KeebFinder
Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare Keychron K3 V3 vs K4 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a compact, travel-friendly keyboard and a full-featured desktop powerhouse. Both boards offer high customizability with QMK and VIA support, making the decision difficult. The K3 V3 stands out with its ultra-slim, low-profile build, while the K4 Max counters with a full 96% layout and a massive 4000mAh battery. Your choice hinges on whether you prioritize a small footprint or a complete key set with a number pad.

83
Keychron K3 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 3
87
Keychron K4 Max QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

Select a keyboard to compare

0.0 (0)
5.0 (1)
  • Released in 2024
  • Features a low-profile design
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-SW, ISO-Nordic layout standard
  • Uses a Top Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 1550 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 540 g
  • Sized at 19 x 306 x 116 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Aluminum case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, 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: 81.8
  • Build Quality: 81.8
  • Productivity: 70.3
  • Customizability: 90
  • Portability: 74.6
Scores
  • Performance: 82
  • Build Quality: 80.3
  • Productivity: 89.4
  • Customizability: 93
  • Portability: 50.8
Name
Keychron K3 V3
Name
Keychron K4 Max
Release year
2024
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
ANSI, ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-SW, ISO-Nordic
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
Top Mount
Mount Style
PCB Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, North-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS, Aluminum
Case Material
ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
19 x 306 x 116 mm
Dimensions
31 x 391 x 140 mm
Weight
540g
Weight
1290g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

If your top priority is a keyboard you can easily toss in a bag and use on the go, the Keychron K3 V3 is the clear winner. Its low-profile design and light weight are unmatched in this comparison. However, if you need a dedicated number pad, want the fastest wireless gaming performance with 2.4 GHz, and prefer a longer battery life, the Keychron K4 Max is the better choice for a desktop setup.

Keychron K3 V3

  • +Ultra-slim low-profile design for enhanced portability.
  • +Lightweight at only 540 grams.
  • +Offers a 75% compact layout with a small footprint.
  • +Available with a unique low-profile Keychron Milk POM switch.
  • −Smaller 1550mAh battery capacity compared to the K4 Max.
  • −Limited to low-profile switches for hot-swapping, as per vendor description.
  • −Lacks 2.4 GHz connectivity, relying on Bluetooth and wired modes.

Keychron K4 Max

  • +Full 96% layout includes a number pad for enhanced data entry.
  • +Larger 4000mAh battery for longer wireless use.
  • +Offers 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, and wired connectivity options.
  • +Includes multiple acoustic foam layers (IXPE, PET, EPDM) and a steel plate for a better typing sound and feel.
  • −Heavier at 1290 grams, making it less portable.
  • −Larger overall dimensions reduce desk space efficiency.
  • −Does not feature a low-profile design, resulting in a taller typing angle.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron K4 Max is the stronger choice for gaming and office productivity due to its 2.4 GHz connectivity, dedicated number pad, and acoustic foam. For travel, the K3 V3 wins hands down because of its slim profile and light weight. The two keyboards are evenly matched for programming and modding, as both offer full customization through QMK and VIA. Content creators who value a complete key set and longer battery life will lean toward the K4 Max.

GamingKeychron K4 Max
  • •Offers 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity for a stable, low-latency gaming experience.
  • •Includes a steel plate for added stability and responsive feedback.
  • •The vendor description states its 2.4 GHz and wired modes have a 1000 Hz polling rate for competitive gaming.
OfficeKeychron K4 Max
  • •The 96% layout includes a dedicated number pad, speeding up data entry tasks.
  • •Features multiple layers of acoustic foam (IXPE, PET, EPDM) for a quieter typing experience.
  • •Has a larger 4000mAh battery for extended use without frequent charging.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both offer QMK and VIA support for full key remapping and macro creation.
  • •Both support N-Key Rollover for accurate input during complex key combinations.
  • •The choice here depends on preference for compact 75% vs. full 96% layout.
TravelKeychron K3 V3
  • •Weighs only 540 grams, making it significantly lighter than the 1290g K4 Max.
  • •Its ultra-slim low-profile design is easier to pack in a bag.
  • •Dimensions of 306 x 116 mm are more compact, requiring less desk or bag space.
ModdingTie
  • •Both are hot-swappable, allowing for switch changes without soldering.
  • •Both support QMK firmware, giving deep control over keyboard functionality.
  • •The K4 Max offers broader MX switch compatibility, while the K3 V3 allows for unique low-profile switch mods.
Content CreationKeychron K4 Max
  • •The 96% layout offers dedicated navigation keys and a number pad, useful for editing timelines and spreadsheets.
  • •A larger battery life from the 4000mAh capacity supports longer creative sessions.
  • •Screw-in stabilizers on the K4 Max provide better stability on larger keys, enhancing the feel of shortcuts and modifiers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

94
$84
Keychron K3 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K3 Max
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Plate Mount

91
$84
Keychron K4 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 3
Keychron K4 V3
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

87
$83
Keychron K3 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K3 Pro
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

92
$69
Keychron K4 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron K4 Pro
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

68
$96
Keychron K3 Ultra-slim Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (Version 2)
Keychron K3 V2
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

88
$85
Keychron K17 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K17 Max
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
PCB Mount

84
$94
Keychron K1 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 6
Keychron K1 V6
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Alu case,
Top Mount

97
$99
Keychron V5 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V5 Max
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

84
$109
Keychron K13 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K13 Max
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
PCB Mount

96
$89
Keychron V6 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V6 Max
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount