Both the words 'Quantum Key Distribution' and 'Quantum Key Exchange' are used in quantum cryptography in the problem of a secure key distribution for encryption/decryption between parties. There are popular algorithms like the BB84, B94 and E91 protocols for the above-stated task.
However what I want to know is that is there a difference between the two terms 'Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)' and 'Quantum Key Exchange (QKE)' or both represent the same concept?
Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a secure communication method that enables two parties to produce a shared random secret key known only to them, which can then be used to encrypt and decrypt messages. Quantum key distribution is only used to produce and distribute a key, not to transmit any message data. The algorithm most commonly associated with QKD is the one-time pad, as it is provably secure when used with a secret, random key. QKD is more of a communication architecture than a cryptographic protocol.
Quantum Key Exchange (QKE) on the other hand is a cryptographic concept originally explored by Donald Beaver. There is a seminal paper of the deniability of QKE published in 2002 itself. There are a few variants of QKE like authenticated QKE, Entanglement Distillation QKE etc. Please refer to this recent paper on QKE with reference to the aspects of covert communication and entanglement distillation.
There are some clear distinctions between QKD and QKE such as the following.
