Low affinity potassium transporter that, with PRM6/KCH2, participates in high-affinity Ca(2+) influx system (HACS) activation during the response to mating pheromone (PubMed:21252230, PubMed:23204190). Directly promotes K(+) influx and HACS may electrochemically respond to this K(+) influx (PubMed:23204190). KCH1 and KCH2 act at the apex of the calcium signaling pathway that is used for survival during prolonged exposures to mating pheromones (PubMed:23204190). K(+)(in) = K(+)(out) Expression is strongly induced during the response to alpha-factor. Leads to high-affinity Ca(2+) influx system (HACS) deficiency (PubMed:21252230, PubMed:23204190). Causes a large increase of cell death in response to mating pheromone, when PRM6/KCH2 is also deleted (PubMed:23204190). Present with 538 molecules/cell in log phase SD medium. Belongs to the KCH1 low affinity K(+) transporter family.