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 Ultra 8K $120 “K2 Ultra 8K, from Keychron's store” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $60–$70 | $120 |
| Size , different | TKL | 75% |
| Type | Pre-built | Pre-built |
| Connectivity , different | Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released , different | 2022 | 2026 |
| Mounting , different | Tray Mount | Integrated Plate |
| Case , different | ABS Plastic | CNC Aluminum + ABS |
| Colors , different | Frosted Black, Carbon Black | Black |
| Weight , different | 966g | 1084 g +/- 10 g |
| Dimensions , different | 359 x 138.5 x 31mm | 311.50 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 | OSA Double-Shot PBT Keycaps |
| PCB , different | Hot-swap, South-facing RGB | Hot-swap |
| Plates | Steel | Steel |
| Battery , different | — | 4000 mAh, up to 760 hours |
| Compatible switches , different | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin | MX-style |
| Software , different | QMK, VIA | ZMK, Keychron Launcher |
| NKRO , different | Yes | No |
| 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 |
| 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 | Competitive players who want 8 kHz wireless in a 75% Users who want very long battery life between charges Buyers who prefer an aluminum frame |
| 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 | Existing QMK/VIA users who want to keep that firmware People who prefer a low-profile, thin board Anyone who dislikes a tall 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 | 8000 Hz polling over 2.4 GHz and wired (maker) Up to 760 hours battery rating (maker) CNC aluminum and ABS body with steel plate at 1084 g Hot-swap Apex switches; TechRadar found the reds well damped Double-shot PBT keycaps |
| 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 | Runs ZMK firmware, not QMK/VIA, which changes how remapping works (maker) TechRadar's reds actuated a little deep and missed some presses Thick and tall; TechRadar needed a wrist rest Keycaps are opaque, so the backlight does not shine through (TechRadar) Stock switches and keycaps may not suit everyone |
| 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 value-priced 8 kHz 75%. Check the firmware and thickness first. |