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

Compare Keychron K8 V2 vs V1 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Keychron's two popular wireless mechanical keyboards in similar price tiers. The choice is difficult because both offer hot-swappable switches, QMK/VIA support, and a 4000mAh battery. The decision hinges on your preference for a traditional 80% TKL layout with aluminum construction or a more compact 75% layout with a gasket mount design and an additional 2.4 GHz wireless connection.

83
Keychron K8 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (Version 2)
98
Keychron V1 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

Select a keyboard to compare

5.0 (2)
4.3 (32)
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a PCB Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Weighs about 800 g
  • Sized at 22 x 354 x 124 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, ABS case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White RGB lighting
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-PT, ISO, ANSI layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Weighs about 770 g
  • Sized at 22 x 149 x 329 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Plastic case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 82.2
  • Build Quality: 78.4
  • Productivity: 80.5
  • Customizability: 90
  • Portability: 73.6
Scores
  • Performance: 83.2
  • Build Quality: 86.3
  • Productivity: 97.3
  • Customizability: 99.4
  • Portability: 79.2
Name
Keychron K8 V2
Name
Keychron V1 Max
Release year
2024
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-PT, 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
4000 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
PCB Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, White
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum, ABS
Case Material
ABS, Plastic
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
22 x 354 x 124 mm
Dimensions
22 x 149 x 329 mm
Weight
800g
Weight
770g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

The Keychron V1 Max is the more modern and versatile choice for most users, offering a superior wireless suite, a space-saving layout, and a more customizable typing experience via its gasket mount. Choose the Keychron K8 V2 if you specifically prefer the traditional TKL layout with its separate arrow and navigation keys, or if you value the heft and feel of an aluminum frame over the latest wireless technology.

Keychron K8 V2

  • +Features an aluminum frame option for a premium, solid feel.
  • +Traditional TKL (80%) layout with dedicated navigation and function keys.
  • +Includes multiple layers of acoustic foam (IXPE, PET, EPDM) for sound dampening.
  • +Offers adjustable typing angles (3.5°, 7.7°, 11°).
  • +Uses Cherry-profile double-shot PBT keycaps for a classic typing feel.
  • −Lacks a 2.4 GHz wireless connection, relying solely on Bluetooth and wired modes.
  • −Larger footprint than a 75% keyboard, taking up more desk space.
  • −Uses a standard PCB mount style instead of a gasket mount.

Keychron V1 Max

  • +Includes both 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.1 wireless connectivity.
  • +Compact 75% layout saves desk space while keeping most function keys.
  • +Gasket mount design with a polycarbonate plate for a softer, more flexible typing feel.
  • +Comes with screw-in PCB stabilizers for improved key stability.
  • +Offers extensive layout support, including multiple ISO language options.
  • −Case is constructed from ABS plastic, not aluminum.
  • −The OSA-profile keycaps are not shine-through, which may limit RGB backlight visibility.
  • −Some user reviews mention potential key chatter issues developing over time.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The V1 Max wins in more categories, particularly for gaming, travel, modding, and content creation, thanks to its 2.4 GHz wireless, compact form, gasket mount, and knob support. The K8 V2 is the better choice for programmers who prefer a TKL layout with dedicated keys. For general office use, both are equally capable with their strong multi-device Bluetooth and cross-platform support.

GamingKeychron V1 Max
  • •The V1 Max includes a dedicated 2.4 GHz wireless connection with a 1000 Hz polling rate for lower latency gaming.
  • •Its 75% layout saves desk space for larger mouse movements.
  • •Both keyboards offer a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode.
OfficeTie
  • •Both support multi-device Bluetooth connectivity for switching between a computer and other devices.
  • •Both include Mac and Windows keycaps and system toggles for cross-platform use.
  • •The K8 V2's TKL layout has dedicated navigation keys, while the V1 Max's compact layout saves desk space.
ProgrammingKeychron K8 V2
  • •The K8 V2's TKL layout retains the function row and dedicated navigation cluster, which are frequently used in IDEs.
  • •Its aluminum frame may provide a more stable typing platform for long sessions.
  • •Both support extensive key remapping via QMK and VIA for creating macros.
TravelKeychron V1 Max
  • •The V1 Max has a more compact 75% footprint (149 x 329 mm vs 354 x 124 mm for the K8 V2).
  • •It is slightly lighter at 770g compared to the K8 V2's 800g.
  • •Both have the same 4000mAh battery capacity for long wireless use.
ModdingKeychron V1 Max
  • •The V1 Max features a gasket mount design and a polycarbonate plate for a customizable typing feel.
  • •It comes with screw-in PCB stabilizers, which are generally preferred by modders for their stability.
  • •It is available in a barebones kit version, allowing for complete switch and keycap customization from the start.
Content CreationKeychron V1 Max
  • •The V1 Max offers knob support for adjusting volume, brush size, or timeline scrubbing.
  • •Its compact layout frees up desk space for graphics tablets or other peripherals.
  • •South-facing RGB LEDs prevent interference with Cherry-profile keycaps, which are popular in custom sets for aesthetics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

92
$94
Keychron K8 Max QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K8 Max
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
PCB Mount

97
$44
Keychron V1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron V1
75%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

94
$59
Keychron K8 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron K8 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

94
$94
Keychron V3 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3 Max
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

New
$119
Keychron K8 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron K8 Ultra
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Metal case,
Plate 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

83
$94
Keychron K3 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 3
Keychron K3 V3
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Top Mount

100
$104
Lemokey P1 QMK/VIA Custom Gaming Keyboard
Keychron Lemokey P1
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

93
$97
Keychron V1 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V1 Ultra
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket 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