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 Q60 Max $230 “Wireless HHKB-layout 60% Q with a steel plate” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $60–$70 | $230 |
| Size , different | TKL | 60% |
| 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 | Retro (Hot-Swappable) |
| Weight , different | 966g | 1519.6 g (fully assembled), 1353 g (barebone) |
| 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 | Cherry-profile PBT, Mac and Windows sets included |
| PCB , different | Hot-swap, South-facing RGB | Hot-swap |
| Plates | Steel | Steel |
| Battery , different | — | 4000 mAh, up to 100 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 | 60% layout, Tri-mode, 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 | HHKB-layout fans who want wireless and QMK/VIA People who want a very compact metal board Anyone who already likes HHKB-style layouts |
| 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 unfamiliar with HHKB layouts Buyers who want a function row or dedicated arrow keys Anyone who dislikes learning a new layout |
| 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 | HHKB-style 60% layout that Trusted Reviews called clever and unique 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth and wired connectivity with QMK/VIA customization Hefty machined aluminum case of about 1.5 kg (Trusted Reviews) Responsive typing feel (Trusted Reviews) Cherry-profile PBT keycaps with both Mac and Windows sets (Trusted Reviews) |
| 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 | Quite a niche option (Trusted Reviews) Quite expensive (Trusted Reviews) Function key is moved up a row to make the function layer easier to reach (Trusted Reviews), so expect to rely on layers Keychron's spec list gives up to 100 hours, while its spec table gives up to 180 hours with the backlight off Only one detailed independent review found |
| 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-built HHKB-layout 60% rated highly by its main reviewer, with price and layout niche as the caveats. |