
This comparison is for buyers choosing between a compact low-profile keyboard and a fuller 96% layout. The K3 Pro weighs 525 g and measures 306 x 116 mm, while the K4 Max weighs 1290 g and measures 391 x 140 mm. Both support Bluetooth and wired use, QMK, VIA, and hot-swapping, so the main trade-off is portability and low-profile typing versus a larger layout and added 2.4 GHz connectivity. The K4 Max also has a larger battery and sound-dampening foam layers.
87 Overall/ Value 86.5Build Quality 81.4Customizability 88.0Performance 81.1Productivity 79.9Portability 76.9![]() | 87 Overall/ Value 86.5Build Quality 80.5Customizability 91.7Performance 82.1Productivity 89.5Portability 50.6![]() | Select a keyboard to compare |
4.7 stars (54 reviews) | 5.0 stars (1 reviews) | |
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Name Keychron K3 Pro | Name Keychron K4 Max | |
Release year 2022 | Release year 2025 | |
Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky | Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky | |
Profile Low Profile | Profile Normal Profile | |
Hot Swappable | Hot Swappable | |
Layout Size 75% | Layout Size 96% | |
Layout Standard ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ANSI | Layout Standard ISO, 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, Wired, Wireless | Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless | |
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 Tray Mount | Mount Style PCB Mount | |
Screw in Stabilizers | Screw in Stabilizers | |
Sound Dampening | Sound Dampening | |
Backlight Rgb, South-face, White, North-face | Backlight Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face | |
Case Colors | Case Colors | |
Case Material Aluminum, Plastic, ABS | Case Material ABS | |
Keycaps Material ABS, PBT | Keycaps Material PBT | |
Dimensions 15 x 306 x 116 mm | Dimensions 31 x 391 x 140 mm | |
Weight 525g | Weight 1290g |
Pick the Keychron K3 Pro if low-profile typing, a smaller footprint, and lighter weight are your priorities. Choose the K4 Max if you want a 96% layout, 2.4 GHz wireless, a larger battery, or wider MX-style switch options in its hot-swappable version. Both offer QMK and VIA, so layout size and physical design are the main deciding factors.
The K4 Max has the edge for gaming where 2.4 GHz wireless matters, and for desk use that benefits from its 96% layout. Its broader MX-style hot-swap support also makes it more flexible for switch changes. The K3 Pro is the more travel-friendly choice because it is lighter and smaller. For content creation, the choice depends on whether you prefer a fuller layout or a more compact board, since both offer multimedia keys and remapping features.
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