanks to its dedicated numpad and 2.4 GHz connectivity, which provides a lower latency wireless option. The Keychron K15 Pro takes the lead for Programming, Modding, and Content Creation, driven by its ergonomic Alice layout, programmable knob, and strong community support. For Travel, the K13 Max wins due to its versatile connectivity options and balanced layout. The tie in some categories is rare, as these two keyboards excel in very different areas.

GamingKeychron K13 Max
  • •Supports a 1000 Hz polling rate on both 2.4 GHz and wired modes, which is explicitly mentioned for competitive gaming.
  • •Includes a dedicated 2.4 GHz wireless connection for lower latency on the fly.
  • •The 80% layout provides a numpad that can be useful for bindings in certain game genres.
OfficeKeychron K13 Max
  • •The 80% layout includes a dedicated numpad, which is beneficial for data entry and spreadsheet work.
  • •Offers 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, and wired connectivity for flexible office setups.
  • •Includes advanced IXPE acoustic foam and latex foam for a quieter typing experience in shared workspaces.
ProgrammingKeychron K15 Pro
  • •The 75% Alice layout encourages a more natural wrist position, which can reduce strain during long coding sessions.
  • •Features a programmable rotary encoder knob that can be mapped for functions like zoom or scrolling.
  • •Has additional macro keys (explicitly noted via the 'extra features' metadata) and a standard ANSI layout familiar to many programmers.
TravelKeychron K13 Max
  • •Offers a dedicated 2.4 GHz wireless connection as well as Bluetooth, providing more reliable connectivity on the go.
  • •Has a 2000mAh battery, which is the same capacity as the K15 Pro, but the 2.4 GHz option offers an alternative to Bluetooth when needed.
  • •The 80% layout retains a numpad without being a full-size board, balancing function and footprint.
ModdingKeychron K15 Pro
  • •Features a tray mount, which is a common starting point for modding experiments.
  • •Includes a dedicated knob that can be customized or potentially replaced by enthusiasts.
  • •Has a larger user review base (12 reviews vs 4), suggesting a more active modding community for this specific model.
  • •Available in a white backlight version, offering an alternative aesthetic for custom builds.
Content CreationKeychron K15 Pro
  • •The programmable rotary encoder knob is ideal for scrubbing timelines or adjusting volume on the fly.
  • •The compact 75% Alice layout frees up desk space, which is valuable for large drawing tablets or multiple monitors.
  • •Offers QMK/VIA support for creating complex shortcuts and macros tailored to editing software.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

83
$94
Keychron K3 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 3
Keychron K3 V3
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Top Mount

89
$99
Keychron K15 Max (Alice Layout) QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron K15 Max
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
PCB Mount

87
$67
Keychron K13 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K13 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

95
$79
Keychron Q10 (Alice Layout) QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q10
75%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

84
$94
Keychron K1 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 6
Keychron K1 V6
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Alu case,
Top Mount

94
$84
Keychron K3 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K3 Max
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Plate Mount

85
$106
Keychron K1 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K1 Max
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
PCB Mount

94
$85
Keychron Q8 Pro (Alice Layout) QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q8 Pro
65%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

77
$90
Keychron K3 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 3
Keychron K3 QMK V3
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
QMK,
HE,
Alu case,
Plate Mount

87
$83
Keychron K3 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K3 Pro
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount