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Compare Keychron K3 Pro vs K4 Max Differences Side by Side

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
Keychron K3 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
87
Keychron K4 Max QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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4.7 (54)
5.0 (1)
  • Released in 2022
  • Features a low-profile design
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ANSI layout standard
  • Connects via USB-C
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 1550 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 525 g
  • Sized at 15 x 306 x 116 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Plastic, ABS case
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2025
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Built with the ISO, ANSI layout standard
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a PCB Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1290 g
  • Sized at 31 x 391 x 140 mm
  • Made with a ABS case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 81.1
  • Build Quality: 81.4
  • Productivity: 79.9
  • Customizability: 88
  • Portability: 76.9
Scores
  • Performance: 82.1
  • Build Quality: 80.5
  • Productivity: 89.5
  • Customizability: 91.7
  • Portability: 50.6
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
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Pros and Trade-offs

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.

Keychron K3 Pro

  • +75% low-profile design, weighing 525 g and measuring 306 x 116 mm.
  • +Bluetooth, wired, and wireless connectivity, with Bluetooth support for up to three devices in the vendor description.
  • +QMK and VIA support, plus Keychron Launcher for key remapping and macros.
  • +Hot-swappable versions are available with Gateron low-profile mechanical switches.
  • +Low-profile double-shot PBT keycaps, with dye-sublimated PBT on the Special Edition.

  • −Its 1550 mAh battery is smaller than the K4 Max's 4000 mAh battery.
  • −The vendor limits hot-swap switch compatibility to Gateron low-profile mechanical switches.
  • −The vendor specifies 1000 Hz polling in wired mode, while listing a lower wireless polling rate.

Keychron K4 Max

  • +96% layout with Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connectivity.
  • +4000 mAh battery, with the vendor listing up to 190 hours of use.
  • +Hot-swappable version supports almost all 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches, according to Keychron.
  • +Includes IXPE, PET, and EPDM acoustic foam layers, plus a steel plate.
  • +Double-shot PBT keycaps and south-facing RGB lighting.

  • −At 1290 g and 391 x 140 mm, it is considerably larger and heavier than the K3 Pro.
  • −Its 96% layout takes up more desk space than the K3 Pro's 75% layout.
  • −The case material is listed as ABS, without an aluminum frame listed for this model.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingKeychron K4 Max
  • •The K4 Max supports 2.4 GHz wireless with a 1000 Hz polling rate, as well as wired use at 1000 Hz.
  • •The K3 Pro lists a 1000 Hz polling rate, but its vendor description specifies that rate for wired mode.
OfficeKeychron K4 Max
  • •The K4 Max's 96% layout offers more keys than the K3 Pro's 75% layout.
  • •The K4 Max includes IXPE, PET, and EPDM acoustic foam layers and a steel plate.
ProgrammingKeychron K4 Max
  • •Both keyboards support QMK and VIA, plus key remapping and macros through Keychron Launcher.
  • •The K4 Max supports hot-swapping with almost all 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches, while the K3 Pro is limited to Gateron low-profile mechanical switches.
TravelKeychron K3 Pro
  • •The K3 Pro weighs 525 g, compared with 1290 g for the K4 Max.
  • •The K3 Pro's 75% layout and 306 x 116 mm dimensions make it the smaller of the two keyboards.
ModdingKeychron K4 Max
  • •The K4 Max hot-swappable version supports almost all 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches.
  • •Both models support QMK, VIA, and hot-swapping, while the K3 Pro's vendor description limits switch compatibility to Gateron low-profile mechanical switches.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both keyboards have multimedia keys, QMK support, and key remapping and macro features through Keychron Launcher.
  • •The K4 Max provides a 96% layout, while the K3 Pro is smaller with a 75% layout.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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