KeebFinder
Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare Keychron K17 Max vs K4 V3 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two of Keychron's feature-rich 96% wireless keyboards. The choice hinges on your preference for a low-profile typing experience versus a traditional one. Both offer QMK/VIA programmability, hot-swap options, and multi-device connectivity, making the decision a matter of form factor and specific feature trade-offs.

88
Keychron K17 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
91
Keychron K4 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 3

Select a keyboard to compare

4.5 (2)
5.0 (4)
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Features a low-profile design
  • Built with the ISO, ANSI layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Uses a PCB Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 2000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 750 g
  • Sized at 27 x 119 x 387 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Aluminum case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2025
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-CH, ISO-Nordic, ANSI layout standard
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Made with a Plastic case
  • Features PC, PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, South-face, Rgb South-face, White South-face, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 83.8
  • Build Quality: 81.8
  • Productivity: 93.2
  • Customizability: 93
  • Portability: 54.7
Scores
  • Performance: 82
  • Build Quality: 84
  • Productivity: 95.2
  • Customizability: 97.6
  • Portability: 54.2
Name
Keychron K17 Max
Name
Keychron K4 V3
Release year
2024
Release year
2025
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Low Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
96%
Layout Size
96%
Layout Standard
ISO, ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-CH, ISO-Nordic, 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, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
2000 mAh
Battery capacity
4000 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
Tray Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, North-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, South-face, White South-face, North-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS, Aluminum
Case Material
Plastic
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PC, PBT
Dimensions
27 x 119 x 387 mm
Dimensions
-
Weight
750g
Weight
-
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary typing preference dictates the choice. If you want a sleek, low-profile keyboard with a dedicated 2.4 GHz dongle for gaming, the Keychron K17 Max is the better option. If you value the ability to mod with a vast array of standard MX switches and want longer battery life, the Keychron K4 V3 is the more versatile board. Both excel as programmable, compact 96% keyboards for general use.

Keychron K17 Max

  • +Unique low-profile design with Gateron low-profile MX switches for an ultra-slim typing experience.
  • +Includes a 2.4 GHz wireless connection alongside Bluetooth and wired modes.
  • +Features an aluminum frame combined with an ABS case for a solid feel.
  • +Comes with low-profile double-shot PBT keycaps.
  • +Includes a volume knob and lists 12 multimedia keys.
  • −Hot-swap compatibility is limited to Gateron and Keychron low-profile mechanical switches only.
  • −Smaller 2000mAh battery compared to the K4 V3's 4000mAh.
  • −Lacks a stated storage solution for the 2.4 GHz receiver.

Keychron K4 V3

  • +Vendor description states hot-swap sockets are compatible with almost all 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches.
  • +Larger 4000mAh battery capacity for longer wireless use.
  • +Features screw-in steel stabilizers for a potentially more stable typing feel.
  • +Available with pre-lubed Keychron Super switches.
  • +Offers a wider selection of ISO layout options including UK, German, Nordic, and Swiss.
  • −Plastic case construction, though an aluminum frame version is available as an option.
  • −Lacks a dedicated 2.4 GHz wireless connection, relying solely on Bluetooth for wireless.
  • −The vendor notes a non-hot-swappable version does not include all the sound-absorbing foam layers.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The K17 Max holds advantages for gaming and travel due to its 2.4 GHz wireless and slim form factor. For modding, the K4 V3 is the clear winner because of its broad compatibility with standard MX switches. For office work, programming, and content creation, the keyboards are closely matched, sharing core features like programmability, layout, and ergonomic adjustments.

GamingKeychron K17 Max
  • •Includes a dedicated 2.4 GHz wireless connection with a 1000 Hz polling rate for lower latency gaming.
  • •The manufacturer states its low-profile design and aluminum frame contribute to a slim, responsive build.
  • •Both offer a 1000 Hz wired polling rate, but the K17 Max provides a dedicated wireless gaming mode.
OfficeTie
  • •Both support Bluetooth for connecting to multiple devices and include Mac/Windows keycaps.
  • •Both feature sound-dampening foam, with the K17 Max listing IXPE and latex foam and the K4 V3 listing IXPE, EPDM, and PET foam.
  • •Each keyboard offers adjustable typing angles for ergonomic support.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both are fully programmable via open-source QMK firmware and the Keychron Launcher web app.
  • •Both feature a 96% layout that includes a numpad while saving desk space.
  • •Each supports N-key rollover for accurate simultaneous key presses.
TravelKeychron K17 Max
  • •The K17 Max is an ultra-slim, low-profile design which the manufacturer states is 31% slimmer than standard switches.
  • •It has a lighter weight (750g) compared to the unspecified weight of the K4 V3.
  • •Its compact 96% layout is shared with the K4 V3, but the slimmer profile may be easier to pack.
ModdingKeychron K4 V3
  • •The K4 V3's vendor description states compatibility with almost all 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches.
  • •The K17 Max is listed as compatible only with Gateron or Keychron low-profile mechanical switches.
  • •The K4 V3 includes screw-in steel stabilizers, which are favored for modding, while the K17 Max has redesigned stabilizers of an unspecified mounting type.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both offer multimedia keys and a knob (K17 Max) or dial functionality for volume control.
  • •The programmable layers and macros via QMK/VIA are identical, useful for software shortcuts.
  • •Both have RGB backlighting with multiple effect options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

88
$69
Keychron K17 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron K17 Pro
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

92
$69
Keychron K4 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron K4 Pro
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

88
$69
Keychron K5 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K5 Pro
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

93
$84
Keychron K10 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 2
Keychron K10 V2
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

86
$94
Keychron K5 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K5 Max
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
PCB Mount

96
$89
Keychron V6 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V6 Max
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

84
$99
Keychron K5 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 2
Keychron K5 QMK V2
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
PCB Mount

97
$99
Keychron V5 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V5 Max
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

84
$94
Keychron K1 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 6
Keychron K1 V6
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Top Mount

95
$100
Keychron Q6 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q6
100%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount