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Compare Keychron K17 Pro vs K5 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for users deciding between Keychron's two premium low-profile wireless keyboards. The choice is difficult because both share high-end features like QMK/VIA programmability, hot-swappable low-profile switches, and aluminum construction. The decision ultimately hinges on whether you prioritize a space-saving 96% layout or require a full-size keyboard with a dedicated 2.4 GHz wireless dongle for potentially lower latency gaming.

88
Keychron K17 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
86
Keychron K5 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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5.0 (4)
3.9 (22)
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Weighs about 679 g
  • Sized at 19 x 120 x 387 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Plastic, ABS case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 100% layout
  • Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO, ANSI layout standard
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a PCB Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Weighs about 720 g
  • Sized at 18 x 424 x 119 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Aluminum case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
Scores
  • Performance: 83.6
  • Build Quality: 81.6
  • Productivity: 86.8
  • Customizability: 92.8
  • Portability: 53.7
Scores
  • Performance: 82.2
  • Build Quality: 81.8
  • Productivity: 89.4
  • Customizability: 90.1
  • Portability: 54.7
Name
Keychron K17 Pro
Name
Keychron K5 Max
Release year
2023
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Profile
Low Profile
Profile
Low Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
96%
Layout Size
100%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO, 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, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, 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
PCB 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
ABS, Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
19 x 120 x 387 mm
Dimensions
18 x 424 x 119 mm
Weight
679g
Weight
720g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Select the Keychron K5 Max if you need a full-size keyboard with a number pad and value the low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless connection for gaming or a clutter-free desk. Opt for the Keychron K17 Pro if you want to maximize desk space with a compact 96% layout and can rely on Bluetooth or wired connectivity. Both are excellent, customizable low-profile keyboards, making layout and wireless technology the deciding factors.

Keychron K17 Pro

  • +More compact 96% layout (387mm width) saves significant desk space.
  • +Slightly lighter weight at 679 grams.
  • +Includes knob support according to its metadata.
  • +Lower starting price point based on listed vendor ranges.
  • −Lacks a 2.4 GHz wireless connection, offering only Bluetooth and wired modes.
  • −Smaller 96% layout omits the number pad and some navigation keys.
  • −Uses a tray mount system, which may offer a different typing feel compared to other mounts.

Keychron K5 Max

  • +Includes a 2.4 GHz wireless connection with 1000 Hz polling rate alongside Bluetooth.
  • +Full 100% layout with number pad and support for multiple ISO standards.
  • +Features interior IXPE and latex foam for sound dampening, as per the vendor description.
  • +Uses a PCB mount style and includes a polycarbonate plate.
  • −Larger and heavier (424mm wide, 720g), taking up more desk space.
  • −Higher starting price point based on listed vendor ranges.
  • −Keycaps are noted in reviews as not being shine-through, which can limit backlight visibility.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The K5 Max is the more versatile choice for office work, gaming with its 2.4 GHz mode, and content creation due to its full layout. The K17 Pro wins for travel and portable setups thanks to its smaller 96% form factor. For programming and modding, the keyboards are evenly matched, sharing their most powerful customization features. Your primary need for a number pad and specific wireless connectivity dictates the winner.

GamingKeychron K5 Max
  • •The K5 Max offers a 2.4 GHz wireless mode with a 1000 Hz polling rate, which the K17 Pro lacks according to its vendor description.
  • •Both have a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode for competitive play.
  • •The K5 Max's vendor description mentions interior IXPE and latex foam for acoustics, which may provide a more consistent sound profile.
OfficeKeychron K5 Max
  • •The K5 Max's 100% layout includes a dedicated number pad, beneficial for data entry.
  • •It supports multiple layout standards (ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK) for international users.
  • •Both offer multi-device Bluetooth connectivity and Mac/Windows compatibility.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both keyboards are fully programmable via open-source QMK firmware and the VIA/Keychron Launcher web app.
  • •Both include hot-swappable sockets for customizing switch feel.
  • •The K17 Pro's 96% layout saves desk space while retaining arrow and navigation keys.
TravelKeychron K17 Pro
  • •The K17 Pro is more compact (387mm wide) and slightly lighter (679g) than the K5 Max (424mm wide, 720g).
  • •Its 96% layout offers nearly full functionality in a smaller footprint.
  • •Both have similar 2000mAh batteries and wireless capabilities.
ModdingTie
  • •Both offer hot-swappable PCB options for solder-free switch changes.
  • •Both support QMK and VIA for deep firmware customization.
  • •The K5 Max uses a PCB mount style and includes a polycarbonate plate, while the K17 Pro uses a tray mount.
Content CreationKeychron K5 Max
  • •The full 100% layout of the K5 Max provides dedicated media keys and a number pad for shortcut macros and numerical input.
  • •Its vendor description highlights included LSA profile keycaps for a specific typing angle.
  • •The 2.4 GHz connection offers a stable, low-latency wireless option for clutter-free setups.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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