Keychron K3 Max SE vs K3 V2
Choose the K3 Max SE for its 2.4 GHz connectivity and full QMK customization, or the K3 V2 if you need specific ISO layouts on a tighter budget.
KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
5.0 (2)5.0 · 2 reviews
from$104at Keychron
4.8 (2,258)4.8 · 2,258 reviews
from$105at Keychron (DE)
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K3 Max SE
QMK
Build quality in the top 35% of 75% boards under $150.
- Supports 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.2, and wired connections with a 1000 Hz polling rate on 2.4 GHz and wired modes.
- Full QMK and VIA support for deep key remapping, macros, and custom firmware.
- PBT keycaps with double-shot molding for oil resistance and long-lasting legends.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
Get the
Keychron K3 V2
Build quality in the bottom 50% of 75% boards under $150.
- Available in multiple layout standards including ANSI, JIS, ISO, ISO-UK, making it accessible for international buyers.
- Uses a tray mount design and aluminum body, which are not specified for the K3 Max SE in the vendor description.
- Features multi-media keys out of the box, which are not explicitly mentioned for the K3 Max SE.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
If you value low-latency wireless performance and the ability to customize every key function, the Keychron K3 Max SE is the clear choice. Its 2.4 GHz connectivity, QMK/VIA support, and PBT keycaps provide a superior typing and gaming experience. However, if your priority is budget savings and you need a specific ISO layout for your region, the Keychron K3 V2 remains a functional low-profile option, though it compromises on customization and wireless performance.
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 SE
Keychron K3 V2
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Case material
ABS, Wood
Aluminum, Plastic
QMK
Yes
No
The deep option when you want to remap every key
VIA
Yes
No
GUI remapping without compiling firmware
Sound dampening
Yes
No
- Keychron K3 Max SE
- Keychron K3 V2
- Performance
- 8063
- Build quality
- 7465
- Productivity
- 8965
- Customizability
- 8668
- Portability
- 8080
- Layout size: 75%
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 1,550 mAh
- Low profile
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
What will you mostly use it for?
The K3 Max SE wins out in gaming, programming, modding, and content creation due to its superior connectivity and customization features. It offers a 1000 Hz polling rate, 2.4 GHz wireless, QMK/VIA support, and multiple sound dampening foams. For office and travel, the two are essentially tied, as both share similar form factors and battery life. The K3 V2 remains a viable option largely due to its lower price and wider range of layout standards, but it cannot match the Max SE's feature set for demanding users.
Pick the Keychron K3 Max SE
- The K3 Max SE supports a 1000 Hz polling rate over 2.4 GHz and wired connections, offering lower latency for gaming.
- It includes sound dampening foam layers (EPDM, bottom case acoustic foam) which can reduce distracting case noise.
- The vendor states the 2.4 GHz connection provides 'blazing-fast responsiveness' for intense gameplay.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron K3 Max SE
2 owner reviews
“Beautiful service from yourselves, got updates at every point required. Product is amazing and arrived wrapped well. Only issue was the courier delivering the parcel by throwing it into the house rather than handing it in person. Already reviewed their poor…”
Keychron K3 V2
2,258 owner reviews
“I had a full-size mechanical keyboard before that was tking too much of deskspace. This keyboard with it's 65% size is amazing and saves quite some desk space.”
Keychron K3 Max SE vs K3 V2 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
10 of 25 specs differ
Keychron K3 Max SE
Keychron K3 V2
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Keychron K3 Max SE
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Keychron K3 V2
Keychron
ISO-ES
Out of stockShips to you
Keychron
ISO-UK
Out of stockShips to you
Keychron
ISO-DE
Out of stockShips to you
Keychron
ISO-Nordic
Out of stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE
In stockDoes not ship to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-ES
Out of stockDoes not ship to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-UK
Out of stockDoes not ship to you
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Keychron K3 Max SE vs K3 V2: your questions
The K3 Max SE is worth the extra cost if you need 2.4 GHz wireless for gaming, QMK/VIA for key remapping, and PBT keycaps for durability. The K3 V2 is more affordable and offers more layout options, but lacks these premium features.
The vendor specifications for the K3 Max SE list compatibility with macOS, Windows, and Linux systems. Console compatibility is not stated in the provided data for either keyboard, so it is not recommended for console use.
Yes, both the Keychron K3 Max SE and the K3 V2 are hot-swappable. The K3 Max SE uses Keychron Milk POM switches, while the K3 V2 uses low profile Keychron Optical switches. Note that the switches are not compatible with conventional MX-style switches.
Both keyboards feature a 1550mAh rechargeable lithium-polymer battery. The K3 Max SE is quoted with up to 120 hours of wireless working time, while the K3 V2 is quoted with up to 34 hours at the lowest brightness setting for both white and RGB backlight versions.
The vendor for the K3 V2 states it uses an MX-styled stem on its low profile switches, while the K3 Max SE uses a standard Keychron low profile switch. The keycaps are likely cross-compatible, but the K3 Max SE uses LSA double-shot PBT keycaps, which are a different profile than what is on the K3 V2.
Yes, the K3 V2 is compatible with both macOS and Windows. The vendor states it comes with keycaps for both operating systems, making it suitable for multi-platform users.
The K3 Max SE has better wireless connectivity for gaming due to its exclusive 2.4 GHz wireless mode with a 1000 Hz polling rate. The K3 V2 relies on Bluetooth 5.1 which typically has higher latency and is less reliable for competitive gaming.
The K3 V2 does not support QMK or VIA firmware. Key remapping is limited to whatever shortcuts are pre-programmed by the factory. The K3 Max SE, with its QMK and VIA support, offers full key remapping and macro creation.
The K3 V2 is described with an 'aluminum body' in its metadata, suggesting a mostly metal construction. The K3 Max SE uses a combination of ABS plastic for the main body with wooden side frames, as stated by the vendor. This gives the Max SE a unique aesthetic but may feel different in terms of rigidity.
Yes, if you do not require custom keymaps or macros, the K3 V2 can still serve as a competent keyboard for programming. Its 75% layout provides all the essential keys and its low profile design can be comfortable for extended typing sessions.
Yes, the vendor for the K3 Max SE explicitly mentions 'per-key RGB' lighting as a feature, allowing you to individually set the color for each key. It also offers a mix RGB mode that splits the keyboard into two lighting zones.
The Keychron K3 V2 vendor description states it comes with 12 extra keycaps. The K3 Max SE vendor description does not mention including extra keycaps, so the K3 V2 is the better choice if you want additional keycaps out of the box.
Not sold on either?
Still torn?
Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.