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Pick two boards from the directory and see how they differ.
Shaded rows are where they differ.
| Spec |  Keychron Keychron V2 $60–$70 “Wired 65% with a steel plate, tray mount and optional knob” |  Keychron Keychron V3 $60–$70 “QMK support under $100 is absurd” Budget King |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $60–$70 | $60–$70 |
| Size , different | 65% | TKL |
| Type | Pre-built | Pre-built |
| Connectivity | Wired | Wired |
| Released | 2022 | 2022 |
| Mounting | Tray Mount | Tray Mount |
| Case , different | Plastic | ABS Plastic |
| Colors , different | Frosted Black (Translucent), Carbon Black (Non-transparent) | Frosted Black, Carbon Black |
| Weight , different | 855 ± 10 g (fully assembled) | 966g |
| Dimensions , different | 65% | 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 | Not listed | 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 | 65% 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 | A first wired 65% with QMK and hot-swap People who prefer a firm, stable key feel Budget builders planning to swap switches and stabilizers Compact desks that still need arrow keys | 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 Bluetooth or 2.4GHz People who want a soft, gasket-style feel Buyers who care about stock sound without any modding | 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 | Steel plate on a tray mount gives a firm, consistent feel Hot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches Screw-in PCB stabilizers and an optional programmable knob QMK firmware with the Keychron Launcher web app Includes both Mac and Windows keycaps in the assembled version Compact 65% footprint that keeps a dedicated arrow cluster 855 g assembled (Keychron's figure) | 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; the V2 Max is the wireless successor ABS plastic case and a stiff tray mount, so little flex or cushioning The V line sits high off the desk and Keychron does not supply a wrist rest (Expert Reviews, on the V4) Used units are often modded, and chatter usually means a tired or badly seated switch (AllButNew) Superseded by the V2 Max, so new stock may be limited | 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 straightforward wired 65% that gives QMK, hot-swap and a knob option in a plastic case. It is largely replaced by the V2 Max, so it makes most sense as a cheap used or clearance buy. On a used unit, ask about the switches and stabilizers. | 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. |