![Keychron K5 Max [K1 Max, K3 Max, etc.]](https://i.rtings.com/assets/products/kzTRGbUy/keychron-k5-max-k1-max-k3-max-etc/design-medium.jpg?format=auto)
The Keychron K5 Max is a full-size, low-profile wireless mechanical keyboard in Keychron's broader K Max series. While this model features a low-profile design, the lineup also includes standard profile variants, such as the Keychron K8 Max, which we've reviewed separately. All low-profile K Max models feature an aluminum case and support wireless connectivity via the included USB receiver or Bluetooth, with multi-device pairing for up to three devices simultaneously. They're available with Gateron Low Profile 2.0 mechanical switches—either tactile Browns or linear Reds—and offer a choice between white-only or full RGB backlighting. There's also an option for a hot-swappable PCB, allowing you to easily change switches without soldering. Like most recent Keychron releases, these models have robust software for key remapping, macro recording, and customization.
We bought and tested the full-size K5 Max model with Gateron Low Profile 2.0 Mechanical Red switches. For comparisons between other size variants and assembly options in the wider K Max series, see the Differences Between Sizes and Variants section below.
Our Verdict
The Keychron K Max keyboards are great for gaming at a casual or competitive level. They have amazing build quality and offer excellent all-around latency performance over a 2.4GHz connection. These keyboards also have full RGB backlighting that you can adjust along with various other settings using the web-based or downloadable configuration software. Just note that the keycaps aren't easy to read in darker rooms, as the stock keycaps don't have shine-through legends.
- Excellent build quality.
- Excellent overall latency performance.
- True 1000Hz polling rate using a wired or 2.4GHz wireless connection.
Stock keycaps don't have shine-through legends, so you can't read legends in darker rooms.
The Keychron K Max keyboards are great office keyboards. They have excellent build quality, and their low-profile design makes them comfortable to type on without a wrist rest. They're also very quiet, and the stabilizers and switches are pre-lubed from the factory and offer an impressive and fairly consistent typing feel overall. You can connect them wirelessly with an included 2.4GHz receiver or via Bluetooth with up to three devices simultaneously. You can also remap keys, change backlighting settings, and create custom profiles using web-based or downloadable configuration software.
- Excellent build quality.
- Quiet typing noise.
The Keychron K Max keyboards are decent for use with tablets and mobile devices. They have excellent build quality and can connect wirelessly either with a USB receiver or with up to three devices simultaneously via Bluetooth. They also provide an excellent overall typing experience and are comfortable to use without a wrist rest due to their low-profile design. We bought and tested the full-size K5 Max variant in the wider K Max series, but there are several much smaller and more portable models available, including the TKL (80%) Keychron K1 Max and the compact (75%) Keychron K3 Max.
- Excellent build quality.
- Quite large and bulky, depending on the size variant you buy.
The Keychron K Max keyboards have excellent build quality and connect wirelessly either with their USB receiver or with up to three devices simultaneously via Bluetooth. They also deliver excellent typing quality, and their low-profile design makes them comfortable to use without a wrist rest. We bought and tested the full-size K5 Max, which has a set of dedicated macro keys, but you can also program macros to any key yourself and make other adjustments using the configuration software. These keyboards also have full backlighting. The stock keycaps don't have shine-through legends, so you can't read them in the dark.
- Excellent build quality.
- Quiet typing noise.
Stock keycaps don't have shine-through legends, so you can't read legends in darker rooms.
The Keychron K Max keyboards are generally sub-par for an entertainment or home theater setup. They have impressive build quality and connect wirelessly with a USB receiver or via Bluetooth with up to three devices simultaneously. Unfortunately, there aren't any dedicated media keys, and while these keyboards have full RGB backlighting, the keycaps aren't easy to read in the dark, as the stock keycaps don't have shine-through legends.
- Excellent build quality.
- Quite large and bulky, depending on the size variant you buy.
Stock keycaps don't have shine-through legends, so you can't read legends in darker rooms.
- No dedicated media keys.
The Keychron K Max keyboards provide excellent raw performance, making them well-suited for playing games at a casual or competitive level. They offer outstanding single-key latency and excellent multi-key latency. Using this keyboard wired or connected wirelessly with an included 2.4GHz provides an effective update rate of 1000Hz that isn't bottlenecked by other latency elements.
- Excellent overall latency performance.
- True 1000Hz polling rate using a wired or 2.4GHz wireless connection.
Changelog
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Updated Apr 24, 2025:
We've updated this review in several places, adding information about the standard profile models within the wider Keychron K Max lineup, which we've tested separately.
