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 Q12 Max $240 “Wireless southpaw 96% Q with 2.4 GHz and a PC plate” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $60–$70 | $240 |
| Size , different | TKL | 96% |
| Type | Pre-built | Pre-built |
| Connectivity , different | Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released , different | 2022 | 2024 |
| Mounting , different | Tray Mount | Gasket |
| Case , different | ABS Plastic | Aluminum |
| Colors , different | Frosted Black, Carbon Black | Carbon Black, Shell White |
| Weight , different | 966g | 2195 g ± 10 g (fully assembled) |
| Dimensions , different | 359 x 138.5 x 31mm | 145 x 409mm |
| 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 | PC |
| Battery , different | — | 4000 mAh, up to 180 hours |
| 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 | 96% layout, Tri-mode, 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 | Left-handed typists who want wireless Mouse-heavy workflows that want the numpad out of the way People who like Jupiter switches and gasket 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 | Right-handed users who use the numpad a lot Travelers Anyone wanting hard evidence from reviews |
| 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 | Left-hand number pad in a 96% board 2.4 GHz at 1000 Hz, Bluetooth and wired modes PC plate and double-gasket case; Keychron lists 2,195 g Standard mechanical hot-swap sockets, so switch choice is open Battery rated up to 180 hours (Keychron) |
| 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 | Southpaw layout may be a struggle if you are not left-handed (Digital Chumps) Heavy at about 2.2 kg No independent review of this exact model found No height adjustment on the sibling Q12 HE (PC 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 spec-led pick for left-handed users who want wireless and mechanical switches. Review evidence comes from the Q12 HE sibling only. |