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Compare Keychron K3 Max SE vs K4 HE Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two very different Keychron keyboards: the ultra-slim K3 Max SE and the feature-packed K4 HE. The decision is hard because both offer wireless connectivity, QMK/VIA support, and hot-swappable switches, but they are built for different priorities. The K3 Max SE focuses on portability and a low-profile typing experience, while the K4 HE delivers advanced magnetic switch technology for gaming. Your choice ultimately depends on whether you value a compact, travel-friendly form factor or cutting-edge performance features.

82
Keychron K3 Max SE QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
91
Keychron K4 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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5.0 (1)
4.3 (13)
  • Released in 2026
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Features a low-profile design
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 1550 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 566 g
  • Sized at 20 x 319 x 126 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Wood case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2025
  • Has Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-CH, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-SW, ISO-Nordic, ANSI layout standard
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Enables rapid trigger functionality
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless, 2.4 GHz connectivity
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1090 g
  • Sized at 41 x 377 x 126 mm
  • Made with a Plastic, Aluminum, Wood, ABS case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 80.2
  • Build Quality: 73.6
  • Productivity: 88.4
  • Customizability: 86.4
  • Portability: 79.5
Scores
  • Performance: 92.4
  • Build Quality: 87.1
  • Productivity: 94.1
  • Customizability: 89.6
  • Portability: 56.1
Name
Keychron K3 Max SE
Name
Keychron K4 HE
Release year
2026
Release year
2025
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Low Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
96%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-CH, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-SW, ISO-Nordic, 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
Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless, 2.4 GHz
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
-
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, Wood
Case Material
Plastic, Aluminum, Wood, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
20 x 319 x 126 mm
Dimensions
41 x 377 x 126 mm
Weight
566g
Weight
1090g
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Pros and Trade-offs

If you prioritize a slim, lightweight keyboard for travel and office work, the K3 Max SE is the right choice. Its low-profile switches and compact 75% layout are designed for portability and comfort. However, if gaming performance or a full-size layout is your priority, the K4 HE's magnetic switch technology and 96% layout offer a significant advantage. Your decision should be based on whether you need the cutting-edge features of Hall Effect switches or the convenience of an ultra-slim design.

Keychron K3 Max SE

  • +Ultra-slim low-profile design for a comfortable and modern typing feel.
  • +Lightweight at 566g with a compact 75% layout, ideal for portability.
  • +Wooden side frames provide a unique aesthetic and a dampened typing experience.
  • +Supports up to 120 hours of wireless use on the 1550mAh battery.
  • +Includes interior acoustic foam (EPDM) and bottom case acoustic foam for quiet operation.
  • −75% layout lacks a dedicated number pad, which may be a deal-breaker for some users.
  • −Low-profile switches have less travel distance, which may not appeal to everyone.
  • −Plate-mounted stabilizers might be less stable than screw-in alternatives.
  • −Keycaps are non-shine-through, making legends difficult to see in low light without backlighting.

Keychron K4 HE

  • +Gateron Double-Rail magnetic switches allow adjustable actuation from 0.2 to 3.8 mm.
  • +Includes Rapid Trigger and Dynamic Keystrokes (DKS) for competitive gaming advantages.
  • +Large 4000mAh battery offers extended wireless usage between charges.
  • +Full 96% layout includes a numpad, enhancing productivity for data-heavy tasks.
  • +Multiple foam layers and a silicone pad deliver a 'soft and thocky' typing sound.
  • −Heavier at approximately 1090g, making it less portable than the K3 Max SE.
  • −Magnetic switches are incompatible with standard mechanical switch keycaps and other magnetic switch brands.
  • −Some user reviews report intermittent keystroke registration issues and software bugs.
  • −The standard version has a front height of 31 mm, which may require a wrist rest for comfortable typing.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The K4 HE is the clear winner for gaming due to its advanced magnetic switch features like Rapid Trigger and adjustable actuation. For travel and office use, the K3 Max SE's lightweight and ultra-slim design makes it the better choice. The two keyboards tie for programming because both offer excellent customization via QMK/VIA. The K4 HE wins for modding and content creation, thanks to its unique switch ecosystem and full-size layout with a numpad.

GamingKeychron K4 HE
  • •Features Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic switches with adjustable actuation from 0.2 to 3.8 mm.
  • •Includes Rapid Trigger and Dynamic Keystrokes (DKS) for faster, more precise inputs.
  • •Offers Analog Mode for variable input control similar to a game controller.
  • •Equipped with TMR sensors for ultra-low latency and high precision.
OfficeKeychron K3 Max SE
  • •Ultra-slim low-profile design with a 75% layout saves desk space.
  • •Weighs only 566g, making it easy to move between workstations.
  • •Low profile Keychron Milk POM switches offer a comfortable typing experience with less finger travel.
  • •Interior acoustic foam and PBT keycaps provide a quieter typing experience.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both keyboards support QMK and VIA for full key remapping and macro creation.
  • •Both offer 1000 Hz polling rate over wired and 2.4 GHz connections.
  • •K3 Max SE provides a low-profile typing angle that may reduce wrist strain for some users.
  • •K4 HE's full 96% layout includes a numpad, which some programmers prefer for data entry.
TravelKeychron K3 Max SE
  • •Weighs just 566g, significantly lighter than the K4 HE at 1090g.
  • •Compact 75% layout with dimensions of 20 x 319 x 126 mm is highly portable.
  • •Ultra-slim design with a front height of only 16.46 mm (without keycaps).
  • •Wireless connectivity with Bluetooth 5.2 and a 1550mAh battery for extended use.
ModdingKeychron K4 HE
  • •Hot-swappable PCB compatible with Gateron double-rail magnetic switches offers unique modding potential.
  • •Includes multiple foam layers (EVA, EPDM, Silicone Pad, PET film) for acoustic customization.
  • •Available in multiple layout standards including ISO and multiple ISO regional variants.
  • •The vendor description highlights easily customizable components like keycaps and top case.
Content CreationKeychron K4 HE
  • •Full 96% layout with a numpad is beneficial for video editing and data entry tasks.
  • •Magnetic switches with adjustable actuation allow for customizable key feel for different applications.
  • •Larger 4000mAh battery provides longer wireless operation, reducing interruptions.
  • •The vendor describes the keyboard as delivering a 'soft and thocky typing sound' for a satisfying audio experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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