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 K5 $75–$83 “K5, from Keychron's store” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $60–$70 | $75–$83 |
| Size , different | TKL | Full |
| Type , different | Pre-built | Barebones |
| Connectivity , different | Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released , different | 2022 | 2021 |
| Mounting | Tray Mount | Tray Mount |
| Case , different | ABS Plastic | Aluminum & Plastic |
| Colors , different | Frosted Black, Carbon Black | See the store |
| Weight , different | 966g | 770 g +/- 10 g |
| Dimensions , different | 359 x 138.5 x 31mm | 435 x 120 mm |
| Typing angle , different | 5.2° | Not listed |
| Front height , different | 22mm | Not listed |
| Switches , different | Mechanical | Low Profile |
| Profile , different | Standard | Low Profile |
| Keycaps , different | Double-shot PBT, OSA Profile | LSA ABS keycaps, not shine-through |
| PCB , different | Hot-swap, South-facing RGB | Hot-swap |
| Plates , different | Steel | Not listed |
| Battery , different | — | 2000 mAh, up to 90 hours |
| Compatible switches , different | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin | Keychron low-profile |
| Software , different | QMK, VIA | QMK |
| 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 | Full layout, Tri-mode, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA, Low profile |
| 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 | Office users who want a slim full-size board Buyers who want optical switch options People who value Bluetooth multi-device pairing |
| 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 a lighter case (see the SE) Gamers who want 2.4 GHz Buyers who need verified reviews of this exact model |
| 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 | Slim full-size with a numpad (maker) Optical or mechanical low-profile switches Hot-swappable Aluminum-and-plastic tray-mount case Bluetooth plus wired |
| 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 | Heavier than the SE at about 770 g Battery rated at only 90 hours Non-shine-through ABS keycaps No dongle No review of this model was found |
| 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. | An alternative to the SE with a mixed case. Evidence is thin. |