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Compare Keychron V1 Max vs Redragon CASTOR K631 Pro SE Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers torn between a feature-rich, enthusiast-grade keyboard and a straightforward, portable budget model. The Keychron V1 Max offers extensive programmability and a premium build, while the Redragon CASTOR K631 Pro SE prioritizes a low price and ultra-compact form factor. The decision hinges on how much you value customizability, layout options, and typing feel versus absolute portability and cost.

98
Keychron V1 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
CASTOR K631 PRO SE Wireless Green Gaming Keyboard

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4.3 (32)
0.0 (0)
  • 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
  • Compatible with both Mac and Windows
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • 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
  • Has Clicky, Linear switch options
  • Available in a 65% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a Bottom Mount mounting style
  • Equipped with a 1600 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 470 g
  • Sized at 40 x 309 x 104 mm
  • Made with a Plastic case
  • Features ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 83.1
  • Build Quality: 86.3
  • Productivity: 97.3
  • Customizability: 99.4
  • Portability: 79.2
Scores
  • Performance: 70.7
  • Build Quality: 50.9
  • Productivity: 49.5
  • Customizability: 56.4
  • Portability: 83.5
Name
Keychron V1 Max
Name
Redragon CASTOR K631 Pro SE
Release year
2023
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Switch Options
Clicky, Linear
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
65%
Layout Standard
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-PT, ISO, ANSI
Layout Standard
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, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
1600 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
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Bottom Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS, Plastic
Case Material
Plastic
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Keycaps Material
ABS
Dimensions
22 x 149 x 329 mm
Dimensions
40 x 309 x 104 mm
Weight
770g
Weight
470g
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Pros and Trade-offs

For most users seeking a long-term, customizable keyboard for work or play, the Keychron V1 Max is the superior investment. Its build quality, programmability, and layout options justify its higher cost. Only choose the Redragon CASTOR K631 Pro SE if your primary need is an ultra-portable, budget-conscious wireless keyboard and you are willing to accept significant compromises in features, firmware support, and long-term typing feel.

Keychron V1 Max

  • +Extensive customization with QMK/VIA firmware, gasket mount, and hot-swap sockets.
  • +Wide layout compatibility including multiple ISO and ANSI standards.
  • +High-capacity 4000mAh battery for long wireless use.
  • +Includes premium features like a polycarbonate plate, screw-in stabilizers, and sound-dampening foam.
  • +Comes with double-shot PBT keycaps and dedicated Mac/Windows keycaps.

  • Heavier at 770g, making it less portable.
  • Higher price point compared to the Redragon model.
  • The vendor description notes some units may develop key chatter issues over time.

Redragon CASTOR K631 Pro SE

  • +Very lightweight at 470g, enhancing portability.
  • +More affordable price point.
  • +Includes a 2-in-1 USB-C/A cable for versatile wired connections.
  • +Hot-swappable PCB supports both 3-pin and 5-pin switches.

  • Limited to ANSI layout only.
  • Smaller 1600mAh battery.
  • Uses ABS keycaps which may develop shine over time.
  • Vendor reviews mention potential firmware and mode-switching issues.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron V1 Max is the clear choice for most stationary use cases, winning in gaming, office work, programming, modding, and content creation due to its superior layout flexibility, programmability, and build. Its strengths are in customization and a premium typing feel. The Redragon CASTOR K631 Pro SE only takes the lead for travel, where its lower weight and more compact 65% form factor are decisive advantages for portability.

GamingKeychron V1 Max
  • The Keychron V1 Max has a specified 1000 Hz polling rate in its 2.4 GHz and wired modes for low latency.
  • Its gasket mount and polycarbonate plate design may offer a more consistent, flexible typing feel.
  • The 75% layout retains function keys, which are useful for many games.
OfficeKeychron V1 Max
  • The V1 Max supports multiple ISO layouts, including UK, German, and French, which is critical for international offices.
  • It includes dedicated Mac and Windows keycaps and a system toggle for seamless cross-platform use.
  • Its sound-dampening foam and gasket mount can contribute to a quieter typing experience.
ProgrammingKeychron V1 Max
  • The 75% layout includes dedicated arrow keys and a column of function keys, which are often preferred for coding.
  • Full QMK and VIA support allows for deep key remapping and macro programming.
  • The ability to save layouts for different operating systems is useful for developers working across platforms.
TravelRedragon CASTOR K631 Pro SE
  • The Redragon CASTOR is significantly lighter at 470g compared to the V1 Max's 770g.
  • Its 65% layout is more compact, saving space in a bag.
  • It includes a 2-in-1 USB-C/A cable for easier connectivity with various devices on the go.
ModdingKeychron V1 Max
  • The V1 Max features a gasket mount design, a polycarbonate plate, and screw-in PCB stabilizers, which are preferred modding platforms.
  • It has extensive open-source firmware support with QMK and VIA for limitless customization.
  • It is available as a barebones kit, and the vendor description lists many compatible accessories like switches and keycaps.
Content CreationKeychron V1 Max
  • The 75% layout provides more readily accessible keys for shortcuts without relying on layers.
  • Programmable macros via QMK/VIA can streamline editing workflows.
  • The knob support (on certain V1 Max configurations) can be mapped to control audio or timeline scrubbing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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