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 J1 $60–$70 “Low-profile 75% wireless board with hot-swap and QMK” |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $60–$70 | $60–$70 |
| Size , different | TKL | 75% |
| Type , different | Pre-built | Barebones |
| Connectivity , different | Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released , different | 2022 | 2025 |
| Mounting , different | Tray Mount | Integrated Plate |
| Case , different | ABS Plastic | Not listed |
| Colors , different | Frosted Black, Carbon Black | Black, White, Dark Blue |
| Weight , different | 966g | 661 g / 1.46 lbs |
| Dimensions , different | 359 x 138.5 x 31mm | 327 x 144 mm |
| Typing angle , different | 5.2° | Not listed |
| Front height , different | 22mm | Not listed |
| Switches , different | Mechanical | Low Profile |
| Profile , different | Standard | Low Profile |
| Keycaps , different | Double-shot PBT, OSA Profile | Double-shot PBT |
| PCB , different | Hot-swap, South-facing RGB | Hot-swap |
| Plates , different | Steel | Not listed |
| Battery , different | — | 2000 mAh |
| Compatible switches , different | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin | Keychron low-profile |
| Software , different | QMK, VIA | QMK, Keychron Launcher |
| NKRO | Yes | Yes |
| RGB , different | Yes | No |
| Features , different | QMK/VIA, 80% TKL with Knob, Hot-swap, Screw-in Stabs, Double-shot PBT, South-facing LEDs, 1000Hz Polling | 75% layout, Tri-mode, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA, Low profile |
| 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 | Typists who want a thin wireless QMK board Travel and multi-device use |
| 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 standard MX switches or keycaps Buyers who need a review-backed purchase |
| 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 | Low-profile 75% with hot-swap sockets Tri-mode connection and QMK/Launcher Low-profile PBT keycaps 661 g and a 2000 mAh battery (Keychron) |
| 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 | Hot-swap works with low-profile switches only No independent review found Smaller battery than the J2 and J4 |
| 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 low-profile wireless QMK 75% known only from maker specs and comparison listings. |