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 K4 HE $135–$145 “K4 HE, from Keychron's store” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $60–$70 | $135–$145 |
| Size , different | TKL | 96% |
| Type , different | Pre-built | Barebones |
| Connectivity , different | Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released , different | 2022 | 2025 |
| Mounting | Tray Mount | Tray Mount |
| Case , different | ABS Plastic | Aluminum |
| Colors , different | Frosted Black, Carbon Black | Black, White |
| Weight , different | 966g | Approx. 1090 g |
| Dimensions , different | 359 x 138.5 x 31mm | 373 x 126 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 | 96% 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 who want a numpad with Hall-effect features Typists who want an aluminum, well-damped board Users who want to adjust actuation per key |
| 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 | Buyers who want tactile or clicky switches Anyone who needs a light keyboard Users who need software over wireless |
| 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 | Adjustable actuation, Rapid Trigger and macros (Windows Central) Aluminum body with excellent acoustics according to Windows Central 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth and wired 96% layout with per-key RGB Two switch families listed: Nebula or Lime |
| 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 | Limited to select Hall-effect switches (Windows Central, maker) Software only works while wired, and the cable is very short (Windows Central) Battery rated at 110 hours, below the Max boards About 1090 g makes it a desk board Reviewed mainly by one outlet |
| 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 strong Hall-effect 96%, praised by Windows Central. |