Compare
Pick two boards from the directory and see how they differ.
Shaded rows are where they differ.
| Spec |  Keychron Keychron Q1 $80–$90 “Wired 75% aluminum Q with a steel plate” |  Keychron Keychron V3 $60–$70 “QMK support under $100 is absurd” Budget King |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $80–$90 | $60–$70 |
| Size , different | 75% | TKL |
| Type | Pre-built | Pre-built |
| Connectivity | Wired | Wired |
| Released | 2022 | 2022 |
| Mounting , different | Gasket | Tray Mount |
| Case , different | Aluminum | ABS Plastic |
| Colors , different | Carbon Black - B, Silver Grey - B, Navy Blue - B, Carbon Black - A, Silver Grey - A, Navy Blue - A, Shell White, Orange Yellow, Champagne Gold, Red, Purple, Retro, Green, Carbon Black, Silver Grey, Navy Blue | Frosted Black, Carbon Black |
| Weight , different | 1825 g ± 10 g (fully assembled) | 966g |
| Dimensions , different | 75% | 359 x 138.5 x 31mm |
| Typing angle , different | Not listed | 5.2° |
| Front height , different | Not listed | 22mm |
| Switches | Mechanical | Mechanical |
| Profile | Standard | Standard |
| Keycaps , different | Double-shot PBT | Double-shot PBT, OSA Profile |
| PCB , different | Hot-swap | Hot-swap, South-facing RGB |
| Plates | Steel | Steel |
| Compatible switches , different | MX-style | 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, Wired, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA, Knob | QMK/VIA, 80% TKL with Knob, Hot-swap, Screw-in Stabs, Double-shot PBT, South-facing LEDs, 1000Hz Polling |
| Good for , different | Desk-bound typists who want an aluminum 75% without paying for wireless First-time modders who want hot-swap sockets and QMK/VIA Mac and Windows users who switch systems | 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 Bluetooth or a 2.4 GHz dongle People who carry their keyboard between desks Buyers who expect a perfectly quiet stock sound without any tuning | 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 | CNC aluminum case with gasket mount; Keychron lists 1,825 g assembled, so it stays put Steel plate and QMK/VIA firmware, with the Keychron Launcher web app for remapping and macros Hot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches Tom's Hardware found the gasket mount gave a similar sound from key to key Screw-in stabilizers, which Tom's Hardware said rattle far less than plate-mounted ones Knob and both Mac and Windows keycaps are included on the assembled version (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 | Wired only: no Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz on this model Tom's Hardware found the original Q1 louder than expected, and iMore heard a slight metallic ping on it The top plate scratches easily when switches are swapped (Tom's Hardware) Heavy for a 75%, so not a travel board Keychron now lists newer Q1 HE 8K and Q1 Ultra 8K versions | 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 solid, cable-only entry to the Q1 platform. Reviews of the original Q1 liked the build, the even gasket sound, the screw-in stabilizers and QMK/VIA, and flagged ping, loudness and easy scratching. Choose it if wireless is not needed; otherwise look at the Q1 Max or a newer Q1. | 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. |