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 K17 Max $95–$115 “K17 Max, from Keychron's store” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $60–$70 | $95–$115 |
| Size , different | TKL | 96% |
| 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 | 750 g |
| Dimensions , different | 359 x 138.5 x 31mm | 387 x 119 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, 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 | 96% 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 | Buyers who want a slim full-featured keyboard with a dongle Office users who use the numpad QMK/VIA users who like low-profile boards |
| 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 a fully sourced review of this exact model Gamers who need 8 kHz polling Buyers who need a travel keyboard |
| 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 | Slim 96% with numpad and arrows (maker) 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth and wired QMK/VIA and PBT keycaps Hot-swappable low-profile switches Sibling had attractive waterfall keycaps (Crafting Worlds) |
| 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 Sibling reviewer disliked the stock switches (Crafting Worlds, K17 Pro) Loose feet on a sibling (Tom's Guide, K13 Max) Only low-profile switches fit Battery rated at 95 hours |
| 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 slim 96%. Evidence is inferred from siblings. |