KeebFinder
Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare Keychron K3 Max vs K4 Pro Differences Side by Side

This comparison helps buyers decide between two wireless mechanical keyboards from Keychron: the ultra-slim K3 Max and the full-featured K4 Pro. The K3 Max offers a compact 75% low profile design with 2.4 GHz connectivity, making it highly portable at 580g. The K4 Pro provides a 96% layout with a numpad and a massive 4000mAh battery, but weighs over twice as much at 1280g. The decision is hard because both support QMK/VIA customization, hot-swappable switches, and have strong productivity scores, yet they serve different workspace and mobility needs.

94
Keychron K3 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
92
Keychron K4 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

Select a keyboard to compare

4.7 (9)
4.7 (7)
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Features a low-profile design
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a Plate Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 1550 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 580 g
  • Sized at 22 x 306 x 116 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Aluminum, Wood, Plastic case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2022
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK layout standard
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1280 g
  • Sized at 31 x 391 x 139 mm
  • Made with a Plastic, ABS case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, South-face, Rgb South-face, White South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 80.9
  • Build Quality: 86.4
  • Productivity: 94.3
  • Customizability: 92.3
  • Portability: 77.2
Scores
  • Performance: 81.3
  • Build Quality: 83.9
  • Productivity: 94.7
  • Customizability: 97.2
  • Portability: 53.6
Name
Keychron K3 Max
Name
Keychron K4 Pro
Release year
2023
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Low Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
96%
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK
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, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
1550 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
Plate Mount
Mount Style
Tray Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, North-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, South-face, White South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS, Aluminum, Wood, Plastic
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
22 x 306 x 116 mm
Dimensions
31 x 391 x 139 mm
Weight
580g
Weight
1280g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

If portability and a low profile typing experience are your main concerns, the Keychron K3 Max is the clear choice with its lightweight aluminum build and 2.4 GHz support. If you need a dedicated numpad and a longer battery life for desktop productivity, the Keychron K4 Pro offers more keys and a larger battery in a standard profile. Both keyboards support QMK/VIA customization and hot-swappable switches, so your final pick should align with how you prioritize layout, weight, and connectivity.

Keychron K3 Max

  • +Ultra-slim aluminum body with low profile Gateron switches for a sleek feel
  • +Supports 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, and wired connections with a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • +75% layout saves desk space while maintaining essential keys
  • +Includes IXPE acoustic foam and latex foam for quieter typing
  • +Three levels of adjustable typing angle (3 degrees and 7 degrees) for ergonomic support
  • −Limited to Gateron and Keychron low profile mechanical switches only
  • −No dedicated numpad, which may slow data entry tasks
  • −Smaller 1550mAh battery requires more frequent charging
  • −No 2.4 GHz dongle storage built into the keyboard

Keychron K4 Pro

  • +96% layout provides a full numpad in a relatively compact form factor
  • +Massive 4000mAh battery offers excellent wireless runtime
  • +Compatible with almost all 3-pin and 5-pin MX style switches for extensive modding
  • +South-facing RGB LEDs prevent interference with Cherry-profile keycaps
  • +Pre-lubed K Pro switches (non-clicky) deliver smooth keystrokes from the factory
  • −Weighs 1280g, making it less portable than many keyboards
  • −No 2.4 GHz wireless option; limited to Bluetooth and wired connections
  • −Tray mount design may feel less premium than gasket or plate mount options
  • −Some users report stabilizer lube inconsistency out of the box

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The K3 Max wins in Gaming, Programming, and Travel due to its low profile, lighter weight, and 2.4 GHz support, making it ideal for users who need portability and quick response. The K4 Pro takes Office, Modding, and Content Creation thanks to its full numpad, larger battery, and broader switch compatibility. Both keyboards share strong QMK/VIA customization and hot-swappable features, so the choice comes down to whether you prioritize a compact, slim travel companion or a heavier, feature-rich desk keyboard with a numpad.

GamingKeychron K3 Max
  • •Supports 2.4 GHz wireless connection with a 1000 Hz polling rate for lower latency
  • •Ultra-slim low profile design with an aluminum frame reduces weight for fast movement
  • •Includes IXPE acoustic foam and latex foam for quieter, responsive keystrokes
OfficeKeychron K4 Pro
  • •96% layout includes a dedicated numpad for data entry and spreadsheet work
  • •4000mAh battery provides longer runtime between charges
  • •South-facing RGB LEDs reduce glare and work well with Cherry-profile keycaps
ProgrammingKeychron K3 Max
  • •75% layout saves desk space while retaining function row and arrow keys
  • •Low profile Gateron switches offer a shorter travel distance for quicker key presses
  • •LSA profile keycaps provide a comfortable spherical-angled surface for long typing sessions
TravelKeychron K3 Max
  • •Weighs only 580g, making it easy to carry in a bag
  • •Ultra-slim aluminum body is one of the thinnest wireless mechanical keyboards
  • •Supports both Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless for flexible on-the-go connectivity
ModdingKeychron K4 Pro
  • •Tray mount design and steel plate offer a solid base for customization
  • •Compatible with almost all 3-pin and 5-pin MX style switches for broad switch choice
  • •Available as a barebones kit for building from scratch
  • •Screw-in PCB stabilizers support third-party replacements
Content CreationKeychron K4 Pro
  • •Numpad on 96% layout is useful for video editing timelines and numeric input
  • •Pre-lubed K Pro switches (excluding clicky) provide smooth keystrokes out of the box
  • •OSA profile double-shot PBT keycaps offer oil resistance and a comfortable feel

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

83
$94
Keychron K3 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 3
Keychron K3 V3
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Top Mount

94
$59
Keychron K8 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron K8 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

87
$83
Keychron K3 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K3 Pro
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

88
$69
Keychron K5 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K5 Pro
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

68
$96
Keychron K3 Ultra-slim Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (Version 2)
Keychron K3 V2
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

94
$79
Keychron K10 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K10 Pro
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

84
$94
Keychron K1 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 6
Keychron K1 V6
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Alu case,
Top Mount

86
$67
Keychron K1 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K1 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

84
$83
Keychron K7 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K7 Pro
65%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

93
$59
Keychron Q2 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q2
65%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount