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 Pro $175 “Bluetooth 96% Q with a number pad and PC plate” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $60–$70 | $175 |
| Size , different | TKL | 96% |
| Type | Pre-built | Pre-built |
| Connectivity , different | Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released , different | 2022 | 2023 |
| Mounting , different | Tray Mount | Gasket |
| Case , different | ABS Plastic | Aluminum |
| Colors , different | Frosted Black, Carbon Black | Carbon Black, Silver Grey, Shell White, Purple |
| Weight , different | 966g | 2160 g ± 10 g (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 , different | Steel | PC |
| Battery , different | — | 4000 mAh, up to 300 hours |
| 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, Tri-mode, 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 also want Bluetooth People who like a bouncy, cushioned feel Mac and Windows users who share one keyboard across devices |
| 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 | Gamers who want a 2.4 GHz dongle Anyone who prefers low-profile keycaps 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 | Bluetooth 5.1 for three devices plus wired USB-C Number pad in a compact 96% layout WIRED: great build quality, typing feel and customization Gasket mount gives a bouncier typing feel (WIRED) Battery rated up to 300 hours (Keychron) ANSI and ISO versions, knob and hot-swap |
| 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 found it pricey and too heavy to carry around Tall high-profile keycaps may not suit everyone (WIRED) No 2.4 GHz option on the Pro Bluetooth is the only wireless mode, so latency-sensitive play needs a cable 2.2 kg means it is a desk board |
| 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 well-reviewed Bluetooth 96% that WIRED rated 8 out of 10. Weight and tall keycaps are the trade-offs; look at the Q5 Max if you want 2.4 GHz too. |