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Pick two boards from the directory and see how they differ.
Shaded rows are where they differ.
| Spec |  Keychron Keychron Q5 Max $240 “Tri-mode 96% Q with number pad and muted sound” |  Keychron Keychron V3 $60–$70 “QMK support under $100 is absurd” Budget King |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $240 | $60–$70 |
| Size , different | 96% | TKL |
| Type | Pre-built | Pre-built |
| Connectivity , different | Wireless + Wired | Wired |
| Released , different | 2023 | 2022 |
| Mounting , different | Gasket | Tray Mount |
| Case , different | Aluminum | ABS Plastic |
| Colors , different | Carbon Black, Shell White | Frosted Black, Carbon Black |
| Weight , different | 2215 g ± 10 g (fully assembled) | 966g |
| Dimensions , different | 145 x 408mm | 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 , different | PC | Steel |
| Battery , different | 4000 mAh, up to 180 hours | — |
| 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, Tri-mode, 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 | Number-pad users who want wireless without a travel focus Mac users who want a sturdy, quiet board Typists who prefer a soft, muted sound | 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 | Travelers Buyers wanting a lighter keyboard People who want a perfectly rattle-free stock sound | 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 | 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth and wired modes in a 96% board with number pad Soft, muted, relaxing sound (Can Buy or Not) Sturdy aluminum build and thick PBT keycaps (macReports) Good Bluetooth connection and battery life (macReports) Acoustics adjustable through foam layers (connect) QMK/VIA, hot-swap and programmable knob | 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 | Cost may be more than some want to spend (macReports) Stabilizers may need tuning for sound-sensitive users (macReports) Some key positions feel unfamiliar and there is no wrist rest in the box (connect) Battery rated up to 180 hours with backlight off but about 100 with it on (connect) About 2.2 kg, so a fixed-desk board | 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 | The most complete 96% in the Q line and well liked in its reviews, with price, weight and stabilizer tuning as the caveats. | 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. |