Keychron K13 Max vs K3 V380% or 75% layout
Choose the K13 Max for its 80% layout and 2.4 GHz option, or the K3 V3 for a smaller 75% footprint.
KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
4.5 (4)4.5 · 4 reviews
from$109at Keychron
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K13 Max
Battery
Build quality in the top 15% of 80% boards under $150.
- 80% layout with ISO and ANSI options listed.
- Connectivity includes 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, and wired modes.
- Hot-swappable switches, with QMK and VIA support.
- 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 V3
Build quality in the top 10% of 75% boards under $100.
- 75% layout with a compact 306 mm width.
- Hot-swappable switches, with QMK and VIA support.
- Aluminum plate listed alongside ABS and aluminum case materials.
- 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.
Pick the K13 Max if you want the larger 80% layout or need 2.4 GHz connectivity. Choose the K3 V3 if its smaller 75% footprint and lower weight matter more. Both support hot-swapping, QMK, and VIA, so layout and connectivity are the clearest deciding factors.
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 V3
Layout size
80%
75%
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Battery
2,000 mAh
1,550 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Mount style
PCB Mount
PCB Mount, Plate Mount, Top Mount
Weight
600 g
540 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
- Keychron K13 Max
- Keychron K3 V3
- Performance
- 8082
- Build quality
- 7983
- Productivity
- 8880
- Customizability
- 8989
- Portability
- 7677
- Hot-swappable
- Low profile
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Case material: ABS, Aluminum
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
- QMK
What will you mostly use it for?
The K13 Max has the edge for buyers who want its 80% layout or a 2.4 GHz connection option. The K3 V3 is the more compact and lighter choice for carrying between workspaces. Modding is closely matched because both support hot-swapping, QMK, and VIA, with similar low-profile switch and keycap restrictions. Both models list multimedia keys and programming features useful for work.
Pick the Keychron K13 Max
- The K13 Max offers 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, and wired connectivity; the K3 V3 lists Bluetooth and wired.
- Both models specify a 1000 Hz polling rate and N-key rollover.
Keychron K13 Max vs K3 V3 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
9 of 26 specs differ
Keychron K13 Max
Keychron K3 V3
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
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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.
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 V3
- Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW
In stockShips to you
- Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-SW
In stockDoes not ship to you
Keychron K13 Max vs K3 V3: your questions
The K13 Max is an 80% keyboard with 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, and wired connectivity. The K3 V3 is a 75% keyboard with Bluetooth and wired connectivity listed.
The K3 V3 is smaller, measuring 306 x 116 mm. The K13 Max measures 346 x 119 mm.
The K3 V3 weighs 540 g, while the K13 Max weighs 600 g. The K3 V3 is also shorter in width, at 306 mm compared with 346 mm.
Yes, the K13 Max lists 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, and wired connectivity. The K3 V3 lists Bluetooth and wired connectivity.
Both models list hot-swappable configurations. Keychron describes the K13 Max as compatible with low-profile Gateron or Keychron mechanical switches, and the K3 V3 as compatible with low-profile mechanical switches including Keychron Milk POM options.
Both list QMK and VIA support. Keychron also describes Launcher as a web app for key remapping and macros.
No, both models are limited to low-profile switches and keycaps, and standard MX keycaps will not fit. Their north-facing LEDs may also cause Cherry-profile keycaps to hit the switch housing.
The compatibility rules list no numpad for both models. Their layouts are 80% for the K13 Max and 75% for the K3 V3.
The K13 Max lists low-profile double-shot PBT keycaps. The K3 V3 metadata lists PBT and ABS keycap materials, while Keychron's product description specifies shine-through ABS keycaps.
The K13 Max has a 2000 mAh battery, compared with 1550 mAh in the K3 V3. Keychron's product descriptions list up to 154 hours for the K13 Max and up to 124 hours for the K3 V3.
Both list Mac/Windows support and QMK. Keychron says each includes keycaps for macOS and Windows, and describes Launcher support for macOS, Windows, and Linux.
Both offer hot-swapping, QMK, and VIA, so either supports switch changes and keymap customization within its low-profile compatibility limits. The K13 Max adds 2.4 GHz connectivity, while the K3 V3 has a smaller 75% layout.
Not sold on either?
Still torn?
Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.