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 K1 $75–$105 “K1, from Keychron's store” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $60–$70 | $75–$105 |
| Size | TKL | TKL |
| Type , different | Pre-built | Barebones |
| Connectivity , different | Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released , different | 2022 | 2024 |
| Mounting , different | Tray Mount | Integrated Plate |
| Case , different | ABS Plastic | ABS with aluminum frame |
| Colors , different | Frosted Black, Carbon Black | See the store |
| Weight , different | 966g | 596 g |
| Dimensions , different | 359 x 138.5 x 31mm | 346 x 119 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 | Shine-through ABS |
| PCB , different | Hot-swap, South-facing RGB | Hot-swap |
| Plates , different | Steel | Not listed |
| Battery , different | — | 2000 mAh, up to 160 hours |
| Compatible switches , different | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin | Keychron low-profile |
| 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, 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 | Buyers who want a slim TKL with Keychron's POM switches Mac and Windows users who switch between devices People who like a low typing profile |
| 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 needs 2.4 GHz wireless Buyers who want PBT keycaps Typists who prefer a full-height board |
| 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 80% with a full function row and arrows (maker) Hot-swappable Milk POM switches Battery rated at up to 160 hours QMK with the Launcher web app Shine-through keycaps |
| 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 | No review of this exact version was found Bluetooth plus wired only, with no 2.4 GHz dongle ABS keycaps rather than PBT Low-profile switches limit keycap and switch choices (Wccftech on the K1 Max) 1000 Hz polling in wired mode, not the 8 kHz of the Ultra 8K |
| 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 slim TKL with Keychron's own switches. Evidence for this version is thin, so lean on the maker's specs. |