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 Q65 $100 “Wired 65% Q with an extra row and a knob” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $60–$70 | $100 |
| Size , different | TKL | 65% |
| 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, Carbon Black - B |
| Weight , different | 966g | 2420 g ± 10g (fully assembled) |
| Dimensions , different | 359 x 138.5 x 31mm | 65% |
| 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 | 65% 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 | Compact-board fans who want macro keys Fixed desks that use a cable Buyers who want a steel-plate Q |
| 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 want a standard 65% layout 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 | 65% footprint with an extra macro column and a knob CNC aluminum case with steel plate and double gasket QMK/VIA and the Keychron Launcher Hot-swap sockets Sibling Q65 Max reviews praise the 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 | Wired only Very heavy at 2,420 g per Keychron Key placement may take adjustment (XDA Developers on the Q65 Max) No independent review of the wired Q65 found Steel plate feels firmer than a PC plate |
| 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 65% with extra keys, backed mainly by the Q65 Max's reviews. Reasonable if you want the layout and do not need wireless. |