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 K12 $40–$80 “K12, from Keychron's store” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $60–$70 | $40–$80 |
| Size , different | TKL | 60% |
| Type , different | Pre-built | Barebones |
| Connectivity , different | Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released , different | 2022 | 2021 |
| Mounting | Tray Mount | Tray Mount |
| Case , different | ABS Plastic | ABS, or ABS with aluminum frame |
| Colors , different | Frosted Black, Carbon Black | See the store |
| Weight , different | 966g | About 664 g (the page does not say which frame) |
| Dimensions , different | 359 x 138.5 x 31mm | 293 x 102 mm (plastic frame), 298 x 107 mm (aluminum bezels) |
| 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 | OEM Double-Shot ABS keycaps |
| PCB , different | Hot-swap, South-facing RGB | Hot-swap |
| Plates , different | Steel | Not listed |
| Battery , different | — | 4000 mAh, up to 240 hours |
| Compatible switches , different | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin | MX-style |
| Software , different | QMK, VIA | QMK |
| 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 | 60% layout, Tri-mode, 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 | Buyers who want a compact 60% for travel or a small desk People who like experimenting with switches Budget-minded Bluetooth users |
| 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 arrow keys or function keys without layers QMK/VIA users Typists who want a quiet, solid sound |
| 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 | Compact 60% at a manageable weight (maker) Good build, per Keebnews Gateron G Pro or optical switch options Battery rated up to 240 hours Extra keycaps for Windows and Mac (Keebnews) |
| 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 | Spacebar is louder than the rest of the board (Keebnews) Sound is somewhat hollow (Keebnews) High profile may need a wrist rest (Keebnews) USB port on the left side (Keebnews) No QMK listed on the maker's page |
| 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 decent compact starter. The spacebar sound is the main complaint. |