Compare
Pick two boards from the directory and see how they differ.
Shaded rows are where they differ.
| Spec |  Keychron Keychron Q12 $150 “Wired southpaw 96% Q with the numpad on the left” |  Keychron Keychron V3 $60–$70 “QMK support under $100 is absurd” Budget King |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $150 | $60–$70 |
| Size , different | 96% | TKL |
| Type | Pre-built | Pre-built |
| Connectivity | Wired | Wired |
| Released , different | 2023 | 2022 |
| Mounting , different | Gasket | Tray Mount |
| Case , different | Aluminum | ABS Plastic |
| Colors , different | Carbon Black - A, Silver Grey - A, Navy Blue - A, Carbon Black - B, Silver Grey - B, Navy Blue - B, Carbon Black, Silver Grey, Navy Blue | Frosted Black, Carbon Black |
| Weight , different | 2491 ± 10 g (fully assembled) | 966g |
| Dimensions , different | 96% | 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 | 96% 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 | Left-handed users who want a metal full-size board Right-handed mouse users who want a numpad on the opposite side Fixed desks that use a cable | 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 | Typists who want a conventional numpad position Anyone who wants wireless Buyers who want independent reviews to rely on | 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 | Southpaw layout puts the number pad on the left, for left-handed users or for a closer mouse CNC aluminum case with steel plate and gasket mount Knob, QMK/VIA and the Keychron Launcher Most color options in the Q12 range (PC Guide) No battery to charge | 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 Very heavy at 2,491 g per Keychron; PC Guide says the steel plate adds about 300 g over the other Q12 models Southpaw layout is unfamiliar to most right-handed typists (Digital Chumps on the Q12 HE) Only one sibling review gives context; no review of this exact model found Steel plate feels firmer than the PC-plate 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 niche but well-specified wired southpaw. Choose it only if the left-hand numpad appeals; independent review coverage for this model 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. |