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Compare Keychron K17 Pro vs Q13 Pro Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers torn between a slim low-profile design and a premium ergonomic Alice layout, both in a compact 96% form factor. The K17 Pro offers a modern low-profile feel with a lightweight aluminum and ABS frame, while the Q13 Pro is a heavy full-metal board with a double-gasket design and an ergonomic split layout. Both support QMK and VIA for deep customization, and both offer wireless connectivity. The decision is hard because they target very different typing experiences and priorities.

88
Keychron K17 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
98
Keychron Q13 Pro (Alice Layout) QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard

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5.0 (4)
4.7 (12)
  • Features a low-profile design
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Offers Normal ergonomics
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Equipped with a 2000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 679 g
  • Sized at 19 x 120 x 387 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Plastic, ABS case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO layout standard
  • Offers Alice ergonomics
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 2392 g
  • Sized at 32 x 157 x 447 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 83.5
  • Build Quality: 81.6
  • Productivity: 86.9
  • Customizability: 92.6
  • Portability: 53.8
Scores
  • Performance: 82.8
  • Build Quality: 88.4
  • Productivity: 100
  • Customizability: 97.6
  • Portability: 57.2
Name
Keychron K17 Pro
Name
Keychron Q13 Pro
Release year
2023
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Low Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
96%
Layout Size
96%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Alice
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, 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
Tray Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, North-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum, Plastic, ABS
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
19 x 120 x 387 mm
Dimensions
32 x 157 x 447 mm
Weight
679g
Weight
2392g
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Pros and Trade-offs

If you need a keyboard that travels with you or prefer the feel of low-profile switches, the Keychron K17 Pro is the practical and affordable choice. If you want a premium typing experience with an ergonomic layout and will keep it on a desk, the Keychron Q13 Pro offers superior build quality, a better gasket structure, and longer battery life. The Q13 Pro is the more specialized tool for heavy typists and modders.

Keychron K17 Pro

  • +Ultra-slim low-profile design with Gateron low-profile switches, making it one of the thinnest wireless mechanical keyboards.
  • +Lightweight at 679g, making it highly portable for use on the go.
  • +Offers both white and RGB backlight options with over 22 RGB settings.
  • +Includes a multi-function knob and 12 dedicated multimedia keys.
  • −Lower battery capacity at 2000mAh compared to the Q13 Pro's 4000mAh.
  • −The redesigned stabilizers are not screw-in, which may lead to more wobble than the Q13 Pro's screw-in stabilizers.
  • −Only compatible with Gateron/Keychron low-profile mechanical switches, limiting hot-swap options.
  • −North-facing RGB LEDs can cause interference with some aftermarket keycaps.

Keychron Q13 Pro

  • +Premium full CNC machined 6063 aluminum case with a double-gasket design for superior acoustics and feel.
  • +Ergonomic Alice layout that is widely praised for reducing hand strain during long typing sessions.
  • +Large 4000mAh battery providing up to 300 hours of Bluetooth use with backlight off and 100 hours at lowest brightness.
  • +Screw-in PCB stabilizers for a more stable and smoother big key experience.
  • +Compatible with almost all 3-pin and 5-pin MX style switches, offering vastly more hot-swap options.
  • −Very heavy at 2392g, making it unsuitable for frequent travel or carrying around.
  • −The unique KSA profile keycaps are not shine-through, which makes seeing the legends in the dark difficult.
  • −Typing angle is fixed at 5 degrees with only the 2mm feet for adjustment, offering less ergonomic adjustment than some users might prefer.
  • −Only available as a barebones kit or fully assembled knob version, with no plain non-knob option.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The K17 Pro wins for gaming and travel due to its lighter weight and low-profile design. The Q13 Pro takes the lead in office, modding, and content creation thanks to its Alice layout, superior gasket mount, and premium all-aluminum construction. For programming, it is a tie as both offer the same deep QMK/VIA customization and 96% layout. The decision ultimately comes down to whether you value portability and a low profile, or ergonomic typing comfort and heft.

GamingKeychron K17 Pro
  • •Lighter weight at 679g is easier to move for FPS gaming.
  • •The low-profile Gateron switches offer a shorter travel distance that some gamers prefer for faster key presses.
  • •Both have 1000 Hz polling on wired mode, but the K17 Pro is more affordable for a dedicated gaming board.
OfficeKeychron Q13 Pro
  • •The Alice layout on the Q13 Pro provides a more ergonomic typing angle, which can reduce strain over long workdays.
  • •The double-gasket design and silicone pads reduce noise and vibrations, making it a quieter board for a shared workspace.
  • •The full CNC machined aluminum body gives it a premium, sturdy feel on a desk.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both keyboards support QMK and VIA for full key remapping and macro creation.
  • •Both offer a 96% layout with a full number row and numpad, keeping all essential keys accessible.
  • •The choice depends on personal preference for key feel: low-profile vs standard mechanical switches.
TravelKeychron K17 Pro
  • •The K17 Pro is much lighter at only 679g compared to the Q13 Pro's 2392g.
  • •Its slim design (31% slimmer than standard profile switches) makes it easier to pack in a bag.
  • •While both have Bluetooth, the K17 Pro's lower weight and thinner profile make it a more practical travel companion.
ModdingKeychron Q13 Pro
  • •The Q13 Pro uses a gasket mount with a polycarbonate plate, which is highly regarded by modders for its flexibility and sound profile.
  • •It has screw-in PCB stabilizers that are easier to tune or replace than the K17 Pro's redesigned snap-in stabilizers.
  • •The full-metal CNC aluminum case provides a premium base for sound dampening mods and weight customization.
Content CreationKeychron Q13 Pro
  • •The Q13 Pro's ergonomic Alice layout is often preferred by creators who spend long hours typing or editing, reducing hand fatigue.
  • •The premium build quality (full aluminum, double-gasket) ensures a luxurious typing experience that can enhance focus.
  • •The 4000mAh battery offers significantly more wireless runtime than the K17 Pro's 2000mAh battery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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