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 Max $230 “Wireless 65% Q with extra macro keys and a knob” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $60–$70 | $230 |
| Size , different | TKL | 65% |
| 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, Shell White |
| 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 |
| Battery , different | — | 4000 mAh, up to 180 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 | 65% 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 | Productivity users who want macro keys in a compact board Serious typists and casual gamers Buyers who want a wireless 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 needs a number pad Travelers People on a tight budget |
| 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 | Four dedicated macro keys and a customizable knob in a 65% footprint Extremely sturdy all-metal build (Tom's Guide) 2.4 GHz at 1000 Hz, Bluetooth and wired modes Great for typing and casual gaming (Tom's Guide) QMK-enabled with hot-swap switches and keycaps (XDA Developers) Battery rated up to 180 hours (Keychron) |
| 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 | Very expensive (Tom's Guide) Key placement may take getting used to (XDA Developers) Heavy at about 5.3 lb (Tom's Guide) No number pad (EnosTech) Price is edging toward the enthusiast end (XDA Developers) |
| 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 wireless 65% with extra keys. Tom's Guide's Editor's Choice backs the build and performance, and the price and weight are the consistent caveats. |