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Pick two boards from the directory and see how they differ.
Shaded rows are where they differ.
| Spec |  Keychron Keychron J1 $60–$70 “Low-profile 75% wireless board with hot-swap and QMK” |  Keychron Keychron V3 $60–$70 “QMK support under $100 is absurd” Budget King |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $60–$70 | $60–$70 |
| Size , different | 75% | TKL |
| Type , different | Barebones | Pre-built |
| Connectivity , different | Wireless + Wired | Wired |
| Released , different | 2025 | 2022 |
| Mounting , different | Integrated Plate | Tray Mount |
| Case , different | Not listed | ABS Plastic |
| Colors , different | Black, White, Dark Blue | Frosted Black, Carbon Black |
| Weight , different | 661 g / 1.46 lbs | 966g |
| Dimensions , different | 327 x 144 mm | 359 x 138.5 x 31mm |
| Typing angle , different | Not listed | 5.2° |
| Front height , different | Not listed | 22mm |
| Switches , different | Low Profile | Mechanical |
| Profile , different | Low Profile | Standard |
| Keycaps , different | Double-shot PBT | Double-shot PBT, OSA Profile |
| PCB , different | Hot-swap | Hot-swap, South-facing RGB |
| Plates , different | Not listed | Steel |
| Battery , different | 2000 mAh | — |
| Compatible switches , different | Keychron low-profile | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin |
| Software , different | QMK, Keychron Launcher | QMK, VIA |
| NKRO | Yes | Yes |
| RGB , different | No | Yes |
| Features , different | 75% layout, Tri-mode, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA, Low profile | QMK/VIA, 80% TKL with Knob, Hot-swap, Screw-in Stabs, Double-shot PBT, South-facing LEDs, 1000Hz Polling |
| Good for , different | Typists who want a thin wireless QMK board Travel and multi-device use | A first QMK/VIA keyboard on a small budget Learning switch swapping without soldering Desk or office use where wireless is not needed TKL fans who want arrow keys and a nav cluster |
| Skip if , different | Anyone who wants standard MX switches or keycaps Buyers who need a review-backed purchase | Anyone who needs wireless Buyers who want an aluminum case People who want a soft, flexy gasket-style feel Buyers who need a guaranteed in-stock listing |
| Pros , different | Low-profile 75% with hot-swap sockets Tri-mode connection and QMK/Launcher Low-profile PBT keycaps 661 g and a 2000 mAh battery (Keychron) | QMK firmware with the Keychron Launcher web app for remapping and macros Hot-swap sockets, so switches can be changed without soldering Screw-in PCB stabilizers; Keychron says third-party screw-in stabilizers also fit Double-shot PBT keycaps and K Pro switches on the assembled version (pre-lubed except the clicky Blue) Steel plate with a tray mount, which reviewers of the V3 8K found stable and firm TKL layout with arrow keys and navigation keys, and an optional knob |
| Cons , different | Hot-swap works with low-profile switches only No independent review found Smaller battery than the J2 and J4 | Wired only; the V3 Max is the wireless version ABS plastic case rather than aluminum Tray mount feels stiffer than a gasket-mounted board (APH Networks, on the V3 8K) Keychron's page lists it as sold out, so availability is uncertain Little independent review coverage of this exact model |
| Research take , different | A low-profile wireless QMK 75% known only from maker specs and comparison listings. | A plain wired TKL that, on Keychron's specs, gives QMK/VIA, hot-swap and screw-in stabilizers in a plastic case. Its trade-offs are the plastic build, a stiffer tray-mount feel and no wireless. Because reviews of this exact model are scarce and Keychron lists it as sold out, the V3 Max or V3 8K may be the more practical buy. |