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 K14 $53–$83 “K14, from Keychron's store” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $60–$70 | $53–$83 |
| Size , different | TKL | 70% |
| 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 735 g |
| Dimensions , different | 359 x 138.5 x 31mm | 333 x 104 mm (plastic frame), 337 x 108 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 | 70% 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 | Beginners wanting a starter mechanical keyboard Buyers who want arrow keys in a compact layout People who plan to modify the 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 | Experienced typists wanting a refined feel QMK/VIA users Gamers who want wireless dongle support |
| 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 | 70% layout with arrow keys (maker) Solid build with almost no flex (Inverse) Hot-swappable Gateron or Keychron switches Battery rated up to 240 hours Multi-device Bluetooth (Inverse) |
| 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 | Typing experience is basic for experienced users (Inverse) ABS keycaps No 2.4 GHz and no QMK listed by the maker Inverse describes its typing feel as basic Heavy for a 70% at about 735 g |
| 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 simple, solid starter 70%. |