Is the Keychron K3 Max SE wireless?

Yes. It supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired USB-C connections. Keychron says Bluetooth can connect to up to three devices.

Is the Keychron S1 wireless?

No, the S1 is listed as wired-only, using a Type-C connection. It does not offer the Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz modes listed for the K3 Max SE.

Which is lighter, the Keychron K3 Max SE or S1?

The K3 Max SE weighs 566 g, while the S1 weighs 960 g. That makes the K3 Max SE the lighter option for carrying between locations.

What is the difference between the K3 Max SE and S1 case materials?

The K3 Max SE combines ABS and wood with an aluminum plate. The S1 has a full CNC-machined aluminum body and a steel plate.

Do both Keychron keyboards support hot-swappable switches?

Yes, both are listed as hot-swappable. The K3 Max SE uses Keychron Milk POM switches, while Keychron says the S1 hot-swap PCB supports Gateron low-profile mechanical switches.

Do the K3 Max SE and S1 support QMK and VIA?

Both list QMK and VIA support. Keychron describes its Launcher web app for remapping and macros on the K3 Max SE, and QMK/VIA programming for the S1.

Which keyboard is better for travel, the K3 Max SE or S1?

The K3 Max SE is lighter at 566 g and supports Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless use. The S1 weighs 960 g and requires a wired connection.

What polling rate do the K3 Max SE and S1 have?

Both list a 1000 Hz polling rate. Keychron specifies the K3 Max SE's 1000 Hz rate for 2.4 GHz and wired modes.

Do the K3 Max SE and S1 have shine-through keycaps?

No. Both vendor descriptions identify their low-profile double-shot PBT keycaps as not shine-through. Both keyboards have backlighting, but the legends are not described as transmitting the light.

Does the Keychron K3 Max SE have a battery?

Yes, it has a 1550 mAh battery. Keychron lists up to 120 hours of wireless working time.

What typing angles can the Keychron S1 use?

Keychron describes two S1 angles, 3° and 6°, enabled by its extra feet. The K3 Max SE's listed specifications do not describe matching adjustable angles.

Which keyboard has acoustic foam, the K3 Max SE or S1?

Keychron describes EPDM and bottom-case acoustic foam in the K3 Max SE, along with sound-dampening features. The S1 listing identifies its CNC aluminum body and steel plate but does not describe acoustic foam.

Compare Keychron K3 Max SE vs S1 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers choosing between two low-profile 75% Keychron keyboards with PBT keycaps, hot-swap support, and QMK. The central trade-off is clear: the K3 Max SE offers Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz alongside wired use, while the S1 is wired-only. The S1 has a full CNC aluminum case and steel plate, while the K3 Max SE combines ABS and wood with an aluminum plate. Both list 1000 Hz polling, but the K3 Max SE's vendor details specify that rate for 2.4 GHz and wired modes.

Model
	82	86	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	5.0 stars (2 reviews)	4.8 stars (18 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2026 Has built-in sound dampening 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 2022 Provides dedicated media keys 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 Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 80.1 Build Quality: 74.1 Productivity: 88.6 Customizability: 86.2 Portability: 79.9	Scores Performance: 82.4 Build Quality: 82.1 Productivity: 80.7 Customizability: 89.2 Portability: 64.6
Name	Name Keychron K3 Max SE	Name Keychron S1
Release year	Release year 2026	Release year 2022
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile	Profile Low Profile	Profile Low Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 75%	Layout Size 75%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 1550 mAh	Battery capacity -
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style -	Mount Style Tray Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, White, North-face	Backlight Rgb, North-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material ABS, Wood	Case Material Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 20 x 319 x 126 mm	Dimensions 8 x 118 x 310 mm
Weight	Weight 566g	Weight 960g

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Pros and Trade-offs

Pick the K3 Max SE if wireless connectivity, lower weight, or multi-device Bluetooth use matters most. Choose the S1 if you prefer a full CNC aluminum body and steel plate and are comfortable with a wired-only keyboard. For either model, check the specific switch and backlight version before buying, since the vendor listings describe different available options.

Keychron K3 Max SE

+Offers 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, and wired connectivity.
+Weighs 566 g and has a 1550 mAh battery, with Keychron listing up to 120 hours of wireless use.
+Uses an aluminum plate with ABS and wood case materials.
+Includes hot-swappable Keychron Milk POM switches in linear and tactile options.
+Keychron describes EPDM and bottom-case acoustic foam for sound damping.

−Its ABS-and-wood case is not the S1's full CNC aluminum construction.
−The LSA double-shot PBT keycaps are not shine-through.
−Keychron specifies the 1000 Hz polling rate for 2.4 GHz and wired modes, not Bluetooth.

Keychron S1

+Full CNC-machined aluminum body with a steel plate.
+Supports QMK and VIA, plus hot-swappable low-profile Gateron mechanical switches.
+Includes low-profile double-shot PBT keycaps and north-facing RGB lighting.
+Offers two typing angles, 3° and 6°, according to Keychron.

−Wired-only connectivity limits use away from a cable.
−At 960 g, it weighs more than the K3 Max SE.
−The hot-swap PCB supports Gateron low-profile mechanical switches, according to Keychron.
−The double-shot PBT keycaps are not shine-through.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The K3 Max SE is the more flexible choice for gaming across connection modes, office use, travel, and multi-device workflows. The S1's appeal is its CNC aluminum construction and steel plate, rather than wireless convenience. Programming and modding are close calls because both keyboards support QMK/VIA and hot-swapping, though their switch types and case materials differ. Neither has an obvious category advantage when customization is the main priority.

GamingKeychron K3 Max SE

•The K3 Max SE supports 2.4 GHz wireless as well as wired use, while the S1 is wired-only.
•Both list a 1000 Hz polling rate, and the K3 Max SE vendor specifies it for 2.4 GHz and wired modes.
•Both are hot-swappable and support N-key rollover.

OfficeKeychron K3 Max SE

•Bluetooth support lets the K3 Max SE connect to up to three devices, according to Keychron.
•The K3 Max SE has sound-dampening features, including EPDM and bottom-case acoustic foam.
•Both have a 75% layout and Mac/Windows support.

ProgrammingTie

•Both support QMK and VIA for key remapping and customization.
•Both have a 75% ANSI layout, hot-swap support, and N-key rollover.
•The K3 Max SE supports wireless connections, while the S1 offers a full CNC aluminum body and steel plate.

TravelKeychron K3 Max SE

•The K3 Max SE weighs 566 g, compared with 960 g for the S1.
•The K3 Max SE supports Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless, reducing reliance on a wired connection.
•Keychron lists up to 120 hours of wireless use for the K3 Max SE.

ModdingTie

•Both support hot-swapping and QMK/VIA customization.
•The S1's hot-swap sockets support Gateron low-profile mechanical switches, according to Keychron.
•The K3 Max SE uses hot-swappable Keychron Milk POM switches and includes acoustic foam layers.

Content CreationKeychron K3 Max SE

•The K3 Max SE supports Bluetooth connections to up to three devices for switching between work devices.
•Keychron says its Launcher web app supports key remapping and macros on the K3 Max SE.
•Both provide QMK support and a 75% layout.