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Updated Dec 09, 2024:
We've added a link to the Logitech G915 X LIGHTSPEED to the Backlight Clarity section.
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Updated Nov 12, 2024:
We've added a link to the newly-reviewed Logitech G915 X to the Macro Keys and Programming section.
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Updated Oct 21, 2024:
We've added a link to the newly-reviewed NuPhy Nos75 in the Typing Quality section.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Keychron K5 Max [K1 Max, K3 Max, etc.] series are low-profile keyboards available in several assembly configurations with White or full RGB Backlighting and an optional Hot-Swappable PCB. Each model comes with Gateron Low Profile 2.0 Mechanical switches.
We bought and tested the full-size (100%) Keychron K5 Max with RGB backlighting and Gateron Low Profile 2.0 Mechanical Red switches. You can see the label for our unit. We expect our results in the table below to apply broadly to all current size variants in this series.
| Name | Size | Assembly Options | Switch Type | Switch Options | Knob | Dedicated Macro Keys |
| Keychron K1 Max | TKL (80%) | White Backlight, RGB Backlight, RGB Backlight (Hot-Swappable) | Gateron Low Profile 2.0 Mechanical | Red, Brown | No | No |
| Keychron K3 Max | Compact (75%) | White Backlight, RGB Backlight, RGB Backlight (Hot-Swappable) | Gateron Low Profile 2.0 Mechanical | Red, Brown, Blue | No | No |
| Keychron K5 Max | Full-size (100%) | White Backlight, RGB Backlight, RGB Backlight (Hot-Swappable) | Gateron Low Profile 2.0 Mechanical | Red, Brown | No | 4 |
| Keychron K7 Max | Compact (65%) | White Backlight, RGB Backlight, RGB Backlight (Hot-Swappable) | Gateron Low Profile 2.0 Mechanical | Red, Brown | No | No |
| Keychron K13 Max | (80%) + Numpad | White Backlight, RGB Backlight, RGB Backlight (Hot-Swappable) | Gateron Low Profile 2.0 Mechanical | Red, Brown | No | No |
| Keychron K17 Max | Compact (96%) | White Backlight, RGB Backlight, RGB Backlight (Hot-Swappable) | Gateron Low Profile 2.0 Mechanical | Red, Brown, Blue | Yes | 3 |
Models in the table below have special layouts, which means their case designs differ significantly from those of the unit we bought and tested. While we expect most of our tests will remain broadly applicable, these additional elements may produce differences in build and typing quality.
| Name | Size | Assembly Options | Switch Type | Switch Options | Knob | Dedicated Macro Keys |
| Keychron K11 Max | Compact Alice (65%) | White Backlight, RGB Backlight, RGB Backlight (Hot-Swappable) | Gateron Low Profile 2.0 Mechanical | Red, Brown | Yes | No |
| Keychron K15 Max | Compact Alice (75%) | White Backlight, RGB Backlight, RGB Backlight (Hot-Swappable) | Gateron Low Profile 2.0 Mechanical | Red, Brown, Blue | Yes | 5 |
If you have a variant within this series that isn't listed in one of the tables above or feel there are other differences or issues to mention regarding variants in our review, reach out to us in the comments, and we'll update our review.
Note: that all odd-number models (K1 Max, K3 Max, etc.) in the wider K Max lineup are low-profile models. There are also standard profile models with even-number names, such as the Keychron K8 Max [K2 Max, K10 Max, etc.], which we've reviewed separately. The low-profile variants support both VIA software and Keychron Launcher, while the standard profile models exclusively use Keychron Launcher. For more details, see the Configuration Software section.
Popular Keyboard Comparisons
The Keychron K5 Max [K1 Max, K3 Max, etc.] models are low-profile wireless mechanical keyboards available in several layout options. They're part of the broader K Max series, which also includes standard profile variants, including the Keychron K8 Max [K2 Max, K10 Max, etc.], which we've reviewed separately.
The K Max lineup builds on the foundation of Keychron's earlier K and K Pro series. The most notable upgrade is the addition of 2.4GHz wireless connectivity, which delivers significantly improved performance for gaming. These boards also feature extra layers of acoustic-dampening material inside the case, enhancing both sound and typing feel.
The K Max boards offer an impressive number of variants with many different layout options available compared to similarly priced low-profile competitors such as the NuPhy Air75 V2 [Air60 V2, Air96 V2] or the Logitech MX Mechanical. However, they don't offer quite the same level of hardware customizability as some of Keychron's other lineups, like the Keychron V Max or the more premium Keychron Q Max series keyboards.
