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 HE $130–$140 “K2 HE, from Keychron's store” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $60–$70 | $130–$140 |
| Size , different | TKL | 75% |
| Type , different | Pre-built | Barebones |
| Connectivity , different | Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released , different | 2022 | 2024 |
| Mounting | Tray Mount | Tray Mount |
| Case , different | ABS Plastic | Aluminum (per Keychron; reviewers report a plastic core) |
| Colors , different | Frosted Black, Carbon Black | Black, White, Black (ISO-Nordic), Black (ISO-DE), Black (ISO-UK), Black (ISO-Swiss) |
| Weight , different | 966g | 980 g |
| Dimensions , different | 359 x 138.5 x 31mm | 316.4 x 126.7 mm |
| Typing angle , different | 5.2° | Not listed |
| Front height , different | 22mm | Not listed |
| Switches , different | Mechanical | Hall Effect |
| Profile | Standard | Standard |
| Keycaps , different | Double-shot PBT, OSA Profile | Cherry Profile Double-shot keycaps, shine-through |
| PCB , different | Hot-swap, South-facing RGB | Hot-swap |
| Plates , different | Steel | Not listed |
| Battery , different | — | 4000 mAh, up to 110 hours |
| Compatible switches , different | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin | Keychron magnetic switches |
| Software , different | QMK, VIA | QMK, Keychron Launcher |
| NKRO | Yes | Yes |
| RGB , different | Yes | No |
| 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, Hall effect |
| 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 | Gamers and typists who want a compact Hall-effect board with good acoustics Buyers who like the rosewood Special Edition look People who want 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth in one 75% |
| 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 to try tactile or clicky switches Typists who find 75% too cramped Buyers who need a verified aluminum case |
| 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 | Rapid Trigger, adjustable actuation (0.2 to 3.8 mm) and multi-depth actions 2.4 GHz at 1000 Hz, Bluetooth and wired; Tom's Hardware had no connection problems Rich, creamy sound with no case ping (PC Gamer) Sturdy 980 g body with wood Special Edition option Web-based Launcher for remapping and actuation |
| 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 | Only compatible linear magnetic switches are supported (maker) Case material is disputed: Keychron lists aluminum, Tom's Hardware and PC Gamer describe a plastic body Feet are weak and can jostle the board on smooth surfaces (How-To Geek) 75% layout is compact for larger hands (How-To Geek) Battery is rated for 110 hours, below non-HE K2 boards |
| 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 well-reviewed Hall-effect 75% with good sound. Check the case claim before buying if material matters. |