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 Q2 HE 8K $230 “Wired 8 kHz 65% magnetic Q for competitive play” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $60–$70 | $230 |
| 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 | Aluminum |
| Colors , different | Frosted Black, Carbon Black | Black, White |
| Weight , different | 966g | 1650g ± 10g |
| Dimensions , different | 359 x 138.5 x 31mm | 121 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 | 65% 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 in a small layout Wired setups with limited desk space Players who prefer a firm, snappy switch |
| 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 Typists who want a deep thock People who need function keys without layers |
| 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, per Keychron Actuation adjustable from 0.1 to 3.35 mm with Rapid Trigger Compact 65% layout (Keychron) Aluminum gasket-mounted case; Q1 HE 8K reviewers found the build premium Hot-swap with Keychron Lime and Gateron Jade magnetic switches |
| 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 Sibling reviews found the sound high-pitched and not much changed by swapping switches Only magnetic switches fit Heavy at 1,650 g No independent review of this exact model found; sibling Q1 HE 8K reviews are used |
| 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 specialist wired 65% for esports-style use. It rests on Keychron's specs and sibling reviews rather than its own, so treat the sound and feel notes as indicative. |