For more options, you can see our recommendations for the best keyboards, the best wireless keyboards, and the best low-profile keyboards. For more options from Keychron, see our picks for the best Keychron keyboards.
The Logitech MX Mechanical and the Keychron K5 Max are wireless mechanical keyboards with low-profile designs. The Logitech has keycaps with shine-through legends, making them much easier to read in darker rooms. On the other hand, the Keychron has significantly better latency performance for gaming and has expanded wireless versatility with an option for 2.4GHz connectivity, which the Logitech lacks. You can also buy the Keychron with a hot-swappable PCB, an option that isn't available for the Logitech.
The Keychron K5 Max is a low-profile model, while the Keychron K8 Max is a standard-profile model, but they both belong to the same lineup. There are a few other minor differences: the K5 Max has somewhat better latency performance, likely due to its matrix design or firmware implementation. It's also compatible with VIA software as well as Keychron's new web-based software. Comparatively, the K8 Max is only compatible with Keychron's web-based software and is somewhat louder to type on, but it also delivers a slightly improved typing quality with better-tuned stabilizers.
The Keychron K5 Max and the NuPhy Air75 V3 are wireless mechanical keyboards with low-profile designs. Overall, these two keyboards are very comparable in terms of features and are very well-built. The NuPhy, however, includes an optional knob and clearer backlighting and should last longer on a single charge. Its newer Gateron Low-Profile 3.0 switches also provide a full 3.5 mm of travel, which is longer than the Keychron's maximum of 3.0 mm.
The Keychron K5 Max and the NuPhy Air75 V2 are wireless mechanical keyboards with low-profile designs. Both also belong to wider lineups with other size variants available. The NuPhy keyboards have more switch options available and better overall hardware customizability, while the Keychron offers slightly better overall latency performance.
Test Results
![Keychron K5 Max [K1 Max, K3 Max, etc.] Top Picture](https://i.rtings.com/assets/products/sfEJ9BjI/keychron-k5-max-k1-max-k3-max-etc/dimensions-large.jpg?format=auto)
These keyboards are available in various sizes. We bought and tested the full-size Keychron K5. However, it takes up somewhat less space on a desk than most basic office keyboards, which often have more space between key clusters and wider bezels around the outside edge.
Several smaller models are available, including the TKL (80%) Keychron K1 Max and the compact (75%) Keychron K3 Max, as well as more unique form factors, including an Alice layout option. For more details, see the Differences Between Sizes and Variants section.
The wider K Max lineup also features standard profile options, such as the Keychron K8 Max [K2 Max, K10 Max, etc.], which we've reviewed separately.
![Keychron K5 Max [K1 Max, K3 Max, etc.] Build Quality Close Up](https://i.rtings.com/assets/products/Y4luUY6A/keychron-k5-max-k1-max-k3-max-etc/build-quality-large.jpg?format=auto)
These keyboards have excellent build quality. The case is made of aluminum and exhibits very little deck flexibility. Inside the case, several layers of dampening foam help soften the overall typing feel and round out the sound profile. The keycaps are also made of high-quality, doubleshot PBT plastic and have a slightly textured finish that doesn't feel slippery.
The four rubber feet on the bottom of the keyboard do a reasonably good job of keeping it from sliding on your desk, provided you don't nudge your keyboard intentionally while typing. However, we observed that the feet on the left side were slightly grippier-feeling than those on the right.
Lastly, the stabilizers do a good job of keeping keystrokes feeling even and mostly consistent with minimal wobbling. The stabilizers and switches are also pre-lubed from the factory and feel very smooth. We noted during testing that the stabilizers on larger keys, including the spacebar, enter, and backspace keys, rattle slightly. However, this isn't very noticeable when typing.
![Keychron K5 Max [K1 Max, K3 Max, etc.] Side Picture](https://i.rtings.com/assets/products/0h7WFqVz/keychron-k5-max-k1-max-k3-max-etc/ergonomics-large.jpg?format=auto)
These keyboards have low-profile designs that make them comfortable to use without a wrist rest, so you don't need to angle your wrists at a steep angle to reach all the keys.
A pair of flip-out feet are on the underside, which provides two additional incline angles.
![Keychron K5 Max [K1 Max, K3 Max, etc.] Customizability Overview](https://i.rtings.com/assets/products/RMqQfeL7/keychron-k5-max-k1-max-k3-max-etc/custom-large.jpg?format=auto)
The full-size Keychron K5 Max we bought and tested has poor overall hardware customizability, largely because we purchased this keyboard with a non-hot-swappable PCB. Additionally, the stabilizer design is non-standard, as the Caps Lock stabilizer, in particular, has an unusual design that we've designated as non-replaceable.
