Compare
Pick two boards from the directory and see how they differ.
Shaded rows are where they differ.
| Spec |  Keychron Keychron Q12 HE $250 “Southpaw 96% magnetic Q for left-handed gamers” |  Keychron Keychron V3 $60–$70 “QMK support under $100 is absurd” Budget King |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $250 | $60–$70 |
| Size , different | 96% | TKL |
| Type | Pre-built | Pre-built |
| Connectivity , different | Wireless + Wired | Wired |
| Released , different | 2025 | 2022 |
| Mounting , different | Gasket | Tray Mount |
| Case , different | Aluminum | ABS Plastic |
| Colors , different | Carbon Black, Shell White | Frosted Black, Carbon Black |
| Weight , different | 2201 g ± 10 g | 966g |
| Dimensions , different | 145.20 x 409.44 mm | 359 x 138.5 x 31mm |
| Typing angle , different | Not listed | 5.2° |
| Front height , different | Not listed | 22mm |
| Switches , different | Hall Effect | Mechanical |
| Profile | Standard | Standard |
| Keycaps , different | Double-shot PBT | Double-shot PBT, OSA Profile |
| PCB , different | Hot-swap | Hot-swap, South-facing RGB |
| Plates , different | Aluminum | Steel |
| Battery , different | 4000 mAh, up to 100 hours | — |
| Compatible switches , different | Keychron magnetic switches | 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, Tri-mode, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA, Knob, Hall effect | QMK/VIA, 80% TKL with Knob, Hot-swap, Screw-in Stabs, Double-shot PBT, South-facing LEDs, 1000Hz Polling |
| Good for , different | Left-handed gamers who want Rapid Trigger and a numpad Players who keep the mouse on the right and want the numpad away Typists who like soft, damped acoustics | 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 | Right-handed users who rely on the numpad Switch hobbyists Travelers | 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 full-size layout with Hall effect switches; Digital Chumps called a full-size Hall effect prebuilt rare Adjustable actuation, Rapid Trigger, SOCD and Dynamic Keystrokes (PC Guide) Soft, clacky sound with sturdy, wobble-free switches (Digital Chumps) Durable PBT double-shot keycaps (PC Guide) 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth and wired; user-friendly software (PC Guide) | 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 | Anyone who is not left-handed may struggle with the layout (Digital Chumps) No height adjustment (PC Guide) Keycap font looks a bit cheap and legends do not shine through (PC Guide) Heavy weight makes it less portable (PC Guide) Hall effect switches push the price up; PC Guide and Keychron disagree on hot-swap support | 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 distinctive board for left-handed users that two reviewers liked. Check the hot-swap point, because sources disagree, and expect to pay for the Hall effect parts. | 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. |