Keychron K17 Max vs Vortex Tab 90Low-Profile or Full-Size
Choose the Keychron K17 Max for low-profile typing, 2.4 GHz wireless, and hot-swap options, or the Vortex Tab 90 if you prefer a standard full-size layout.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K17 Max
Hot-swappable
Build quality in the top 20% of 96% boards under $100.
- 96% layout keeps a numpad while using a compact full-size arrangement.
- Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connectivity, with a listed 1000 Hz polling rate for 2.4 GHz and wired modes.
- QMK and VIA support, plus Keychron Launcher for remapping and macros.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.
Get the
Vortex Tab 90
Build quality in the bottom 30% of 100% boards under $150.
- 100% full-size ANSI layout.
- Bluetooth and wired USB-C connectivity.
- Three programmable layers and pre-programmed QWERTY, Colemak, and Dvorak layout options.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
Choose the Keychron K17 Max if you value low-profile typing, 2.4 GHz connectivity, and remapping or hot-swap options. Check that your desired version is hot-swappable and that your preferred switches and keycaps are low-profile compatible. Choose the Vortex Tab 90 if a conventional 100% ANSI layout and its QWERTY, Colemak, or Dvorak options matter more than switch swapping.
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
Vortex Tab 90
Layout size
96%
100%
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Hot-swappable
Yes
No
Switch changes without soldering
Low profile
Yes
No
Case material
ABS, Aluminum
Plastic
- Keychron K17 Max
- Vortex Tab 90
- Performance
- 8359
- Build quality
- 8146
- Productivity
- 9361
- Customizability
- 9143
- Portability
- 5351
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The K17 Max leads in the listed gaming, office, programming, travel, modding, and content-creation features. Its main advantages are 2.4 GHz connectivity, low-profile construction, and configuration options. The Tab 90 remains a straightforward choice for buyers who specifically want a 100% ANSI board with QWERTY, Colemak, and Dvorak options. Consider the K17 Max's low-profile-only compatibility limits before buying replacement keycaps or switches.
Pick the Keychron K17 Max
- The K17 Max supports 2.4 GHz and wired connections at a listed 1000 Hz polling rate.
- It has N-key rollover in both wireless and wired modes.
- The Tab 90 offers Bluetooth and wired connectivity, but no polling-rate figure is listed.
Keychron K17 Max vs Vortex Tab 90 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
15 of 27 specs differ
Keychron K17 Max
Vortex Tab 90
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
Sound dampening
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
Vortex Tab 90
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Keychron K17 Max vs Vortex Tab 90: your questions
The K17 Max is a low-profile 96% keyboard with Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connectivity. The Tab 90 is a 100% keyboard with Bluetooth and wired connectivity.
Yes, the K17 Max supports 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, and wired connections. Keychron lists a 1000 Hz polling rate for 2.4 GHz and wired modes.
No, the Tab 90's switches are soldered. Replacing them requires soldering.
The hot-swappable version allows switch replacement without soldering. Keychron specifies compatibility with Gateron or Keychron low-profile mechanical switches.
No, the K17 Max uses low-profile switches and keycaps, so standard MX keycaps will not fit. Its north-facing LEDs can also interfere with Cherry-profile keycaps.
No, the Tab 90 is listed as ANSI only. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
Both keyboards include a numpad: the K17 Max uses a compact 96% layout, while the Tab 90 is a 100% full-size board. The K17 Max layout does not have the gaps of a conventional full-size keyboard.
The vendor lists pre-programmed QWERTY, Colemak, and Dvorak layout options for the Tab 90. Its physical layout is ANSI.
Yes, Keychron describes QMK and Keychron Launcher support for key remapping and macros. The product metadata also lists QMK and VIA support.
The K17 Max is listed with RGB and white backlight options, depending on the version. The Vortex Tab 90 is listed without RGB.
Both keyboards are listed with Mac and Windows support. Keychron also describes configuring Mac and Windows keymaps on the K17 Max through Keychron Launcher.
The K17 Max has a 96% low-profile layout and a listed weight of 750 g, which may suit buyers seeking a more compact board. The Tab 90 is full-size, and no weight or dimensions are listed for it.
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