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 Ultra 8K $240 “Wireless 8 kHz 96% Q with ZMK and a 660-hour battery” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $60–$70 | $240 |
| Size , different | TKL | 96% |
| 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 | 2098g ± 10g |
| 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 660 hours |
| Compatible switches , different | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin | MX-style |
| Software , different | QMK, VIA | ZMK, Keychron Launcher |
| NKRO , different | Yes | No |
| 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, 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 | Players who want 8 kHz wireless with a number pad Users who dislike charging Buyers who like to swap switches and keycaps |
| 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 | People who specifically want QMK/VIA Typists who prefer tactile switches and short keycaps Anyone who needs independent reviews before buying |
| 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 (Keychron) Battery rated up to 660 hours with ZMK firmware Number pad in a 96% layout CNC aluminum, gasket mount and PC plate at 2,098 g, lighter than the Q5 Max Sibling reviews praise sound and build |
| 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 independent review of the Q5 Ultra 8K found; sibling reviews are used Tom's Hardware found the Q6 Ultra's switches heavy and less tactile Tall KSA keycaps may not suit smaller hands (Tom's Guide on the Q3 Ultra) Runs ZMK rather than QMK/VIA Expensive per the sibling reviews |
| 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 spec-led pick for a niche: wireless 8 kHz with a number pad and a huge battery rating. Treat feel and sound claims as inferred from the Q3 and Q6 Ultra reviews. |