Compare
Pick two boards from the directory and see how they differ.
Shaded rows are where they differ.
| Spec |  Keychron Keychron S1 $83–$98 “Wired low-profile 75% in CNC aluminum with a steel plate” |  Keychron Keychron V3 $60–$70 “QMK support under $100 is absurd” Budget King |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $83–$98 | $60–$70 |
| Size , different | 75% | TKL |
| Type , different | Barebones | Pre-built |
| Connectivity | Wired | Wired |
| Released | 2022 | 2022 |
| Mounting | Tray Mount | Tray Mount |
| Case , different | Aluminum | ABS Plastic |
| Colors , different | See the store | Frosted Black, Carbon Black |
| Weight , different | 960 g ± 10g | 966g |
| Dimensions , different | 75% | 359 x 138.5 x 31mm |
| Typing angle , different | Not listed | 5.2° |
| Front height , different | Not listed | 22mm |
| Switches , different | Low Profile | Mechanical |
| Profile , different | Low Profile | Standard |
| Keycaps , different | Not listed | Double-shot PBT, OSA Profile |
| PCB , different | Hot-swap | Hot-swap, South-facing RGB |
| Plates , different | Not listed | Steel |
| Compatible switches , different | Keychron low-profile | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin |
| Software , different | QMK | QMK, VIA |
| NKRO | Yes | Yes |
| RGB , different | No | Yes |
| Features , different | 75% layout, Wired, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA, Low profile | QMK/VIA, 80% TKL with Knob, Hot-swap, Screw-in Stabs, Double-shot PBT, South-facing LEDs, 1000Hz Polling |
| Good for , different | Desk typists who want a flat aluminum 75% People who want a low-profile board with VIA | 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 wireless People who want to use standard MX switches or keycaps | 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 body that feels heavy and solid (How-To Geek) Low-profile Gateron switches and LSA keycaps give a flat, comfortable typing position VIA support for remapping (MakeUseOf, How-To Geek) Hot-swap option for low-profile switches | 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 Hot-swap works with low-profile switches only (Keychron) Heavy for a low-profile board at 960 g (Keychron) Not every version is hot-swappable | 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 low-profile aluminum 75% for wired use. Pick the hot-swap version if you want to change switches. | 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. |