Compare
Pick two boards from the directory and see how they differ.
Shaded rows are where they differ.
| Spec |  Keychron Keychron V3 $60–$70 “QMK support under $100 is absurd” Budget King |  HyperX HyperX Alloy Origins Core $80–$105 “HyperX's aluminum-bodied TKL with red or aqua switches” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $60–$70 | $80–$105 |
| Size | TKL | TKL |
| Type | Pre-built | Pre-built |
| Connectivity | Wired | Wired |
| Released , different | 2022 | 2020 |
| Mounting , different | Tray Mount | Integrated Plate |
| Case , different | ABS Plastic | Aluminum |
| Colors , different | Frosted Black, Carbon Black | Black |
| Weight , different | 966g | About 900 g with cable (1.98 lb, HyperX) |
| Dimensions , different | 359 x 138.5 x 31mm | 360 x 132.5 x 34.5mm |
| Typing angle , different | 5.2° | Three tilt settings |
| Front height , different | 22mm | 34.5mm |
| Switches | Mechanical | Mechanical |
| Profile | Standard | Standard |
| Keycaps , different | Double-shot PBT, OSA Profile | PBT, HyperX profile |
| PCB , different | Hot-swap, South-facing RGB | Fixed HyperX switches, per-key RGB |
| Plates , different | Steel | Aluminum body |
| Compatible switches , different | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin | Fixed HyperX Red or Aqua |
| Software , different | QMK, VIA | HyperX NGENUITY |
| NKRO | Yes | Yes |
| RGB | Yes | Yes |
| Features , different | QMK/VIA, 80% TKL with Knob, Hot-swap, Screw-in Stabs, Double-shot PBT, South-facing LEDs, 1000Hz Polling | TKL, Aluminum body, HyperX Red or Aqua, Detachable USB-C, Per-key RGB, NGENUITY |
| Good for , different | 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 | Gamers who want a compact aluminum TKL Buyers who will replace the keycaps Console and PC players who want a detachable cable |
| Skip if , different | 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 | People who want good stock keycaps Hot-swap or wireless shoppers Typists who want a light tactile switch |
| Pros , different | 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 | Full aluminum body that ZDNet called rock-solid and TweakTown praised Choice of Red linear or Aqua tactile switches with an 80-million-keypress rating (HyperX) Detachable braided USB-C cable (HyperX, ZDNet) Three tilt angles of 3°, 7° and 11° (HyperX) Three onboard profiles and per-key remapping in NGENUITY (HyperX, ZDNet) Compact TKL layout that works with PC and consoles (HyperX) |
| Cons , different | 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 | ZDNet called the keycaps among the worst it had reviewed, quick to shine and rattly TweakTown said the Aqua switch needs closer to 60 g to actuate, more than the listed figure NGENUITY lighting settings were found unintuitive (ZDNet) Switches are fixed, with no hot-swap HyperX lists Windows-only OS compatibility for NGENUITY HyperX's page does not state the keycap material |
| Research take , different | 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. | A well-built aluminum TKL held back by its stock keycaps and NGENUITY's lighting menus, according to ZDNet. A good base if you are happy to replace the caps. |