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Compare Keychron K3 Max vs S1 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers who want a low-profile 75% mechanical keyboard but are torn between wireless freedom and an all-metal build. Both keyboards share Keychron's low-profile DNA, QMK/VIA programmability, and hot-swappable Gateron switches. The decision is hard because the K3 Max offers Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz connectivity with a lighter frame, while the S1 delivers a full CNC aluminum body that reviewers describe as solid and premium. Your choice comes down to whether you need to move between devices wirelessly or prefer a heavy, rigid typing platform.

94
Keychron K3 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
85
Keychron S1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard

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4.7 (9)
4.8 (18)
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ANSI layout standard
  • 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
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2022
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 960 g
  • Sized at 8 x 118 x 310 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 80.9
  • Build Quality: 86.4
  • Productivity: 94.3
  • Customizability: 92.2
  • Portability: 77.2
Scores
  • Performance: 81.5
  • Build Quality: 81.5
  • Productivity: 80
  • Customizability: 89.5
  • Portability: 62.9
Name
Keychron K3 Max
Name
Keychron S1
Release year
2023
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Low Profile
Profile
Low Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ANSI
Layout Standard
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, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
1550 mAh
Battery capacity
-
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, North-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS, Aluminum, Wood, Plastic
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
22 x 306 x 116 mm
Dimensions
8 x 118 x 310 mm
Weight
580g
Weight
960g
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Pros and Trade-offs

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.

Keychron K3 Max

  • +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.
  • +Includes IXPE and latex acoustic foam for a quieter typing experience.
  • +Available in ANSI and multiple ISO layouts to suit regional preferences.
  • −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.

Keychron S1

  • +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.
  • +Compatible with low-profile, XDA, and DSA keycap profiles for personalization.
  • −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.
  • −Non-shine-through PBT keycaps make RGB backlighting harder to see in low light.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingKeychron 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.
OfficeKeychron K3 Max
  • •Bluetooth 5.1 lets you switch between three devices (computer, phone, tablet) easily.
  • •Wired and 2.4 GHz modes provide reliable connection options.
  • •Includes interior IXPE and latex acoustic foam for quieter keystrokes.
ProgrammingKeychron K3 Max
  • •QMK firmware and Keychron Launcher web app allow deep key remapping and macros.
  • •Vendor mentions an ARM MCU with 256KB Flash for developer flexibility.
  • •Available in multiple layout standards including ISO-UK and ISO-DE for non-ANSI users.
TravelKeychron K3 Max
  • •Weighs 580g, 380g lighter than the S1, making it easier to carry.
  • •Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless eliminate the need for a wired connection on the go.
  • •Ultra-slim design with low-profile switches is more packable.
ModdingKeychron K3 Max
  • •Hot-swappable PCB supports Gateron low-profile mechanical switches without soldering.
  • •QMK and VIA support let you fully customize keymaps and macros.
  • •Vendor notes acoustic foam can be modified; user reviews confirm foam mods are easy.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both keyboards feature per-key RGB and 22+ backlight effects via QMK/VIA for visual customization.
  • •Both include dedicated multimedia keys and N-key rollover for video editing workflows.
  • •Neither has a screen, so on-the-fly feedback is limited for both.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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