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 Pro $75–$90 “K12 Pro, from Keychron's store” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $60–$70 | $75–$90 |
| Size , different | TKL | 60% |
| Type | Pre-built | Pre-built |
| Connectivity , different | Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released , different | 2022 | 2023 |
| Mounting | Tray Mount | Tray Mount |
| Case , different | ABS Plastic | ABS, or ABS with aluminum frame |
| Colors , different | Frosted Black, Carbon Black | White Backlight, RGB Backlight, RGB Backlight Aluminum Frame |
| Weight , different | 966g | 737 g |
| Dimensions , different | 359 x 138.5 x 31mm | 293 x 102.8 mm |
| 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 | Double-shot PBT (backlight non-shine-through) |
| PCB , different | Hot-swap, South-facing RGB | Hot-swap |
| Plates | Steel | Steel |
| Battery , different | — | 4000 mAh |
| Compatible switches , different | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin | MX-style |
| 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 | 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 | QMK/VIA users who want a compact 60% People who want PBT keycaps Mac and Windows typists who use Bluetooth |
| 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 arrow keys Buyers who need independent evidence Gamers who want 2.4 GHz |
| 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 | QMK/VIA with steel plate (maker) Double-shot PBT keycaps Compact 60% at about 737 g Hot-swap sockets N-key rollover wired and wireless (maker) |
| 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 model was found Bluetooth only, no dongle Legends are not shine-through (maker) Sibling reviews note a stiff tray-mount feel (Tom's Hardware, K8 Pro) No arrow keys or function row |
| 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 modest step up from the K12. Evidence is thin. |