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 Q4 $80 “Wired 60% aluminum Q with a steel plate” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $60–$70 | $80 |
| Size , different | TKL | 60% |
| Type | Pre-built | Pre-built |
| Connectivity | Wired | Wired |
| Released | 2022 | 2022 |
| Mounting , different | Tray Mount | Gasket |
| Case , different | ABS Plastic | Aluminum |
| Colors , different | Frosted Black, Carbon Black | Carbon Black - A, Silver Grey - A, Navy Blue - A, Carbon Black - B, Silver Grey - B, Navy Blue - B, Shell White |
| Weight , different | 966g | 1500 g ± 10g (fully assembled) |
| Dimensions , different | 359 x 138.5 x 31mm | 60% |
| 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 | Steel | Steel |
| 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 | 60% layout, Wired, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA |
| 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 | People who want the smallest Q and are comfortable with layers Programmers who like QMK on a metal 60% Desk setups with limited space |
| 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 needs arrow keys on the main layer Users who want wireless Buyers who want independent reviews to rely on |
| 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 | Compact 60% footprint in a 1,500 g CNC aluminum case Steel plate and gasket mount QMK firmware with the Keychron Launcher web app Hot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches No battery, so nothing to charge or replace |
| 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 | No arrow keys or function row; those need a layer Wired only No dedicated independent review found; sibling Q4 Pro coverage is used Steel plate feels firmer than the PC plate on the Pro Heavy for a board its size |
| 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 straightforward wired 60% built on the same case as the Q4 Pro. Little independent coverage exists for this exact model, so rely on Keychron's specs and the Q4 Pro review as a guide. |