Keychron K3 Max vs Keychron K5 Max
The Keychron K3 Max and the Keychron K5 Max are close alternatives. The main differences: the Keychron K3 Max is the cheaper of the two at $85 versus $95; the Keychron K3 Max is a 75% layout and the Keychron K5 Max is a full.
- Lower priceKeychron K3 Max$85 versus $95
- Bigger batteryKeychron K5 Max2000 mAh versus 1550 mAh
Choose the Keychron K3 Max if
- you mainly want it for travel.
- you mainly want it for programming.
- you want to spend less ($85).
Choose the Keychron K5 Max if
- you mainly want it for office.
- you mainly want it for typing.
- you mainly want it for mac users.
Keychron K3 Max vs Keychron K5 Max, spec by spec
| Keychron K3 Max | Keychron K5 Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | 75% | full |
| Height | Low profile | Low profile |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired | Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired |
| Hot-swap | Yes | Yes |
| Keycaps | PBT double-shot, LSA low-profile | PBT double-shot, LSA low-profile |
| Case | ABS plastic, aluminum top frame | ABS plastic, aluminum top frame |
| Mount | Tray | n/a |
| Backlight | RGB | RGB |
| QMK / VIA | Yes | Yes |
| Battery | 1550 mAh | 2000 mAh (stronger spec) |
| Typical price | $85 (stronger spec) | $95 |
| Sound (stock) | soft clack | soft clack |
| Released | 2024 | 2024 |
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 Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.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; 29% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Keychron K5 Max.
4% of the 172 wireless boards tracked here carry a smaller battery than the Keychron K3 Max; 7% of the 172 wireless boards tracked here carry a smaller battery than the Keychron K5 Max.
Where to buy the Keychron K3 Max
Where to buy the Keychron K5 Max
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