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 Q1 HE 8K $230 “Wired 8 kHz magnetic 75% Q with Lime switches” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $60–$70 | $230 |
| Size , different | TKL | 75% |
| Type | Pre-built | Pre-built |
| Connectivity | Wired | Wired |
| Released , different | 2022 | 2025 |
| Mounting , different | Tray Mount | Gasket |
| Case , different | ABS Plastic | Aluminum |
| Colors , different | Frosted Black, Carbon Black | Black, White |
| Weight , different | 966g | 1860g ± 10g |
| Dimensions , different | 359 x 138.5 x 31mm | 145 x 327.53 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 | Double-shot PBT |
| PCB , different | Hot-swap, South-facing RGB | Hot-swap |
| Plates , different | Steel | Not listed |
| Compatible switches , different | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin | Keychron magnetic switches |
| Software , different | 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 | 75% layout, Wired, Hot-swap, Keychron Launcher, 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 | Competitive players who want 8 kHz polling in a metal 75% Wired-only desk setups that value low latency People who prefer a snappier switch feel |
| 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 | Wireless users Anyone who wants a deep, muted thock Switch hobbyists who want to try standard mechanical switches |
| 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 and 256 kHz scanning; reviewers called it competitive with Wooting-class boards (Notebookcheck) Actuation adjustable from 0.1 to 3.35 mm with Rapid Trigger (Keychron) Hot-swap works with Keychron Lime and Gateron Jade magnetic switches Aluminum gasket-mounted case; Notebookcheck judged the build appropriately premium Screw-in stabilizers that GameRevolution liked Onboard memory raised to 1 MB for more macros and settings (Notebookcheck) |
| 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 | Wired only; the original Q1 HE's 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth are gone (GamesRadar) Notebookcheck called the typing sound high-pitched and not much changed by swapping switches Only magnetic switches fit, so standard switches are out (GameRevolution) Some Lime switches sat slightly loose in their sockets (Notebookcheck) No kickstands and a fixed angle; GamesRadar felt wrist strain without a rest |
| 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 fast, solid wired HE board. Reviewers liked the build and the polling rate and marked it down for price, sound and the loss of wireless. Choose it for competitive play; the regular Q1 HE suits mixed wireless use better. |