Pick two boards from the directory and see how they differ.
Shaded rows are where they differ.
| Spec | Keychron Keychron Q7 $80 “Wired 70% aluminum Q with a four-pound body” | Keychron Keychron V3 $60–$70 “QMK support under $100 is absurd” Budget King |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $80 | $60–$70 |
| Size , different | 70% | 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, Carbon Black, Silver Grey, Navy Blue | Frosted Black, Carbon Black |
| Weight , different | 1820 g ± 10g (fully assembled) | 966g |
| Dimensions , different | 70% | 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 | 70% layout, Wired, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA | QMK/VIA, 80% TKL with Knob, Hot-swap, Screw-in Stabs, Double-shot PBT, South-facing LEDs, 1000Hz Polling |
| Good for , different | Casual gamers and serious typists who want a compact metal board Anyone who finds 65% too cramped Desk setups that use a cable anyway | 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 needs wireless Buyers wanting a light board People who want a number pad | 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 | 70% layout in a CNC aluminum case; Tom's Guide measured 4.01 lb Responsive stock Gateron G Pro switches that Tom's Guide liked for typing and gaming Sound is not too loud and without metallic pings (Tom's Guide) OSA-profile double-shot PBT keycaps (Tom's Guide) QMK/VIA and web-based companion software Compact footprint leaves room for mouse movement | 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 | Expensive (Tom's Guide) No wireless version Very heavy for its size Wired only, so it stays tethered to one desk | 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 well-reviewed wired 70% that Tom's Guide rated an Editor's Choice for build and sound, held back only by price and the lack of a wireless option. | 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. |