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 |  Keychron Keychron C1 Pro 8K $55 “Wired retro TKL with 8000Hz polling, QMK and OSA keycaps” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $60–$70 | $55 |
| Size | TKL | TKL |
| Type | Pre-built | Pre-built |
| Connectivity | Wired | Wired |
| Released , different | 2022 | 2025 |
| Mounting | Tray Mount | Tray Mount |
| Case , different | ABS Plastic | Plastic |
| Colors , different | Frosted Black, Carbon Black | See the store |
| Weight , different | 966g | 830 ± 10 g |
| Dimensions , different | 359 x 138.5 x 31mm | 357.44 x 130.76 mm |
| Typing angle , different | 5.2° | Not listed |
| Front height , different | 22mm | Not listed |
| Switches | Mechanical | Mechanical |
| Profile | Standard | Standard |
| Keycaps , different | Double-shot PBT, OSA Profile | OSA-profile double-shot PBT, not shine-through |
| PCB , different | Hot-swap, South-facing RGB | Hot-swap |
| Plates , different | Steel | Not listed |
| Compatible switches , different | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin | MX-style |
| Software , different | QMK, VIA | QMK, Keychron Launcher |
| 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 layout, Wired, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA |
| 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 | Budget typists and gamers who want 8000Hz People who like retro looks |
| 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 | Anyone who wants wireless Buyers who prefer a soft gasket feel |
| 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 | Up to 8000Hz polling that worked flawlessly in Notebookcheck's review OSA keycaps and adjustable feet made typing comfortable (Tom's Guide) Solid build and clean stabilizer sound for the price (Notebookcheck) Hot-swap Super switches with QMK and Launcher |
| 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 | Wired only (both reviews) Switches can be tricky to remove (Tom's Guide) Stiff tray mount; some will want a cushioned feel (Notebookcheck) Notebookcheck hit trouble updating firmware, and the keycaps are not shine-through |
| 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-reviewed budget wired TKL with 8000Hz. If you need a numpad, the C2 Pro 8K is the full-size version. |