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 Q5 $90 “Wired 96% aluminum Q with a number pad” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $60–$70 | $90 |
| Size , different | TKL | 96% |
| 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 - B, Silver Grey - B, Navy Blue - B, Carbon Black - A, Silver Grey - A, Navy Blue - A, Carbon Black, Silver Grey, Navy Blue |
| Weight , different | 966g | 2310 g ± 10g (fully assembled) |
| Dimensions , different | 359 x 138.5 x 31mm | 96% |
| 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 | 96% layout, Wired, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA, Knob |
| 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 | Number-pad users who want a more compact board Spreadsheet and data-entry work on a fixed desk Buyers who want QMK/VIA customization on a metal case |
| 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 wireless People who need adjustable feet or a low slope Travelers |
| 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 | 96% layout keeps a number pad in a smaller footprint than a full-size board Durable CNC aluminum case with steel plate; Keychron lists 2,310 g How-To Geek and MakeUseOf both praised the typing feel and build Double gasket with foam and silicone padding controls most pinging (How-To Geek) QMK/VIA with the Keychron Launcher for remapping and macros Hot-swap sockets and an optional 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 | Wired only MakeUseOf found it very heavy and the keyboard pitch somewhat uncomfortable without a wrist rest No adjustable feet (How-To Geek, MakeUseOf) How-To Geek heard slight pings from Backspace and Enter when pressed hard How-To Geek noted that software setup is a bit rough at first |
| 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 heavyweight, well-built wired 96% that reviewers praised for feel and customization and marked down for weight and fixed angle. The Q5 Max or Q5 Pro are the wireless alternatives. |