Keychron K4 HE vs K8 MaxMagnetic or MX switches?
Choose the K4 HE for magnetic-switch gaming features and a numpad, or the K8 Max for broad MX switch swapping and a TKL layout.
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from$118at MK
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K4 HE
Hall effect
Build quality in the top 10% of 96% boards under $150.
- Magnetic switches with adjustable actuation and Rapid Trigger.
- Dynamic Keystrokes, Analog Mode, Last Key Priority, and Snap Click are listed by Keychron.
- Compact full-size layout includes a numpad.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.
Get the
Keychron K8 Max
Build quality in the top 5% of 80% boards under $150.
- 80% TKL layout saves the numpad space of a compact full-size board.
- Hot-swappable version supports 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches, according to Keychron.
- South-facing RGB avoids interference with Cherry-profile alternative keycaps.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- Missing ISO-Nordic, ISO-FR, ISO-ES. The other board is sold in those layouts.
- No numpad.
Choose the Keychron K4 HE if adjustable magnetic actuation, Rapid Trigger, and a numpad are priorities. Pick the K8 Max if you want a TKL layout, longer listed battery life, or the broader MX-style switch options described for its hot-swappable version. Check the layout and keycap compatibility rules before ordering either board.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Keychron K4 HE
Keychron K8 Max
Layout size
96%
80%
Hall effect (magnetic)
Yes
No
Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing
Rapid trigger
Yes
No
Faster resets help in games and not in normal typing
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired, 2.4 GHz
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Case material
ABS, Aluminum, Plastic, Wood
ABS, Aluminum, Steel
- Keychron K4 HE
- Keychron K8 Max
- Performance
- 9280
- Build quality
- 8787
- Productivity
- 9494
- Customizability
- 8991
- Portability
- 5677
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 4,000 mAh
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- QMK
- VIA
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The K4 HE stands out for gaming controls and a numpad, while the K8 Max is the more compact TKL option. Office and programming use are close calls because both provide wireless connections and key remapping, but their layouts and switch systems differ. For travel, the K8 Max takes the smaller-layout edge, though its listed weight is higher. Modders should choose based on whether they want magnetic-switch-specific options or broad MX-style switch swapping.
Pick the Keychron K4 HE
- The K4 HE has magnetic switches, adjustable actuation, Rapid Trigger, and Dynamic Keystrokes.
- Its vendor description also lists Analog Mode, Last Key Priority, and Snap Click.
- Both boards list a 1000 Hz polling rate and 2.4 GHz connectivity.
Keychron K4 HE vs K8 Max specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
15 of 28 specs differ
Keychron K4 HE
Keychron K8 Max
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Rapid trigger
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Keychron K4 HE
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-CH
In stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-CH
In stockDoes not ship to you
Keychron K8 Max
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-CH
In stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-CH
Out of stockDoes not ship to you
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Keychron K4 HE vs K8 Max: your questions
The K4 HE is the more gaming-focused option based on its magnetic switches, adjustable actuation, Rapid Trigger, and Dynamic Keystrokes. Both list 2.4 GHz connectivity and a 1000 Hz polling rate.
The K4 HE pairs magnetic switches with a compact full-size layout and numpad. The K8 Max uses conventional mechanical switches in an 80% TKL layout without a numpad.
No. Its compatibility rules specify magnetic switches only, and standard MX switches will not fit. Keychron also says each K4 HE switch version supports only its matching magnetic switch type.
Keychron says the hot-swappable K8 Max version supports almost all 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches. Hot-swapping is optional, so confirm the version you are buying has that feature.
The K4 HE has a numpad in its compact full-size layout. The K8 Max has no numpad, which leaves it with an 80% TKL layout.
Keychron lists up to 110 hours for the K4 HE and up to 190 hours for the K8 Max. Actual K4 HE battery life may vary with use, as Keychron notes.
Yes. Both list Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless, and wired connectivity, along with a 4000 mAh battery. Their vendor descriptions also state Bluetooth connections to up to three devices.
The K4 HE has north-facing LEDs, and its compatibility rules warn that Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing. The K8 Max's south-facing LEDs are described by Keychron as free from interference with Cherry-profile alternative keycaps.
Both list QMK and VIA support. Keychron's vendor descriptions also name its Launcher web app for remapping and macros.
The K4 HE lists ISO-Nordic, ISO-FR, and ISO-ES among its layout options, while the K8 Max compatibility rules mark those layouts as unavailable. Both list several other ISO layouts, including ISO-UK and ISO-DE.
Both list hot-swapping, QMK, VIA, and screw-in stabilizers. The K8 Max's hot-swappable version offers broad 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switch compatibility, while the K4 HE is limited to supported magnetic switches.
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