I accidentally snapped my 9 iron so I am in the market for a new set of irons, and I’m totally sold on Maltby, but torn between the KE4 Max and the STI2. I would do 4i-GW for whatever option I choose. It would be sandwiched between a 10.5° driver, 3 wood, 5 wood/20° hybrid, and then 52° and 56° wedges.
About me: I have played about 11 years off and on, and been getting much more play in the last two years, even took my first lesson. I don’t have a real handicap, but shoot between 100-110 usually, though I am steadily improving. Right now I game one of the beginner box sets off the shelf at Target, bought sometime around 2014.

I see the KE4 Max are the more forgiving, but
I’m worried they may be too much of a beginner club. From what I understand based on my research, I could fit into either. I am worried the KE4 might look a bit too chunky at address. I’m also concerned the lofts may be a bit strong. I love hitting fairway woods, so I’m thinking the 20 degree 4 iron might be too strong, and I might prefer tighter gapping at the bottom of the bag, but not totally sure.

I am a pretty frugal guy, so I plan to keep whatever set I choose for years to come, which is why I want to make the best decision now. Would really appreciate any guidance I can get here on how to move forward.