If you're interested in more hardware customizability, you can buy this keyboard or other keyboards in the wider K Max lineup with hot-swappable PCBs, which allow you to change the switches without needing to solder. Note that Keychron indicates that the hot-swappable PCBs are compatible with Gateron or Keychron Low Profile Mechanical switches, but not Gateron or Keychron Low Profile Optical switches.
![Keychron K5 Max [K1 Max, K3 Max, etc.] Backlighting Picture](https://i.rtings.com/assets/products/CMj0vPsi/keychron-k5-max-k1-max-k3-max-etc/backlight-large.jpg?format=auto)
![Keychron K5 Max [K1 Max, K3 Max, etc.] Brightness Max](https://i.rtings.com/assets/products/3gfrE18z/keychron-k5-max-k1-max-k3-max-etc/brightness-max-large.jpg?format=auto)
![Keychron K5 Max [K1 Max, K3 Max, etc.] Brightness Min](https://i.rtings.com/assets/products/msPRPyEm/keychron-k5-max-k1-max-k3-max-etc/brightness-min-large.jpg?format=auto)
These keyboards have full RGB backlighting and individually lit keys. You can customize backlighting brightness and effects directly on the keyboard or by using the configuration software.
![Keychron K5 Max [K1 Max, K3 Max, etc.] White Shot](https://i.rtings.com/assets/products/imYi6fn0/keychron-k5-max-k1-max-k3-max-etc/whiteshot-large.jpg?format=auto)
These keyboards have poor backlighting clarity as the stock keycaps don't have shine-through legends. However, the switches are north-facing in their sockets, so you can replace the stock keycaps with shine-through keycaps to provide better illumination for legends if you prefer. For reference, we replaced several stock keycaps with low-profile, shine-through keycaps.
If you're interested in a similar low-profile wireless keyboard that comes with shine-through keycaps, check out the Logitech G915 X LIGHTSPEED.
These keyboards come with a braided USB Type-A to Type-C cable, which retains some kinks from its packaging. There's also an extension adapter for the receiver included in the box, which you can use with the cable to position the receiver as close as possible to your keyboard.
Keychron advertises that the Keychron K5 Max has a 2000 mAh battery that provides a working time of up to 110 hours with all backlighting off and up to 70 hours with backlighting on (at lowest brightness settings).
Keychron doesn't explicitly state the connection type used to produce these estimates, but we expect they reflect the maximum battery life using a 2.4GHz connection. However, using a 2.4GHz connection provides superior stability and performance at the cost of battery life.
For the best wireless performance with a 2.4GHz connection, you can use the cable as an extender for the wireless receiver by using the included extension adapter.
While you can't program macros directly on these keyboards using hotkey combinations, you can program macros to any key using the configuration software.
Note that most other models in the K Max lineup lack dedicated macro keys. However, the full-size K5 Max we bought and tested has a set of four dedicated macro keys in the top right corner of the board.
If you're looking for a keyboard with additional dedicated macro keys, check out the Logitech G915 X.
![Keychron K5 Max [K1 Max, K3 Max, etc.] Extra Features](https://i.rtings.com/assets/products/xCjvomiL/keychron-k5-max-k1-max-k3-max-etc/features-large.jpg?format=auto)
These keyboards have a set of switches on the keyboard's top edge, one of which toggles between connectivity modes and the other between Windows/Android and Mac/iOS compatibility modes. There's also a Caps Lock indicator LED on the right side of the Esc key that turns blue when enabled.
Many hotkeys, including media hotkeys, are labeled directly on the keycaps. For a full list of supported hotkeys out of the box, you can reference an online version of the user manual from Keychron's website.
These keyboards also have a physical reset button under the spacebar.
While the full-size model we bought and tested doesn't have a programmable knob, some variants in the wider K Max series do. By default, this knob adjusts volume and toggles mute when pressed.
![Keychron K5 Max [K1 Max, K3 Max, etc.] Bundle Picture](https://i.rtings.com/assets/products/Wbud8haK/keychron-k5-max-k1-max-k3-max-etc/in-the-box-large.jpg?format=auto)
- USB-A to USB-C charging cable
- 2.4GHz USB-A receiver
- Extension adapter for the receiver
- Alternate Windows Keycaps (2x Win keys, 1x Alt, 1x Esc, 1x lock key)
- Keycap puller
- User documentation
Note: On Keychron's product page, this keyboard is advertised to also come with a USB-A to USB-C adapter, but this item was not included in our box. Additionally, the manual that came with our keyboard also indicated it should come with a USB-A to USB-C adapter but doesn't list the Extension Adapter for the receiver, which was included in our box. Ultimately, this is a minor mismatch, but it's important to note if your computer or device lacks a USB-A port, you'll need to have your own USB-A to USB-C adapter to use this keyboard's receiver.
