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 Q3 HE $240 “Compact 80% magnetic Q for typing and gaming” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $60–$70 | $240 |
| Size | TKL | TKL |
| 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 | 1775 g ± 10 g (fully assembled) |
| Dimensions , different | 359 x 138.5 x 31mm | TKL |
| 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 | Aluminum |
| Battery , different | — | 4000 mAh, up to 100 hours |
| Compatible switches , different | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin | Keychron magnetic switches |
| 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 | TKL layout, Tri-mode, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA, Knob, 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 | Players who want Rapid Trigger in a compact metal TKL Mac users who want a wireless board with web-based software Typists who like adjustable actuation |
| 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 wants to swap in other switch families Competitive players who need 8 kHz Buyers on a tight budget |
| 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 | Rapid Trigger, Snap Tap and adjustable actuation (Tom's Guide, Keychron) Solid all-metal build; AppleInsider was struck by the weight 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth, 1000 Hz polling Keychron Launcher works on Mac and several browsers (AppleInsider) Small footprint for a board with a full arrow cluster and function row |
| 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 | Expensive (Tom's Guide, AppleInsider) Only Gateron Double-Rail magnetic switches fit, so choice is limited 1000 Hz ceiling; Tom's Guide marked this down for a gaming board Only two case colors (AppleInsider) Battery is rated up to 100 hours, well below the mechanical Max models |
| 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 capable Hall effect TKL that both reviewers recommend, with price and a single switch family as the main caveats. A good fit if you value the layout and Rapid Trigger. |