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 Ultra 8K $110 “K1 Ultra 8K, from Keychron's store” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $60–$70 | $110 |
| Size | TKL | TKL |
| Type | Pre-built | Pre-built |
| Connectivity , different | Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released , different | 2022 | 2026 |
| Mounting , different | Tray Mount | Integrated Plate |
| Case , different | ABS Plastic | Aluminum + Wood |
| Colors , different | Frosted Black, Carbon Black | Black |
| Weight , different | 966g | 628.9 g +/- 10 g |
| Dimensions , different | 359 x 138.5 x 31mm | 358.6 x 128.3 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 | LSA Double-Shot PBT Keycaps, Non-Shine-Through |
| PCB , different | Hot-swap, South-facing RGB | Hot-swap |
| Plates , different | Steel | Aluminum |
| Battery , different | — | 2600 mAh, up to 490 hours |
| Compatible switches , different | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin | Keychron low-profile |
| Software , different | QMK, VIA | ZMK, Keychron Launcher |
| NKRO , different | Yes | No |
| 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, 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 8 kHz polling and very long battery life Travelers who prefer a wood-and-aluminum look Players who want low latency wireless in a slim board |
| 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 | QMK/VIA users who want to keep existing layouts Buyers who need verified reviews of this exact board Anyone who wants shine-through legends |
| 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 | 8000 Hz polling and 2.4 GHz wireless (maker) Battery rated up to 490 hours with a 2600 mAh cell Aluminum and wood body with an aluminum plate PBT LSA keycaps Hot-swappable Milk POM switches |
| 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 | Runs ZMK instead of QMK/VIA, so existing keymaps do not carry over No board-specific review was found; sibling coverage only (Tom's Hardware, K3 Ultra) Software is online-only on the sibling K3 Ultra (Tom's Hardware) Non-shine-through keycaps Low-profile switch compatibility only |
| 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. | The top K1. Check the ZMK firmware first. |