Pick two boards from the directory and see how they differ.
Shaded rows are where they differ.
| Spec | Keychron Keychron K17 Max $95–$115 “K17 Max, from Keychron's store” | Keychron Keychron K5 Max $95–$115 “Slim low-profile full-size with 2.4 GHz and QMK/VIA” |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $95–$115 | $95–$115 |
| Size , different | 96% | Full |
| Type , different | Barebones | Pre-built |
| Connectivity | Wireless + Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released | 2024 | 2024 |
| Mounting | Integrated Plate | Integrated Plate |
| Case | ABS with aluminum frame | ABS with aluminum frame |
| Colors , different | See the store | Black, White |
| Weight , different | 750 g | 720 g |
| Dimensions , different | 387 x 119 mm | 424 x 119 mm |
| Typing angle | Not listed | Not listed |
| Front height | Not listed | Not listed |
| Switches | Low Profile | Low Profile |
| Profile | Low Profile | Low Profile |
| Keycaps | Low-profile double-shot PBT | Low-profile double-shot PBT |
| PCB | Hot-swap | Hot-swap |
| Plates | Not listed | Not listed |
| Battery | 2000 mAh, up to 95 hours | 2000 mAh, up to 95 hours |
| Compatible switches | Keychron low-profile | Keychron low-profile |
| Software , different | QMK, Keychron Launcher | QMK, VIA, Keychron Launcher |
| NKRO | Yes | Yes |
| RGB , different | Yes | No |
| Features , different | 96% layout, Tri-mode, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA, Low profile | Full layout, Tri-mode, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA, Low profile |
| Good for , different | Buyers who want a slim full-featured keyboard with a dongle Office users who use the numpad QMK/VIA users who like low-profile boards | Office and home users who want a slim numpad board with a dongle QMK/VIA users who want a low-profile keyboard Buyers who want a lightweight full-size |
| Skip if , different | Anyone who wants a fully sourced review of this exact model Gamers who need 8 kHz polling Buyers who need a travel keyboard | Travelers who need a compact board (see the K3 Max or K7 Max) Buyers who want bright RGB through the legends Gamers who need 8 kHz polling |
| Pros , different | Slim 96% with numpad and arrows (maker) 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth and wired QMK/VIA and PBT keycaps Hot-swappable low-profile switches Sibling had attractive waterfall keycaps (Crafting Worlds) | 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth and wired (maker) IXPE foam gives a more refined sound than older low-profile Keychrons (Phandroid) Light for a full-size (Phandroid) Web-based remapping (GameRevolution) MX-style stems on the low-profile switches (Phandroid) |
| Cons , different | No review of this model was found Sibling reviewer disliked the stock switches (Crafting Worlds, K17 Pro) Loose feet on a sibling (Tom's Guide, K13 Max) Only low-profile switches fit Battery rated at 95 hours | Keycaps are not shine-through, so RGB looks muted (GameRevolution) Some legend fonts look odd (GameRevolution) Only low-profile switches fit (GameRevolution) Too bulky to travel with, per Phandroid Battery rated at 95 hours |
| Research take , different | A slim 96%. Evidence is inferred from siblings. | The K5 to pick for most buyers; both reviewers liked it. |