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 Q16 HE 8K $200 “All-ceramic 65% magnetic Q with 8 kHz polling” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $60–$70 | $200 |
| Size , different | TKL | 65% |
| Type | Pre-built | Pre-built |
| Connectivity | Wired | Wired |
| Released , different | 2022 | 2025 |
| Mounting , different | Tray Mount | Gasket |
| Case , different | ABS Plastic | Ceramic |
| Colors , different | Frosted Black, Carbon Black | Light Green, Navy Blue, Light Green (ISO-Nordic), Light Green (ISO-Germany), Light Green (ISO-UK), Light Green (ISO-Swiss), Light Green (ISO-Spanish) |
| Weight , different | 966g | 1060g ± 10g |
| Dimensions , different | 359 x 138.5 x 31mm | 110.8 x 315mm |
| 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 | Cherry-profile ceramic die-cast keycaps |
| PCB , different | Hot-swap, South-facing RGB | Hot-swap |
| Plates , different | Steel | Aluminum |
| 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 | 65% layout, Wired, Hot-swap, Keychron Launcher, Magnetic switches, Ceramic case and keycaps, 8K polling |
| 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 a statement keyboard on the desk Players who want 8 kHz in a small layout Anyone who values looks over acoustics |
| 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 | Typists who prioritize a deep, damped sound Anyone who wants wireless People who carry their keyboard or dislike fingerprints |
| 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 | Striking all-ceramic design (Tom's Guide, Windows Central) 8000 Hz polling, Rapid Trigger and a deep gaming feature set (Tom's Guide, WIRED) Smooth switches and TMR sensors (WIRED) Intuitive Keychron Launcher software (Windows Central) Compact 65% layout at about 1.06 kg, far lighter than other Q boards Hot-swappable PCB (Tom's Hardware), though Tom's Guide found few switches to swap in |
| 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 | Typing experience underwhelming and expensive (Tom's Hardware) WIRED found the sound underwhelming and the spacebar heavy and resonant Smudges are guaranteed and chipping is a risk (Windows Central) Wired only, with limited switch choice (Tom's Guide) Attracts fingerprints (Tom's Hardware) Loud: Windows Central said everyone will hear you typing |
| 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 novelty with real performance specs. Reviewers disagree sharply: Tom's Guide recommends it, WIRED gave it 4 out of 10, and Tom's Hardware and Windows Central flag sound, smudges and price. Buy for the look and the 8 kHz gaming features, not for the typing sound. |