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 K2 $50–$70 “K2, from Keychron's store” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $60–$70 | $50–$70 |
| Size , different | TKL | 75% |
| Type , different | Pre-built | Barebones |
| Connectivity , different | Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released , different | 2022 | 2019 |
| Mounting | Tray Mount | Tray Mount |
| Case | ABS Plastic | ABS Plastic |
| Colors , different | Frosted Black, Carbon Black | See the store |
| Weight , different | 966g | 663 g (plastic frame), 794 g (aluminum frame) |
| Dimensions , different | 359 x 138.5 x 31mm | 313 x 123 mm (plastic frame), 317 x 129 mm (aluminum frame) |
| 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 | ABS |
| 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, 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 | 75% 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 an inexpensive compact Keychron with long battery life Users who want a compact board that works with macOS, Windows and Linux People planning to swap keycaps and switches over time |
| 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 2.4 GHz wireless or 8 kHz polling (see the K2 Max and Ultra 8K) Buyers who want PBT keycaps in the box Gamers who need Hall-effect features |
| 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 | Long rated battery life of up to 240 hours (maker) Hot-swap sockets with Keychron Super switch options Aluminum-frame version adds weight and a firmer feel 75% layout with arrow keys and function row Bluetooth for three devices plus wired USB-C |
| 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 | ABS keycaps rather than the PBT on the Pro and Max (maker) Bluetooth and wired only, with no 2.4 GHz dongle Tray mount; Tom's Hardware found the tray-mount typing stiff on the sibling K8 Pro Plastic frame feels lighter and more hollow than the aluminum frame (The Keeblog, on the similar K6) Little independent review coverage of this specific version |
| 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 plain, original K2. Fine as an affordable start; the K2 Pro or Max are better equipped. |