These keyboards offer an impressive typing experience overall. The low-profile design makes them comfortable to use without needing a wrist rest, and several layers of sound-absorbing foam contribute to quieter, more even-sounding typing.
The key spacing is also standard, and the switches and stabilizers are pre-lubed from the factory. The stabilizers generally do a good job of providing smooth and even-feeling keystrokes on larger keys. Unfortunately, they rattle slightly on some keys, including the spacebar, enter, and backspace keys.
If you're interested in a low-profile keyboard with a more premium-feeling typing experience and customizable mounting hardware, see our review of the NuPhy Nos75.
These keyboards are extremely quiet with the linear Gateron Low Profile 2.0 Mechanical Red switches. You can also buy this keyboard with the Gateron Low Profile 2.0 Mechanical Brown switches, which are a tactile option that we expect to be somewhat louder.
The low-profile models in this series are available with either the linear Gateron Low Profile 2.0 Mechanical Red switches or the tactile Gateron Low Profile 2.0 Mechanical Brown switches.
The standard profile keyboards in the lineup, such as the Keychron K8 Max [K2 Max, K10 Max, etc.], are available in various Keychron Super switch options.
We bought the Keychron K5 Max with Gateron Low Profile 2.0 Mechanical Red switches. These switches are linear with a moderate weight and pre-travel distance, with a shorter total travel distance due to their low-profile design. While not explicitly advertised, these switches appear to have double-stage springs, so they require a progressive, slightly higher amount of force near the end of travel compared to most linear switches with a single-stage spring. This helps to soften out the feeling of bottoming out too abruptly and provides a slightly more active-feeling return travel, as can be seen in the actuation graph above.
You can also buy this keyboard with Gateron Low Profile 2.0 Mechanical Brown switches, which are slightly heavier-feeling switches with a tactile bump to overcome before actuation.
These keyboards provide remarkably good single-key latency performance, making them well-suited for competitive gaming.
These keyboards have excellent multi-key latency performance, with very low and reasonably consistent key press and key release results. This makes them a good choice for playing games requiring additional inputs while you're already pressing and holding down multiple keys.
![Keychron K5 Max [K1 Max, K3 Max, etc.] Multi-Key Raw USB](https://i.rtings.com/assets/products/ZMkJJjRY/keychron-k5-max-k1-max-k3-max-etc/rollover-large.jpg?format=auto)
The Keychron K Max series keyboards support a maximum polling rate of 1000Hz. Data transmission isn't bottlenecked by other latency components when connected wired or wirelessly via their 2.4GHz receivers.
Using a Bluetooth connection limits the maximum polling rate to 125Hz, which is normal and expected.
These keyboards have 6-key rollover (6KRO) enabled by default, but you can toggle full N-key rollover (NKRO) with the Fn+N hotkey.
These keyboards deliver decent overall chord split performance for playing rhythm games or other titles that demand many simultaneous inputs.
The low-profile variants in the K Max series support QMK firmware and VIA software as well as the Keychron Launcher. Note that the standard profile version of these keyboards, which we've reviewed separately, only support Keychron Launcher.
You can download and install the VIA software app for Windows, macOS, or Linux on Keychron's product page. Before using the software, you must also download a separate .JSON file from the product page. Alternatively, you can use a web-based version of VIA on Chromium-based browsers.
VIA software has a straightforward layout. It allows you to customize a range of expected settings, including key assignment, backlighting, and macros. You can also save your custom settings as profiles onto your keyboard's onboard memory.
Keychron Launcher has a very similar layout. Choosing between VIA and Keychron Launcher is entirely up to your preference, as there typically aren't any meaningful feature differences between them, though this may change periodically depending on software updates. See a separate video walkthrough of the Keychron Launcher software.
These keyboards are fully compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. There's a switch on the top edge that toggles between Windows/Android and Mac/iOS compatibility modes. A set of alternative Windows keycaps is also included in the box.
These keyboards are fully compatible with Android, iOS, and iPadOS. While no software is required, there isn't a compatible software option for configuration. Additionally, some hotkey functions behave differently, depending on what operating system your device is using, which is expected behavior.