Keychron K17 Max vs Q14 ProLow-Profile vs Southpaw
Choose the K17 Max if you want an ultra-slim portable low-profile board, or the Q14 Pro for a heavy full-metal southpaw Alice with a left-side numpad.
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4.8 (4)4.8 · 4 reviews
from$94at Keychron
4.3 (6)4.3 · 6 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 body with an ABS and aluminum frame, weighing only 750g.
- 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.1 wireless with a 1000 Hz polling rate on 2.4 GHz and wired modes.
- Hot-swappable with Gateron low-profile MX 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 Q14 Pro
Southpaw
Build quality in the top 5% of 96% boards under $200.
- Full CNC machined 6063 aluminum body provides exceptional build quality and heft at 2395g.
- Alice layout with a left-positioned (southpaw) numpad improves ergonomics by freeing mouse space on the right.
- Double-gasket design with a flexible polycarbonate plate reduces metallic resonance and enhances typing feel.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
For a portable low-profile keyboard that excels in gaming and travel, the Keychron K17 Max is the right choice. If you value ergonomic innovation, premium build quality, and a left-side numpad for office or content creation work, the Keychron Q14 Pro justifies its higher investment. Your decision hinges on whether you need a lightweight wireless board or a heavy southpaw Alice that stays on your desk.
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 Q14 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
Southpaw, Alice
Case material
ABS, Aluminum
Aluminum
- Keychron K17 Max
- Keychron Q14 Pro
- Performance
- 8382
- Build quality
- 8189
- Productivity
- 93100
- Customizability
- 9198
- Portability
- 5355
- 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 due to its lighter weight, 2.4 GHz support, and ultra-slim low-profile design. The Q14 Pro takes Office, Modding, and Content Creation thanks to its southpaw Alice layout, full-metal chassis, and flexible modding options. Programming is a tie because both boards offer the same 96% layout and QMK/VIA programmability, just in very different physical packages.
Pick the Keychron K17 Max
- Supports 2.4 GHz wireless with a 1000 Hz polling rate.
- Lighter weight makes it easier to transport for LAN events.
- Low-profile Gateron switches offer faster key travel for rapid inputs.
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 Q14 Pro
6 owner reviews
“This is my second Alice layout keyboard and is my daily driver. The ergonomics are great, and the build is solid. The south paw layout is exactly what I've been looking for in a keyboard. There are lots of customization options but the prebuilt straight out…”
Keychron K17 Max vs Q14 Pro specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
12 of 28 specs differ
Keychron K17 Max
Keychron Q14 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 Q14 Pro
Keychron
ISO
In 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.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Keychron K17 Max vs Q14 Pro: your questions
No, the K17 Max is only compatible with Gateron low-profile and Keychron low-profile mechanical switches. According to the vendor, QMK does not support low-profile optical switches, and the hot-swap sockets are designed specifically for low-profile MX-style footprints.
No, the Q14 Pro uses Bluetooth 5.1 for wireless connectivity and a USB Type-C cable for wired use. It does not include a 2.4 GHz receiver like the K17 Max does.
The Q14 Pro is designed with a left-positioned numpad (southpaw layout) which might feel more natural for left-handed users who want the numpad on the left side. However, the vendor notes that right-handed users may also benefit because it leaves more room for the mouse.
The K17 Max uses low-profile Gateron switches with shorter travel, paired with IXPE and latex foam for a quiet, cushioned feel. The Q14 Pro uses standard-height K Pro switches on a PC plate with double-gasket mounting, offering a more traditional deeper typing sound with less metallic resonance.
Yes, both keyboards support QMK firmware and the Keychron Launcher web app for remapping keys, creating macros, and adjusting lighting. The K17 Max uses a 256KB ARM MCU and the Q14 Pro uses a 128KB STM32L432 chip.
The K17 Max has north-facing RGB LEDs while the Q14 Pro has south-facing RGB LEDs. South-facing LEDs on the Q14 Pro avoid interference with most aftermarket keycaps, whereas north-facing LEDs on the K17 Max may block shine-through on some keycaps.
No, the Q14 Pro comes with KSA double-shot PBT keycaps that are not shine-through. The vendor describes them as 'non-backlight shine through PBT material,' so RGB is visible primarily as underglow between the keycaps.
The K17 Max has a 2000mAh battery, while the Q14 Pro has a 4000mAh battery. The Q14 Pro is rated for up to 300 hours of wireless use with the backlight off, compared to the K17 Max's unspecified but smaller capacity.
Yes, the K17 Max comes with keycaps for both macOS and Windows and includes a system toggle switch. The Keychron Launcher can configure separate keymaps for each system, allowing seamless switching without changing keycaps.
Yes, the Q14 Pro is offered in both a fully assembled version and a barebones (knob) version that does not include keycaps or switches. The K17 Max is only listed as a pre-built board with an optional hot-swappable version.
The K17 Max is significantly more portable, weighing 750g compared to the Q14 Pro's 2395g. Its ultra-slim design also makes it easier to fit into a laptop bag, and it includes 2.4 GHz wireless for a reliable connection on the go.
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