Keychron K3 Max vs Keychron K3 (V2)
The Keychron K3 Max and the Keychron K3 (V2) are close alternatives. The main differences: stock, the Keychron K3 Max sounds soft clack and the Keychron K3 (V2) light clack.
- Easier to modKeychron K3 Maxhot-swap sockets and QMK/VIA
- More ways to connectKeychron K3 Max3 connection modes versus 2
Choose the Keychron K3 Max if
- you mainly want it for programming.
- you want QMK/VIA remapping.
Choose the Keychron K3 (V2) if
- you mainly want it for mac users.
Keychron K3 Max vs Keychron K3 (V2), spec by spec
| Keychron K3 Max | Keychron K3 (V2) | |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | 75% | 75% |
| Height | Low profile | Low profile |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired (stronger spec) | Bluetooth, Wired |
| Hot-swap | Yes | Yes |
| Keycaps | PBT double-shot, LSA low-profile | ABS shine-through, low-profile |
| Case | ABS plastic, aluminum top frame | ABS plastic, aluminum top frame |
| Mount | Tray | Tray |
| Backlight | RGB | RGB |
| QMK / VIA | Yes (stronger spec) | No |
| Battery | 1550 mAh | 1550 mAh |
| Typical price | $85 | $85 |
| Sound (stock) | soft clack | light clack |
| Released | 2024 | 2021 |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ; a check marks the objectively stronger spec (price, battery, modability). Feel and preference rows never get a check. Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.
Where they sit among all 509 boards we track
21% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Keychron K3 Max; 21% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Keychron K3 (V2).
4% of the 172 wireless boards tracked here carry a smaller battery than the Keychron K3 Max; 4% of the 172 wireless boards tracked here carry a smaller battery than the Keychron K3 (V2).
Where to buy the Keychron K3 Max
Where to buy the Keychron K3 (V2)
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