Keychron K3 Max vs S1Wireless vs All-Metal Low-Profile
Choose the K3 Max for wireless flexibility and programming support, or the S1 for a heavier, all-metal build that stays planted on a desk.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K3 Max
Wireless
- Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4 GHz, and wired connections for versatile device switching.
- Lightweight 580g body with an ultra-slim profile for easy travel.
- QMK and Keychron Launcher support for full key remapping and macros.
- Wired-only polling listed at 1000 Hz; Bluetooth polling is 90 Hz which may feel slower.
- User reviews mention a wobble issue on flat surfaces for some units.
- Proprietary low-profile switch compatibility may limit third-party switch options.
Get the
Keychron S1
All-Metal Low-Profile
- Full CNC machined aluminum body gives a heavy, premium feel at 960g.
- Vendor describes it as one of the first all-metal low-profile 75% keyboards.
- Steel plate and plate-mount stabilizers contribute to a solid typing feel.
- Wired-only connectivity limits desk setup flexibility and prevents mobile use.
- Heavy 960g weight makes it less portable for travel or carrying between workspaces.
- User reviews note quality control issues with stabilizer lubrication on some units.
If you need a low-profile keyboard that moves between a desktop, laptop, and tablet, the K3 Max is the clear choice with its Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired modes. If you want a heavy, rigid desk keyboard with an all-metal body and don't mind being tethered by a cable, the S1 delivers a unique typing feel that some users prefer. For most buyers, the K3 Max offers greater flexibility and better value across more use cases.
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 K3 Max
Keychron S1
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wired
Case material
ABS, Aluminum, Plastic, Wood
Aluminum
Mount style
Plate Mount
Plate Mount, Tray Mount
Weight
580 g
960 g
Sound dampening
Yes
No
- Keychron K3 Max
- Keychron S1
- Performance
- 8182
- Build quality
- 8682
- Productivity
- 9481
- Customizability
- 9189
- Portability
- 7765
- Layout size: 75%
- Hot-swappable
- Low profile
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
- QMK
What will you mostly use it for?
The K3 Max wins for gaming, office work, programming, travel, and modding thanks to its wireless flexibility, lighter weight, and multi-device Bluetooth support. Both keyboards tie for content creation as they share the same QMK/VIA programmability, multimedia keys, and per-key RGB. The S1 does not win any category because its heavy all-metal body and wired-only connection limit portability and convenience, though it offers a unique solid typing feel that some users may prefer for desk-bound use.
Pick the Keychron K3 Max
- Supports 2.4 GHz wireless with a 1000 Hz polling rate for low latency gaming.
- Vendor states the keyboard is suitable for competitive gaming.
- Offers a Bluetooth backup connection for casual gaming away from the desk.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron K3 Max
16 owner reviews
“Noce keyboard, i appreciate the level of customization QMK provides. One thing was little disappointing - the tactile feeling comparing to K3. Other than that its very good kb!”
“I sold my k3 pro and got this. The one I got drops connection intermittently or doesn't type or respond right away. It sounds nice, but stiff reds are not as pleasant to type on as previous keyboards reds. I really thought I ordered hotswap RGB max but seems…”
Keychron S1
12 owner reviews
“Got it today, hands on my first mechanical keyboard and feels so good. And a lot of difference in day-to-day way of typing.”
Keychron K3 Max vs S1 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
12 of 27 specs differ
Keychron K3 Max
Keychron S1
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
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
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Keychron K3 Max vs S1: your questions
The Keychron K3 Max supports Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4 GHz, and wired connections, making it the clear choice for wireless use. The Keychron S1 is wired-only and does not offer any wireless connectivity.
No, the Keychron S1 is a wired-only keyboard that connects via USB-C. It does not have Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz wireless capability, so it cannot be used without a cable.
The Keychron K3 Max is significantly more portable at 580g compared to the S1's 960g. The K3 Max also supports wireless connections, reducing cable clutter when traveling.
Yes, both the Keychron K3 Max and Keychron S1 support QMK firmware and VIA software for remapping keys and creating macros. The K3 Max also offers the Keychron Launcher web app for browser-based customization.
Both keyboards offer hot-swappable versions that allow you to change switches without soldering. They only support Gateron low-profile mechanical switches, as stated by the vendor.
The Keychron S1 has a full CNC machined aluminum body that reviewers describe as solid and premium. The K3 Max uses an ABS and aluminum frame, which is lighter but less rigid than the S1's all-metal construction.
The K3 Max offers three levels of adjustable typing angle. The S1 offers two angles (3 degrees and 6 degrees) via two extra feet. Both keyboards provide ergonomic tilt options.
Both keyboards come with Mac-specific keycaps and a system toggle for macOS and Windows. The K3 Max is more flexible for Mac users who switch between multiple devices thanks to its Bluetooth connectivity.
Yes, both keyboards feature per-key RGB lighting that can be customized via QMK/VIA. The K3 Max also offers 22+ RGB presets and a Mix RGB mode for splitting the keyboard into two lighting zones.
The S1 uses low-profile double-shot PBT keycaps and is also compatible with XDA and DSA keycap profiles. The vendor recommends using low-profile or thin keycaps for best results.
Yes, the K3 Max includes interior IXPE acoustic foam and latex foam layers designed to reduce keystroke noise. The S1 does not mention acoustic foam in its specifications, though it uses a steel plate that may produce a different sound profile.
Both keyboards connect via USB-C and should work with consoles that support wired keyboards, but the vendors do not specify console compatibility. For the K3 Max, 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth modes may have varying console support not detailed in the provided information.
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