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 Ultra 8K $230 “Wireless 8 kHz 80% Q with a 660-hour battery” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $60–$70 | $230 |
| Size | TKL | TKL |
| Type | Pre-built | Pre-built |
| Connectivity , different | Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released , different | 2022 | 2026 |
| Mounting , different | Tray Mount | Gasket |
| Case , different | ABS Plastic | Aluminum |
| Colors , different | Frosted Black, Carbon Black | Black, White |
| Weight , different | 966g | 1787g ± 10g |
| Dimensions , different | 359 x 138.5 x 31mm | 137 x 365mm |
| 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 660 hours |
| Compatible switches , different | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin | MX-style |
| Software , different | QMK, VIA | ZMK, 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, ZMK, Knob, 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 | Players who want 8 kHz without a cable Long-battery users who dislike charging Typists who prefer smooth, quiet Silk POM switches |
| 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 specifically wants QMK/VIA People who prefer shorter keycap profiles UK buyers, if availability has not changed |
| 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 over 2.4 GHz and wired, per Keychron and Tom's Guide Battery rated up to 660 hours (Keychron; Tom's Guide lists it as a plus) Smooth Silk POM switches and a pleasant sound (Tom's Guide) Adjustable double-gasket design for tuning comfort (Tom's Guide) ZMK firmware with the Keychron Launcher web app Tenkeyless layout in a CNC aluminum case with knob |
| 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 | Tall KSA keycap profile can be awkward for smaller hands (Tom's Guide) On the expensive side (Tom's Guide) Not available in the UK at the time of Tom's Guide's review Runs ZMK rather than QMK/VIA Heavy at about 1.8 kg |
| 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 strong wireless TKL on paper and in Tom's Guide's review, with an unusually long battery rating. Tall keycaps, price and ZMK are the caveats. |