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Compare Keychron K13 Max vs K3 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers choosing between two low-profile wireless mechanical keyboards from Keychron. The K13 Max offers a unique 80% layout with a numpad, while the K3 Max is a more compact 75% design. The decision is difficult because both share excellent wireless performance with 1000 Hz polling, QMK/VIA support, and similar build quality. The trade-off comes down to whether you prioritize numpad functionality or a smaller, more portable form factor.

84
Keychron K13 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
94
Keychron K3 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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4.5 (4)
4.7 (9)
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-SW, ISO-Nordic, JIS, ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a PCB Mount mounting style
  • Equipped with a 2000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 600 g
  • Sized at 8 x 346 x 119 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Aluminum case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ANSI layout standard
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Uses a Plate Mount mounting style
  • Equipped with a 1550 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 580 g
  • Sized at 22 x 306 x 116 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Aluminum, Wood, Plastic case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
Scores
  • Performance: 80.7
  • Build Quality: 78.5
  • Productivity: 89.1
  • Customizability: 90.1
  • Portability: 76.9
Scores
  • Performance: 80.9
  • Build Quality: 86.4
  • Productivity: 94.3
  • Customizability: 92.3
  • Portability: 77.2
Name
Keychron K13 Max
Name
Keychron K3 Max
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
75%
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-SW, ISO-Nordic, JIS, ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ANSI
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, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
2000 mAh
Battery capacity
1550 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
Plate 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, Wood, Plastic
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
8 x 346 x 119 mm
Dimensions
22 x 306 x 116 mm
Weight
600g
Weight
580g
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Pros and Trade-offs

The Keychron K13 Max is the better choice if a numpad is critical for your workflow, as its 80% layout provides that functionality without going full-size. The Keychron K3 Max is ideal if you prioritize a smaller footprint and want more customization options in materials and switches. Both offer top-tier wireless performance and programmability, so your decision should be based on layout preference and portability needs.

Keychron K13 Max

  • +Unique 80% layout includes a dedicated numpad for data entry.
  • +Features IXPE acoustic foam and latex foam for quieter keystrokes.
  • +Full QMK and VIA support for extensive key remapping and macros.
  • +Double-shot PBT keycaps with oil resistance for long-term durability.
  • +Three levels of adjustable typing angle for ergonomic comfort.
  • −Heavier and larger than the K3 Max, less ideal for travel.
  • −Compatible only with Gateron/Keychron low-profile mechanical switches due to QMK limitations.
  • −No dongle storage mentioned, which can be inconvenient for mobile use.

Keychron K3 Max

  • +More compact 75% layout saves desk space and improves portability.
  • +Offers more material choices including wood, plastic, and aluminum cases.
  • +More switch options available including Gateron and Keychron low-profile mechanical types.
  • +Available in more variant colors and backlight options (RGB or White).
  • −No numpad, which may slow down spreadsheet and data entry work.
  • −One user review notes possible wobble on flat surfaces.
  • −Has a smaller 1550mAh battery compared to the K13 Max's 2000mAh.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

For gaming and programming, the two keyboards are evenly matched due to identical wireless performance and programmability. The K13 Max takes the lead in office and content creation tasks thanks to its numpad and acoustic foam. The K3 Max wins for travel because of its smaller size, and for modding due to greater material and switch variety. Overall, the choice depends heavily on your need for a numpad versus a more compact layout.

GamingTie
  • •Both support 1000 Hz polling rate on 2.4 GHz and wired modes.
  • •Both offer N-key rollover for reliable key presses.
  • •Both are low-profile with aluminum frame options.
OfficeKeychron K13 Max
  • •K13 Max has an 80% layout with a numpad beneficial for data entry.
  • •K13 Max features interior IXPE and latex acoustic foam for quieter typing.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both support full key remapping with QMK and the Keychron Launcher web app.
  • •Both have PBT keycaps for durability and oil resistance.
TravelKeychron K3 Max
  • •K3 Max has a more compact 75% layout, making it smaller for bags.
  • •K3 Max is slightly lighter at 580g compared to 600g.
ModdingKeychron K3 Max
  • •K3 Max is available in more case material options including wood and plastic.
  • •K3 Max has more switch options including Keychron Low Profile Mechanical switches.
  • •K3 Max is available in more color variants and backlight options.
Content CreationKeychron K13 Max
  • •K13 Max numpad speeds up numeric input in editing software.
  • •K13 Max offers dedicated multimedia keys for media controls.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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