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

Head to head · Prices checked Oct 21, 2026

Keychron V3 Max vs Monsgeek M1Wireless Flexibility vs Premium Build

Choose the Keychron V3 Max for wireless versatility and a complete package, or the Monsgeek M1 for a heavier, wired aluminum build focused on acoustic modding.

Keychron V3 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

Wireless Flexibility

Keychron V3 Max

3.3 · 8 reviews

from$94

90-day low

Check priceSee all prices
MonsGeek M1 Gasket DIY Kit

Premium Build

Monsgeek M1

from$99

90-day low

Check priceSee all prices

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Keychron V3 Max

Wireless Flexibility

If you want

  • Tri-mode connectivity with 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.1, and wired operation.
  • Includes double-shot PBT keycaps, Gateron Jupiter switches, and stabilizers in the fully assembled version.
  • Supports a wide range of ISO and ANSI layouts for international users.

And can live with

  • Case is constructed from ABS plastic, not metal.
  • Some user reviews mention occasional double-press issues with the included switches.
  • OSA profile keycaps are not shine-through for the south-facing RGB.

Get the

Monsgeek M1

Premium Build

If you want

  • CNC aluminum case with a copper weight for a premium, heavy build.
  • Sold as a DIY kit with extensive included modding foams (Poron, IXPE) and accessories.
  • Includes a coiled Type-C cable in the box.

And can live with

  • Wired-only connectivity, with no wireless option.
  • Requires the user to purchase switches and keycaps separately, increasing total cost.
  • Uses proprietary software for programming, not QMK or VIA.

Bottom line

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you value the freedom to connect wirelessly to multiple devices and want a complete, ready-to-use keyboard with extensive layout support, the Keychron V3 Max is the clear option. If your priority is building a custom keyboard from the ground up on a premium, heavy aluminum chassis with excellent modding potential, and you don't need wireless, the Monsgeek M1 kit is the better foundation. Consider the additional cost of switches and keycaps for the M1 before deciding.

What actually differs

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 V3 Max

Monsgeek M1

  • Layout size

    80%

    75%

  • Connection

    Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

    Wired

  • Case material

    ABS, Plastic

    Aluminum, Copper

  • Switch options

    Clicky, Linear, Tactile

    Clicky, Linear

  • Mount style

    Gasket Mount, Plate Mount

    Gasket Mount

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Keychron V3 Max
  • Monsgeek M1
Performance
84
71
Build quality
87
88
Productivity
98
98
Customizability
99
99
Portability
73
65

What they share

  • Hot-swappable
  • Knob
  • QMK
  • VIA
  • Sound dampening
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Keychron V3 Max wins for mobile and multi-device scenarios like office work, travel, and content creation due to its wireless features and lighter weight. It is also the stronger choice for gaming with its high wireless polling rate. The Monsgeek M1 is the definitive pick for modding enthusiasts, offering a premium metal foundation and included acoustic materials. For programming, the choice is a tie, hinging on a programmer's need for ISO layouts versus a preference for the M1's build.

For gaming

Pick the Keychron V3 Max

  • The Keychron V3 Max offers a 1000 Hz polling rate in both its 2.4 GHz wireless and wired modes, as stated by Keychron.
  • Its wireless connectivity provides cable-free desk management, and it includes dual receivers for flexible connectivity.
  • The TKL layout retains dedicated arrow and navigation keys without taking up excessive desk space.

From real owners

What owners say

Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.

Keychron V3 Max

3.3

8 owner reviews

Praise
“This keyboard has been great. My first keyboard I've ever had. I had faulty switch, but you guys just gave me a whole new keyboard. Thanks a lot! -Mack”
MackStripes· via Keychron
Critique
“Stopped working in wired mode after a couple months. 2.4 connectivity spotty. I regret buying this keyboard”
NikVerified buyer· via Keychron

Monsgeek M1

No owner reviews collected yet.

Full specs

Keychron V3 Max vs Monsgeek M1 specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

10 of 26 specs differ

Keychron V3 Max

Monsgeek M1

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Clicky, Linear

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount, Plate Mount
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Screw-in stabilizers

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

80%
75%

Layout standard

ANSI, ISO
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Knob

Yes
Yes

Display

None
None

Media keys

Yes
Yes

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wired

Max polling rate

1,000 Hz
—

Battery

4,000 mAh
Wired only

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

ABS, Plastic
Aluminum, Copper

Plate material

Polycarbonate
—

Keycaps

PBT
ABS, PC

Weight

895 g
1,900 g

Dimensions

24 x 149 x 368 mm
33 x 147 mm

Backlight

RGB, south-facing
RGB, south-facing

Firmware & software

QMK

Yes
Yes

VIA

Yes
Yes

N-key rollover

Yes
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2024
2022

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

  • AmazonGlobal

    Check price
    Visit
  • KeychronHK

    Out of stock
    $94Visit
  • MKUS

    Out of stock
    $94Visit
Monsgeek M13 stores
  • AmazonGlobal

    Check price
    ~$99Visit
  • MechkeysCN

    Out of stock
    $99Visit
  • WhatGeekCN

    Out of stock
    $119Visit

Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

FAQ

Keychron V3 Max vs Monsgeek M1: your questions

Only the Keychron V3 Max offers wireless connectivity. It supports 2.4 GHz with a 1000 Hz polling rate and Bluetooth 5.1 for connecting to three devices. The Monsgeek M1 is a strictly wired keyboard, connecting only via its included Type-C cable.

No, the Monsgeek M1 is sold as a DIY kit. The kit includes the aluminum case, PCB, plate, stabilizers, foams, and a coiled cable, but you must supply your own mechanical switches and keycaps separately to complete the build.

No, according to the vendor description, the Monsgeek M1 does not support QMK or VIA. It uses proprietary downloadable software for key remapping and programming. The Keychron V3 Max fully supports both open-source QMK and VIA firmware.

The Keychron V3 Max has a 1000 Hz polling rate in both its 2.4 GHz wireless mode and its wired mode, as specified by the manufacturer. In Bluetooth mode, the polling rate is 90 Hz.

The Monsgeek M1 is significantly heavier. The M1 weighs 1900g (1.9kg), while the fully assembled Keychron V3 Max weighs 895g. The M1's weight comes from its CNC aluminum case and internal copper weight.

Yes, both the Keychron V3 Max and the Monsgeek M1 support and include a knob, according to their listed features. The M1's vendor description mentions a renovated encoder designed to avoid scratching the case.

The Keychron V3 Max case is made from ABS plastic. The plate is polycarbonate (PC). The Monsgeek M1, in contrast, uses a CNC aluminum case and a copper weight for its construction.

The Monsgeek M1 kit includes several modding materials. According to the vendor, these include Poron plate and bottom case foam, an IXPE switch pad, and extra Teflon pads for a force break mod. Tape is also included for performing a tape mod.

Both keyboards feature south-facing RGB LEDs, which avoids interference with Cherry-profile and OEM-profile keycaps. This makes both compatible with a wide range of aftermarket keycap sets without issues with the switch housing.

Yes. The Keychron V3 Max supports ISO layouts, including UK, German, French, Spanish, and Nordic variants. The Monsgeek M1 is only available in the ANSI layout.

Both keyboards use screw-in PCB stabilizers. The Keychron V3 Max includes them pre-installed in the assembled version, while the Monsgeek M1 kit includes unassembled Akko brand stabilizers that users can lubricate themselves.

Still torn?

Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.