Keychron K3 Max vs Keychron S1
The Keychron K3 Max and the Keychron S1 are close alternatives. The main differences: the Keychron S1 is the cheaper of the two at $83 versus $85; the Keychron K3 Max runs wireless where the Keychron S1 is wired-only; stock, the Keychron K3 Max sounds soft clack and the Keychron S1 low-pitched clack.
- Lower priceKeychron S1$83 versus $85
- More ways to connectKeychron K3 Max3 connection modes versus 1
Choose the Keychron K3 Max if
- you mainly want it for travel.
- you mainly want it for programming.
- you need wireless.
Choose the Keychron S1 if
- you mainly want it for office.
- you mainly want it for enthusiast.
- you mainly want it for mac users.
- you want to spend less ($83).
Keychron K3 Max vs Keychron S1, spec by spec
| Keychron K3 Max | Keychron S1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | 75% | 75% |
| Height | Low profile | Low profile |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired (stronger spec) | Wired |
| Hot-swap | Yes | Yes |
| Keycaps | PBT double-shot, LSA low-profile | PBT double-shot, LSA low-profile |
| Case | ABS plastic, aluminum top frame | Full CNC 6063 aluminum |
| Mount | Tray | Tray |
| Backlight | RGB | RGB |
| QMK / VIA | Yes | Yes |
| Battery | 1550 mAh | n/a |
| Typical price | $85 | $83 (stronger spec) |
| Sound (stock) | soft clack | low-pitched clack |
| Released | 2024 | 2022 |
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 Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.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; 20% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Keychron S1.
4% of the 172 wireless boards tracked here carry a smaller battery than the Keychron K3 Max.
Where to buy the Keychron K3 Max
Where to buy the Keychron S1
KeebScout is reader-supported: some links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes specs or rankings.
Still torn? The keyboard finder ranks all 502 boards for your size, budget, and use case in five quick questions.