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Keychron K1 vs Keychron K4
Side-by-Side Comparison
Products
Keychron K1
Keychron K4
Tested using Methodology v1.0
Updated Jun 20, 2022 09:27 PM
SEE PRICE
Amazon.comTested using Methodology v1.0
Updated May 15, 2023 09:40 PM
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
ConnectivityWireless
SizeTenKeyLess (80%)
MechanicalYes
ConnectivityWireless
SizeCompact (96%)
MechanicalYes
Variants
- K1 (Black)
- K1 (Light Gray)
- K4 (Black)
Our Verdict
Keychron K1
Keychron K4
The Keychron K4 is better than the Keychron K1 for most uses, but you should get the K1 if you prefer low profile switches and RGB backlighting. If you prefer having a Numpad, you should go with the K4. Also, the K4 has a much lower latency over both wired and Bluetooth connections, and it doesn't have any function issues with Windows or macOS like we had on the K1.
Main Differences for
Threshold
Gaming
8.0
7.7
Operating Force
40 gf
58 gf
Windows
Partial
Full
Full Comparison
Design
Dimensions
Top Picture
Size
TenKeyLess (80%)
Compact (96%)
Height
0.9" (2.3 cm)
1.5" (3.7 cm)
Width
14.0" (35.6 cm)
14.6" (37.1 cm)
Depth
4.8" (12.1 cm)
4.9" (12.5 cm)
Depth With Wrist Rest
N/A
N/A
Weight
1.40 lbs (0.636 kg)
1.69 lbs (0.765 kg)
Build Quality
8.5
8.0
Build Quality Close Up
Keycap Material
ABS
ABS
Ergonomics
7.0
6.5
Side Picture
Board Design
Straight
Straight
Minimum Incline
2.5°
0°
Medium Incline
N/A
N/A
Maximum Incline
N/A
8°
Wrist Rest
No
No
Backlighting
9.5
8.9
Backlighting Picture
White Shot
Brightness Max
Brightness Min
Backlighting
Yes
Yes
Color
RGB
White
Individually Backlit Keys
Yes
Yes
Color Mixing
Good
White Only
Effects
Yes
Yes
Programmable
No
No
Cable & Connector
Connectivity
Wireless
Wireless
Detachable
Yes (Wired Mode and Charge)
Yes (Wired Mode and Charge)
Length
5.0 ft (1.5 m)
3.8 ft (1.2 m)
Connector (Keyboard side)
USB type-C
USB type-C
Wireless Versatility
10
10
Bluetooth
Yes
Yes
Bluetooth Multi-Device Pairing
3
3
Proprietary Receiver
No
No
Battery Type
Rechargeable
Rechargeable
Extra Features
Extra Features
Media Keys
Hot Keys
Hot Keys
Macro Programmable Keys
No
No
Trackpad / Trackball
No
No
Wheel
No
No
USB Passthrough
No
No
Numpad
No
Yes
Windows Key Lock
No
No
Lock Indicator
No Indicator
No Indicator
In The Box
Bundle Picture
Typing Experience
Keystrokes
Key Switch Actuation Graph
Key Switches
Gateron Low Profile Red
LK Optical Brown
Mechanical
Yes
Yes
Feel
Linear
Tactile
Operating Force
40 gf
58 gf
Actuation Force
40 gf
57 gf
Pre-Travel
1.4 mm
1.9 mm
Total Travel
2.7 mm
4.0 mm
Typing Quality
7.0
8.0
Typing Noise
Typing Sample
Noise
Quiet
Quiet
Latency
7.1
7.4
Latency Video
Latency Wired
13.6 ms
11.1 ms
Latency Receiver
N/A
N/A
Latency Bluetooth
43.4 ms
23.3 ms
Software and Operating System
Software & Programming
0.0
0.0
Software Picture
Software Name
No Software
No Software
Account Required
No Software
No Software
Profiles
No Profile
No Profile
Onboard Memory
No
No
Cloud Sync
No
No
Macro Programming
No
No
Ease Of Use
No Software
No Software
Software Windows Compatible
No
No
Software macOS Compatible
No
No
Keyboard Compatibility
7.9
9.1
Windows
Partial
Full
macOS
Partial
Full
Linux
Partial
Partial
Android
Partial
Partial
iOS
Partial
Partial
iPadOS
Partial
Partial
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Keychron K1
Keychron K4
Comments
Keychron K1 vs Keychron K4: Main Discussion
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