Keychron K15 Max vs S1Wireless Alice or Wired Metal?
Choose the K15 Max if you need wireless flexibility and an ergonomic Alice layout; pick the S1 if you prioritize a solid all-metal build and don't mind being tethered.
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4.3 · 18 reviews
from$99at Keychron
4.8 · 12 reviews
from$82at Keychron
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K15 Max
Build quality in the top 15% of 75% boards under $100.
- Wireless connectivity via Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz, as stated in the product description.
- Ergonomic Alice layout intended to reduce typing strain.
- Interior IXPE acoustic foam and latex foam for a quieter typing experience.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
Get the
Keychron S1
Build quality in the top 10% of 75% boards under $100.
- Full CNC-machined aluminum body for a premium, solid feel.
- Heavier at 960g, providing stability during use.
- Steel plate contributes to a distinct typing feel and durability.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
The Keychron K15 Max is the better choice if you need wireless flexibility, an ergonomic Alice layout, and a lighter keyboard for travel. The Keychron S1 is worth considering if you prefer a heavier, all-metal build and prioritize typing stability over wireless convenience. Ultimately, your decision hinges on whether wireless versatility and ergonomic design or premium metal construction matter more.
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 K15 Max
Keychron S1
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Ergonomics
Alice
Standard
Case material
ABS, Aluminum
Aluminum
Mount style
PCB Mount
Plate Mount, Tray Mount
Weight
700 g
960 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
- Keychron K15 Max
- Keychron S1
- Performance
- 8183
- Build quality
- 8082
- Productivity
- 9381
- Customizability
- 8889
- Portability
- 7965
- Layout size: 75%
- Hot-swappable
- Low profile
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
- QMK
What will you mostly use it for?
The Keychron K15 Max is the stronger choice for office, programming, travel, and content creation due to its lighter weight, wireless options, ergonomic Alice layout, and extra keys. For gaming and modding, the two keyboards tie because both share a 1000 Hz polling rate, N-Key Rollover, hot-swappable switches, and QMK/VIA firmware support. The S1 does not win any use case outright, as its primary advantage—a heavier all-metal construction—does not directly benefit the evaluated scenarios as much as the K15 Max's portability and ergonomics.
It's a tie
- Both offer 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode according to their specifications.
- Both support N-Key Rollover for reliable simultaneous key presses.
- Neither product listing mentions specific gaming-focused features like adjustable actuation or additional macro keys beyond QMK remapping.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron K15 Max
18 owner reviews
“This keyboard is perfect for me. Combined with the side-scrolling mouse I purchased, it does everything I need it to do, and is extremely comfortable to use all day.”
“My biggest issue is easily that they advertise these products as being Linux compatible, but as a recent convert, I wasn't aware how often companies will claim that, but then offer little or no support for actual functionality. When trying to flash updated…”
Keychron S1
12 owner reviews
“Got it today, hands on my first mechanical keyboard and feels so good. And a lot of difference in day-to-day way of typing.”
Keychron K15 Max vs S1 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
9 of 26 specs differ
Keychron K15 Max
Keychron S1
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
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Keychron K15 Max vs S1: your questions
The Keychron K15 Max is clearly better for wireless use because it supports both Bluetooth 5.1 and 2.4 GHz wireless connections. The Keychron S1 is a wired-only keyboard and does not offer any wireless connectivity options.
Yes, both the Keychron K15 Max and the Keychron S1 support QMK and VIA. The K15 Max also works with the Keychron Launcher web app for customization. This allows you to remap keys, create macros, and adjust settings on both keyboards.
The Keychron K15 Max features an Alice ergonomic layout, which is a split-style design intended to reduce hand strain. The Keychron S1 has a standard 75% layout. The Alice layout on the K15 Max may take some time to get used to.
Yes, both keyboards offer a hot-swappable version. The K15 Max hot-swappable version supports Gateron low-profile MX mechanical switches. The S1 hot-swappable version also supports Gateron low-profile mechanical switches. Neither is compatible with optical switches.
The Keychron S1 is heavier, weighing 960g, while the Keychron K15 Max weighs 700g. The S1's heavier weight, due to its full CNC aluminum body, provides more stability on a desk but makes it harder to move around.
Both use Gateron low-profile mechanical switches and have PBT keycaps, but they differ in build. Users report the S1 has a very solid, premium typing feel due to its full aluminum body and steel plate. The K15 Max uses IXPE and latex foam for a quieter, dampened sound.
The Keychron S1 has two adjustable typing angles of 3° and 6° via its feet. The Keychron K15 Max is listed as having a 3° typing angle. The vendor description for the K15 Max mentions three levels of adjustable typing angle.
Both keyboards offer Mac and Windows support and include a system toggle and additional keycaps for both operating systems. The K15 Max provides the same multimedia and function key functions as Apple keyboards for Mac users, according to the vendor.
No, the keycaps on both the K15 Max and S1 are double-shot PBT low-profile keycaps that are not shine-through. User reviews for the S1 note that the backlighting is less useful in low light as a result.
The Keychron K15 Max has a 2000mAh battery. Its battery life will depend on usage, especially with backlighting enabled. The S1 does not have a battery as it is a wired-only keyboard.
Yes, the Keychron K15 Max can connect to up to three devices via Bluetooth 5.1, including computers, phones, and tablets. The S1 is wired-only and cannot be used wirelessly with mobile devices.
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