Keychron K13 Max vs K3 MaxLayout vs Portability
Choose the K13 Max if you need a dedicated numpad, or the K3 Max if you prefer a more compact layout and slightly lower starting price.
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4.5 (4)4.5 · 4 reviews
from$109at Keychron
4.1 (16)4.1 · 16 reviews
from$89at MK
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K13 Max
Layout
Build quality in the top 15% of 80% boards under $150.
- 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.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- No numpad.
Get the
Keychron K3 Max
Portability
Build quality in the top 5% of 75% boards under $100.
- 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.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- No numpad.
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.
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 K3 Max
Layout size
80%
75%
Battery
2,000 mAh
1,550 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Case material
ABS, Aluminum
ABS, Aluminum, Plastic, Wood
Mount style
PCB Mount
Plate Mount
Weight
600 g
580 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
- Keychron K13 Max
- Keychron K3 Max
- Performance
- 8081
- Build quality
- 7986
- Productivity
- 8894
- Customizability
- 8991
- Portability
- 7677
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Low profile
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
- QMK
What will you mostly use it for?
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.
It's a tie
- 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.
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 K3 Max
16 owner reviews
“Noce keyboard, i appreciate the level of customization QMK provides. One thing was little disappointing - the tactile feeling comparing to K3. Other than that its very good kb!”
“I sold my k3 pro and got this. The one I got drops connection intermittently or doesn't type or respond right away. It sounds nice, but stiff reds are not as pleasant to type on as previous keyboards reds. I really thought I ordered hotswap RGB max but seems…”
Keychron K13 Max vs K3 Max specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
11 of 27 specs differ
Keychron K13 Max
Keychron K3 Max
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Keychron K13 Max
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW
In stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-SW
Out of stockDoes not ship to you
Keychron K3 Max
Input Gear
ISO-DE
Out of stockShips to you
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW
Out of stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-SW
In stockDoes not ship to you
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Keychron K13 Max vs K3 Max: your questions
The K13 Max has an 80% layout with 90 keys including a numpad, while the K3 Max has a 75% layout with 84 keys and no numpad. This makes the K13 Max better for data entry and the K3 Max more compact for travel.
Both keyboards offer the same 1000 Hz polling rate on 2.4 GHz and wired modes, along with N-key rollover, making them equally capable for gaming. The choice depends on whether you prefer having a numpad or a more compact layout.
Yes, both the K13 Max and K3 Max support QMK firmware and the Keychron Launcher web app for key remapping, macros, and shortcuts. This allows for extensive customization across Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Both have an ABS and aluminum frame, but the K3 Max scores slightly higher for build quality in reviews and offers additional material options like wood. The K13 Max features interior IXPE and latex foam for quieter typing.
Yes, both support Bluetooth 5.1 for connecting to up to three devices, 2.4 GHz wireless for low-latency gaming, and wired USB-C connections. Both offer 1000 Hz polling in 2.4 GHz and wired modes.
The K3 Max is more portable due to its smaller 75% size and lighter weight of 580g compared to the K13 Max's 600g. However, neither keyboard has built-in dongle storage according to user reviews.
Both keyboards are compatible only with Gateron/Keychron low-profile mechanical switches. QMK does not support low-profile optical switches, so optical switches are not an option for either model.
The K13 Max has a larger 2000mAh battery compared to the K3 Max's 1550mAh battery. However, actual battery life depends on usage, backlight settings, and connection mode.
Both come with low-profile double-shot PBT keycaps that are durable and oil-resistant. The K3 Max also has ABS keycap options available in some variants, while the K13 Max appears to use PBT exclusively according to its specification.
Both keyboards include keycaps for macOS and Windows, with multimedia and function keys that match Apple keyboards. They also support configuring different keymaps for each operating system, making both equally suitable for Mac users.
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