Compare
Pick two boards from the directory and see how they differ.
Shaded rows are where they differ.
| Spec |  Keychron Keychron K17 Max $95–$115 “K17 Max, from Keychron's store” |  Keychron Keychron V3 $60–$70 “QMK support under $100 is absurd” Budget King |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $95–$115 | $60–$70 |
| Size , different | 96% | TKL |
| Type , different | Barebones | Pre-built |
| Connectivity , different | Wireless + Wired | Wired |
| Released , different | 2024 | 2022 |
| Mounting , different | Integrated Plate | Tray Mount |
| Case , different | ABS with aluminum frame | ABS Plastic |
| Colors , different | See the store | Frosted Black, Carbon Black |
| Weight , different | 750 g | 966g |
| Dimensions , different | 387 x 119 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 | Low-profile 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, up to 95 hours | — |
| Compatible switches , different | Keychron low-profile | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin |
| Software , different | QMK, Keychron Launcher | QMK, VIA |
| NKRO | Yes | Yes |
| RGB | Yes | Yes |
| Features , different | 96% 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 | Buyers who want a slim full-featured keyboard with a dongle Office users who use the numpad QMK/VIA users who like low-profile boards | 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 a fully sourced review of this exact model Gamers who need 8 kHz polling Buyers who need a travel keyboard | 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 | Slim 96% with numpad and arrows (maker) 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth and wired QMK/VIA and PBT keycaps Hot-swappable low-profile switches Sibling had attractive waterfall keycaps (Crafting Worlds) | 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 | No review of this model was found Sibling reviewer disliked the stock switches (Crafting Worlds, K17 Pro) Loose feet on a sibling (Tom's Guide, K13 Max) Only low-profile switches fit Battery rated at 95 hours | 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 slim 96%. Evidence is inferred from siblings. | 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. |