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 Max $90–$110 “K1 Max, from Keychron's store” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $60–$70 | $90–$110 |
| 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 | 608 g |
| Dimensions , different | 359 x 138.5 x 31mm | 346 x 118.5 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 | Low-profile double-shot PBT |
| PCB , different | Hot-swap, South-facing RGB | Hot-swap |
| Plates , different | Steel | Not listed |
| Battery , different | — | 2000 mAh, up to 95 hours |
| Compatible switches , different | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin | Keychron low-profile |
| Software , different | QMK, VIA | QMK, VIA, 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 | Travelers who want a slim TKL with a dongle Hybrid workers who use Mac, Windows and a tablet People new to mechanical keyboards |
| 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 | Gamers who want 8 kHz or Hall-effect features Buyers who want a heavier, deeper-sounding board Anyone who needs full-height switches |
| 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 | 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth and wired connectivity (maker) Comfortable layout and adjustable tilt (GGRecon) Light and slim for travel (Wccftech) QMK/VIA and Launcher support Box includes the dongle and extra Windows keycaps (Wccftech) |
| 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 | Only low-profile mechanical switches fit (Wccftech) 1000 Hz polling Battery rated at 95 hours, below the K1 SE and K1 Low-profile keycaps and switches limit customization Same Bluetooth-for-three-devices limit as other K-series boards |
| 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 strong, travel-friendly slim TKL. |