Keychron K17 Max vs Q13 ProLow Profile vs Alice Ergo
Choose the K17 Max for a slim, portable low-profile experience and the Q13 Pro for a premium, heavy ergonomic Alice layout built for long typing sessions.
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4.8 (4)4.8 · 4 reviews
from$94at Keychron
4.7 (12)4.7 · 12 reviews
from$167at Keychron
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K17 Max
Low Profile
Build quality in the top 20% of 96% boards under $100.
- Ultra-slim low profile at 27mm height with aluminum frame for a modern, sleek look.
- Supports 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, and wired connections with 1000 Hz polling on 2.4 GHz and wired modes.
- Hot-swappable with Gateron low-profile mechanical switches (compatible with Keychron low-profile switches).
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
Get the
Keychron Q13 Pro
Alice Ergo
Build quality in the top 10% of 96% boards under $200.
- Full CNC machined 6063 aluminum body with polished and anodized finish for premium build quality.
- Double-gasket design with silicone pads reduces metal resonance and noise.
- Compatible with most 3-pin and 5-pin MX style switches (Cherry, Gateron, Kailh, etc.) for extensive modding.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
If portability, a low profile, and 2.4 GHz gaming performance are your priorities, the Keychron K17 Max is the clear choice. However, if you spend long hours typing and value ergonomic design, premium metal construction, and unmatched modding potential, the Keychron Q13 Pro is worth the wait and higher price. For most desktop-bound users, the Q13 Pro's Alice layout and double-gasket design offer a superior typing experience that justifies its premium positioning.
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 K17 Max
Keychron Q13 Pro
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Battery
2,000 mAh
4,000 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Low profile
Yes
No
Ergonomics
Standard
Alice
Case material
ABS, Aluminum
Aluminum
- Keychron K17 Max
- Keychron Q13 Pro
- Performance
- 8382
- Build quality
- 8188
- Productivity
- 93100
- Customizability
- 9196
- Portability
- 5357
- Layout size: 96%
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
- Knob
- QMK
What will you mostly use it for?
The K17 Max wins for Gaming and Travel thanks to its 2.4 GHz connectivity, low-profile design, and lightweight build. The Q13 Pro dominates in Office, Programming, Modding, and Content Creation due to its ergonomic Alice layout, premium metal construction, and extensive customization options. The tie occurs in Gaming and Travel where the K17 Max's portability and lower latency edge out the Q13 Pro's heavier but more comfortable design.
Pick the Keychron K17 Max
- Supports 2.4 GHz connection with 1000 Hz polling for low latency gaming.
- Low-profile Gateron switches offer faster key travel for rapid inputs.
- Lighter weight (750g) makes it easier to bring to LAN events or gaming sessions.
- North-facing RGB is standard for gaming aesthetics.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron K17 Max
4 owner reviews
“Wish it was metal but i do love the low profile keyboard”
Keychron Q13 Pro
12 owner reviews
“I was looking for a good ergonomic, programmable, mechanical keyboard and this is it. It would be nice to have a proper case to carry it.”
“So, me,being dumb, didn't pay too much attention to the iso vs not iso (?) layout. The enter key doesn't bother me much, but left shift.... Being smoll is an issue. I did rekey the additional key to be L-shift, but it's too... Janky? For my mucked up brain…”
Keychron K17 Max vs Q13 Pro specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
13 of 28 specs differ
Keychron K17 Max
Keychron Q13 Pro
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
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 K17 Max
Keychron
ISO
Out of stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO
In stockDoes not ship to you
Keychron Q13 Pro
Keychron
ISO
Out of stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO
Out of 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 K17 Max vs Q13 Pro: your questions
The Q13 Pro is better for ergonomic typing thanks to its Alice layout, which positions the hands at a natural angle to reduce wrist strain. The K17 Max instead offers a standard 96% layout with low-profile switches and adjustable typing angles for a different kind of comfort.
Yes, the K17 Max supports 2.4 GHz wireless with a 1000 Hz polling rate right out of the box, making it suitable for competitive gaming. It also offers Bluetooth and wired USB-C connections for flexibility.
No, the Q13 Pro does not support 2.4 GHz connectivity. It connects wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.1 to up to three devices and also offers a wired USB Type-C connection with 1000 Hz polling.
The K17 Max is significantly more portable at 750g and 27mm height, making it easy to slip into a bag. The Q13 Pro weighs 2392g, nearly three times as much, and is much bulkier, which is better suited for a stationary desk setup.
The K17 Max is compatible with Gateron low-profile mechanical switches and Keychron low-profile switches. It does not support standard MX style switches because of its low-profile design.
The Q13 Pro is hot-swappable and compatible with most 3-pin and 5-pin MX style mechanical switches, including Cherry, Gateron, Kailh, and Panda switches. This makes it a great choice for extensive switch modding.
The Q13 Pro has a larger 4000mAh battery that offers up to 300 hours of use with the backlight off, while the K17 Max has a 2000mAh battery. The Q13 Pro provides significantly longer runtime for wireless use.
Yes, both the K17 Max and Q13 Pro support QMK firmware and can be customized using the Keychron Launcher web app. This allows you to remap keys, create macros, and adjust settings on both keyboards.
Yes, the Q13 Pro is available in a Barebone Knob version that does not include keycaps or switches, allowing you to build your own setup. The K17 Max is offered as a pre-built keyboard only.
The Q13 Pro has superior build quality with a full CNC machined 6063 aluminum body, double-gasket design, and polycarbonate plate. The K17 Max uses an ABS and aluminum frame that is lighter but less premium in feel.
Yes, the K17 Max supports both Windows and Mac with dedicated keycaps and a system toggle. You can also use the Keychron Launcher to configure separate layouts for each operating system.
The Q13 Pro uses screw-in PCB stabilizers that are mounted directly to the circuit board, reducing wobble and providing a smoother feel on large keys. The K17 Max uses redesigned stabilizers for its low-profile setup.
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