Compare
Pick two boards from the directory and see how they differ.
Shaded rows are where they differ.
| Spec |  Keychron Keychron K5 SE $64–$79 “K5 SE, from Keychron's store” |  Keychron Keychron V3 $60–$70 “QMK support under $100 is absurd” Budget King |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $64–$79 | $60–$70 |
| Size , different | Full | TKL |
| Type , different | Barebones | Pre-built |
| Connectivity , different | Wireless + Wired | Wired |
| Released | 2022 | 2022 |
| Mounting | Tray Mount | Tray Mount |
| Case , different | Aluminum | ABS Plastic |
| Colors , different | See the store | Frosted Black, Carbon Black |
| Weight , different | 673 g +/- 10 g | 966g |
| Dimensions , different | 435 x 120 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 | LSA ABS keycaps, not shine-through | 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 90 hours | — |
| Compatible switches , different | Keychron low-profile | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin |
| Software , different | QMK | QMK, VIA |
| NKRO | Yes | Yes |
| RGB , different | No | Yes |
| Features , different | Full 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 | Office users who want a slim numpad keyboard with optical switch options Buyers who like an aluminum case People who do not need a dongle | 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 | Gamers who need low-latency wireless Buyers who want PBT keycaps Travelers who need a compact board | 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 | Aluminum case at about 673 g (maker) Optical or mechanical low-profile switch options Full-size numpad layout in a slim body Hot-swappable LSA keycaps | 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 | Battery rated at only 90 hours ABS keycaps that are not shine-through Bluetooth plus wired only No review of this model was found Product page text is shared with the K5 version 2 line, so confirm firmware support before buying | 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 lighter aluminum K5 with optical options. Evidence is thin. | 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. |