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 Max $95–$125 “K2 Max, from Keychron's store” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $60–$70 | $95–$125 |
| Size , different | TKL | 75% |
| 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, or ABS with aluminum frame |
| Colors , different | Frosted Black, Carbon Black | Black, White |
| Weight , different | 966g | 940 g |
| Dimensions , different | 359 x 138.5 x 31mm | 311.54 x 121.54 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 |
| PCB , different | Hot-swap, South-facing RGB | Hot-swap |
| Plates , different | Steel | Not listed |
| Battery , different | — | 4000 mAh, up to 190 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 a compact 75% with a USB dongle at a mid price Hybrid work and light-gaming users Typists who want PBT keycaps without buying a set |
| 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 | Players who need 8 kHz polling (see the K2 Ultra 8K) Buyers who need independent review evidence for this exact board Anyone who wants Hall-effect features (see the K2 HE) |
| 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 | 2.4 GHz at 1000 Hz plus Bluetooth for three devices and wired (maker) QMK/VIA with hot-swap Keychron Super switches Double-shot PBT keycaps 4000 mAh battery rated up to 190 hours Sibling Max boards were praised for foam layers and a firm, damped sound (Tom's Guide, MakeUseOf) |
| 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 dedicated review of the K2 Max could be found, so sound and feel are inferred from sibling Max boards Tray mount feels firmer than a gasket design, per Tom's Guide on the K10 Max 1000 Hz polling, where the Ultra 8K goes to 8000 Hz Keychron's rated battery life drops from 240 hours on older K2 boards to 190 hours Aluminum-frame version is heavier at about 1 kg |
| 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 sensible K2 for most people who want a dongle. Evidence is mainly from sibling Max boards. |