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Compare Keychron K15 Pro vs K17 Pro Differences Side by Side

This comparison helps you decide between two low-profile wireless mechanical keyboards from Keychron: the K15 Pro and the K17 Pro. The decision is primarily about layout preference. The K15 Pro uses a 75% Alice layout, designed for improved ergonomics by slightly angling the alphas, while the K17 Pro offers a 96% layout with 103 keys, including a number pad. Both keyboards share core features like hot-swappable low-profile Gateron switches, double-shot PBT keycaps, QMK and VIA support, and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity. Your choice will depend on whether you prioritize typing ergonomics or having a full complement of keys on a compact board.

91
Keychron K15 Pro (Alice Layout) QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
88
Keychron K17 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard

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4.8 (12)
5.0 (4)
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Offers Alice ergonomics
  • Weighs about 696 g
  • Sized at 12 x 370 x 143 mm
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Offers Normal ergonomics
  • Weighs about 679 g
  • Sized at 19 x 120 x 387 mm
Scores
  • Performance: 83.7
  • Build Quality: 81.9
  • Productivity: 91.6
  • Customizability: 93.2
  • Portability: 81.8
Scores
  • Performance: 83.5
  • Build Quality: 81.6
  • Productivity: 86.9
  • Customizability: 92.6
  • Portability: 53.8
Name
Keychron K15 Pro
Name
Keychron K17 Pro
Release year
2023
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
75%
Layout Size
96%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Alice
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, 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
Tray 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
Aluminum, Plastic, ABS
Case Material
Aluminum, Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
12 x 370 x 143 mm
Dimensions
19 x 120 x 387 mm
Weight
696g
Weight
679g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice hinges on whether you need a number pad and a standard layout, or if you value ergonomics and programmability from an Alice design. The K17 Pro is the clear choice for data entry and content creation tasks that rely on a number pad. The K15 Pro is the better fit for those who type for long periods and want a compact, ergonomic board with extra keys for macros. Both boards share quality construction, QMK support, and low-profile design.

Keychron K15 Pro

  • +Ergonomic Alice layout is designed to encourage a more natural hand and wrist position during typing.
  • +Includes additional macro keys for extra programmability, as noted in its product description.
  • +Compact 75% form factor and lower weight of 696g make it more portable than the K17 Pro.
  • +Relatively high Productivity score of 91.6 reflects its feature set for typing-heavy tasks.
  • −Lacks a dedicated number pad, which may slow down data entry for some users.
  • −The unorthodox Alice layout can have a learning curve for those coming from standard boards.
  • −Very low availability from the vendor, which may be an issue for potential buyers.

Keychron K17 Pro

  • +Full 96% layout with 103 keys includes a dedicated number pad, great for office and data work.
  • +Offers a more familiar and conventional layout that is easy to transition to from standard keyboards.
  • +Includes the same premium features as the K15 Pro, such as a programmable knob and QMK/VIA support.
  • −The 96% layout is heavier and larger than the 75% K15 Pro, making it less ideal for travel.
  • −The keycaps are not shine-through, which can render the backlighting less effective in darker environments.
  • −Has a higher price point for the base model compared to the K15 Pro, according to vendor listings.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The key differentiator between these two is layout: the K15 Pro's ergonomic Alice design wins for programming and modding, while the K17 Pro's 96% layout with a numpad excels for office work and content creation. For gaming, their core specs are so similar that the winner is a tie, leaving the final choice to personal layout preference. In terms of travel, the K15 Pro's smaller and lighter form factor makes it the more portable option.

GamingTie
  • •Both keyboards offer a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode and utilize low-profile Gateron mechanical switches.
  • •Both support N-Key Rollover over wireless and wired connections.
  • •The choice between them for gaming is more about personal preference for layout, as their gaming performance specs are nearly identical.
OfficeKeychron K17 Pro
  • •The K17 Pro's 96% layout with a number pad is highly useful for data entry and spreadsheet management in an office setting.
  • •It has 103 keys, providing more dedicated keys for various work tasks without needing to use function layers.
  • •Its layout is more conventional and familiar, which may be preferred in a shared office environment.
ProgrammingKeychron K15 Pro
  • •The Alice layout of the K15 Pro is designed to promote a more natural typing posture, which can be beneficial for long coding sessions.
  • •Both keyboards are programmable with QMK and VIA, allowing for custom keymaps and macros tailored to a developer's workflow.
  • •The K15 Pro includes additional macro keys per its product description, providing extra programmability.
TravelKeychron K15 Pro
  • •The K15 Pro is significantly lighter at 696g compared to the K17 Pro (the provided data omits exact weight for K17 Pro's score).
  • •Its 75% form factor (370mm width) is more compact than the 96% K17 Pro (387mm width), fitting more easily into a bag.
  • •Both have Bluetooth 5.1 and a 2000mAh battery, but the smaller, lighter K15 Pro is more portable.
ModdingKeychron K15 Pro
  • •The K15 Pro offers a more unique Alice layout for modding projects, which is less common and can be more interesting to customize.
  • •It includes extra macro keys that can be modded or reprogrammed, as stated in its product description.
  • •Both keyboards come with a hot-swappable option and have similar high customizability scores, but the Alice layout provides a more distinct base for a build.
Content CreationKeychron K17 Pro
  • •The K17 Pro's number pad is valuable for video editing timelines or audio mixing controls.
  • •Both include a programmable knob, but the K17 Pro's knob can be mapped to tools in creative software without sacrificing a number pad.
  • •A full 103-key layout reduces reliance on function layers, allowing for faster access to shortcuts during creative workflows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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