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Compare Keychron K3 Max vs K4 V2 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a compact low-profile wireless board and a full-featured 96% wireless keyboard with a number pad. The decision is hard because both share Keychron's wireless multi-device approach and hot-swappable switches, but they differ sharply in layout, profile height, firmware depth, and battery size. The K3 Max leans into portability and customization with QMK/VIA support and low-profile keycaps, while the K4 V2 leans into desk practicality with a 100-key layout and a 4000 mAh battery. The trade-off is between slim travel-friendly ergonomics and full-size productivity.

94
Keychron K3 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Benutzerdefinierte Mechanische Tastatur ISO Layout Kollektion
69
Keychron K4 Kabellose Mechanische Tastatur (German ISO-DE Layout) - Version 2

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4.5 (17)
4.7 (2530)
  • Released in 2023
  • 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
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • 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
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Released in 2020
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Built with the ISO-DE, ISO, ISO-UK, ANSI, JIS, ISO-Nordic, ISO-ES layout standard
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Made with a ABS, Aluminum, Plastic case
  • Features ABS keycaps
Scores
  • Performance: 81
  • Build Quality: 86.4
  • Productivity: 94.4
  • Customizability: 91.1
  • Portability: 76.9
Scores
  • Performance: 64.1
  • Build Quality: 70
  • Productivity: 66.9
  • Customizability: 69.6
  • Portability: 54.7
Name
Keychron K3 Max
Name
Keychron K4 V2
Release year
2023
Release year
2020
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, 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
ISO-DE, ISO, ISO-UK, ANSI, JIS, ISO-Nordic, ISO-ES
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, North-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS, Aluminum, Wood, Plastic
Case Material
ABS, Aluminum, Plastic
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Keycaps Material
ABS
Dimensions
22 x 306 x 116 mm
Dimensions
-
Weight
580g
Weight
-
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

If you want a slim, travel-friendly 75% board with QMK/VIA customization and 2.4 GHz wireless, the K3 Max is the more flexible choice. If your work centers on spreadsheets, data entry, or long desk sessions and you want a number pad plus a 4000 mAh battery, the K4 V2 fits better, though you give up 2.4 GHz and QMK support. Check stock carefully, since the K4 V2 listing shows it sold out.

Keychron K3 Max

  • +Low-profile design with 31% slimmer Gateron switches and LSA profile keycaps for a thin, ergonomic typing position.
  • +Triple connectivity with 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth up to 3 devices, and wired, plus 1000 Hz polling on 2.4 GHz and wired.
  • +QMK firmware and the Keychron Launcher web app enable key remapping, macros, and per-key RGB control.
  • +Hot-swappable on the RGB version for Gateron and Keychron low-profile mechanical switches without soldering.
  • +Double-shot PBT keycaps and IXPE acoustic foam with latex foam for a quieter, more durable typing experience.

  • −The 1550 mAh battery is much smaller than the K4 V2's 4000 mAh, so expect more frequent charging.
  • −Compatibility is limited to Gateron and Keychron low-profile mechanical switches, so standard-profile switch swaps are not supported.
  • −Some customer reviews mention intermittent connection drops and random RGB setting changes.
  • −The 75% layout omits a dedicated number pad, which slows numeric data entry.

Keychron K4 V2

  • +96% layout with 100 keys includes a number pad while keeping a more compact footprint than a full-size board.
  • +4000 mAh battery rated up to 240 hours with backlight off, or up to 72 hours with RGB on.
  • +Bluetooth 5.1 connects to up to 3 devices, and USB-C wired mode is available for stable use.
  • +Hot-swappable Gateron G Pro mechanical switches and included keycaps for both macOS and Windows.

  • −No 2.4 GHz wireless option, only Bluetooth and wired, which limits low-latency wireless gaming.
  • −Heavier than the K3 Max at roughly 770 g plastic or 933 g aluminum frame.
  • −Uses ABS keycaps and tray mount construction rather than the K3 Max's PBT keycaps and QMK/VIA firmware support.
  • −The product listing shows the K4 V2 as sold out and lists zero vendors in stock.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The K3 Max takes gaming, programming, travel, and modding because of its 2.4 GHz 1000 Hz option, QMK/VIA support, low-profile build, and lighter 525 g weight. The K4 V2 wins office and content creation thanks to its 96% layout with a number pad and a 4000 mAh battery rated up to 240 hours. Travel and modding favor the K3 Max's slim switches and hot-swappable low-profile design, while the K4 V2's full key set and larger battery carry desk-bound productivity tasks.

GamingKeychron K3 Max
  • •The K3 Max has a 1000 Hz polling rate on 2.4 GHz and wired modes, which reduces input lag compared with Bluetooth.
  • •The K3 Max adds 2.4 GHz wireless alongside Bluetooth and wired, giving a lower-latency option for play.
  • •The K3 Max includes N-key rollover for both wireless and wired modes, helping with simultaneous key presses.
OfficeKeychron K4 V2
  • •The K4 V2 uses a 96% layout with 100 keys including a number pad, which suits spreadsheet and data entry work.
  • •The K4 V2 battery is rated up to 240 hours with the backlight off, reducing charging interruptions.
  • •The K4 V2 includes keycaps for both macOS and Windows, so it works across mixed office setups.
ProgrammingKeychron K3 Max
  • •The K3 Max supports QMK firmware and the Keychron Launcher web app for key remapping and macros.
  • •The K3 Max is hot-swappable on the RGB version, letting you change low-profile Gateron or Keychron switches without soldering.
  • •The K3 Max includes N-key rollover for both wireless and wired modes, useful for shortcut-heavy workflows.
TravelKeychron K3 Max
  • •The K3 Max is a 75% 84-key board with a listed weight of 525 g, lighter than the K4 V2's roughly 770 g plastic frame.
  • •The K3 Max uses low-profile Gateron switches that the vendor states are 31% slimmer than conventional switches.
  • •The K3 Max supports 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth up to 3 devices, and wired connections for flexible travel use.
ModdingKeychron K3 Max
  • •The K3 Max supports QMK firmware and the Keychron Launcher web app for remapping and macros.
  • •The K3 Max hot-swappable version accepts Gateron and Keychron low-profile mechanical switches without soldering.
  • •The K3 Max includes IXPE acoustic foam and latex foam, which are part of the internal acoustic design.
Content CreationKeychron K4 V2
  • •The K4 V2 96% layout includes a number pad, which helps with timeline and numeric entry tasks.
  • •The K4 V2 offers a 4000 mAh battery rated up to 240 hours with the backlight off, supporting long editing sessions.
  • •The K4 V2 includes multi-media keys for quick playback and volume control while working.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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