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 K8 Max $95–$125 “TKL with 2.4 GHz, QMK and a 4000 mAh battery” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $60–$70 | $95–$125 |
| Size | TKL | TKL |
| Type | Pre-built | Pre-built |
| 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 | 1158 g (ABS), 1308 g (aluminum frame) |
| Dimensions , different | 359 x 138.5 x 31mm | 354.21 x 124.18 mm (ABS), 359.20 x 129.20 mm (aluminum frame) |
| 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, VIA, 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 | TKL 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 QMK and a dongle in a TKL Casual customizers who want a heavy, ready-made board Users who switch between a Mac and a PC |
| 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 | Enthusiasts who want the most advanced sound tuning Gamers who want Hall-effect or 8 kHz features Anyone who needs to carry the board often |
| 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, Bluetooth and wired (maker) Good value, with a thocky sound on brown switches (MakeUseOf) PBT keycaps and a heavy, sturdy frame QMK with hot-swap sockets and three switch choices 4000 mAh battery rated up to 190 hours with the backlight off |
| 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 | Plastic base limits advanced customizers (MakeUseOf) RGB customization is wide but shallow (MakeUseOf) Adjustable feet could be larger (MakeUseOf) Heavy for travel Battery drops to about 100 hours with the backlight on low (MakeUseOf) |
| 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 most balanced K8 for most buyers, reviewed positively by MakeUseOf. |