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 Q11 $205 “Split 75% aluminum Q with a knob on each half” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $60–$70 | $205 |
| Size , different | TKL | 75% |
| Type | Pre-built | Pre-built |
| Connectivity | Wired | Wired |
| Released , different | 2022 | 2023 |
| Mounting | Tray Mount | Tray Mount |
| Case , different | ABS Plastic | All-metal |
| Colors , different | Frosted Black, Carbon Black | Carbon Black - A, Carbon Black - B, Carbon Black |
| Weight , different | 966g | 1186 ± 10 g (fully assembled) |
| Dimensions , different | 359 x 138.5 x 31mm | 75% |
| 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 |
| Compatible switches , different | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin | MX-style |
| 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 | 75% layout, Wired, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA, Knob |
| 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 | People who want a split board for posture comfort Macro-heavy workflows Users who want a premium metal split with VIA |
| 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 expects tenting out of the box Buyers who want wireless People who need a short learning curve |
| 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 | Fully split design with adjustable spacing and angle (PCWorld) Premium all-metal construction at about 1.2 kg (Keychron) Dedicated macro keys and a knob on each half (Tom's Guide, PCWorld) Highly customizable with QMK/VIA (Tom's Guide, PCWorld) Hot-swap sockets and a 75% layout with function and arrow keys PCWorld rated its price competitive against cheaper ergonomic boards |
| 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 | Steep learning curve (Tom's Guide) No tenting kit or wrist rest (Tom's Guide, PCWorld) Short cable between modules (Tom's Guide) Slightly awkward layout around the left spacebar (PCWorld) Wired only Expensive (Tom's Guide) |
| 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 well-regarded premium split keyboard. Reviewers liked the build and customization and mainly faulted the missing tenting kit, short cable and layout quirks. |