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 V1 Max $115 “Wireless 75% with a gasket mount and PC plate” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $60–$70 | $115 |
| Size , different | TKL | 75% |
| Type | Pre-built | Pre-built |
| Connectivity , different | Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released , different | 2022 | 2023 |
| Mounting , different | Tray Mount | Gasket |
| Case , different | ABS Plastic | Plastic |
| Colors , different | Frosted Black, Carbon Black | Carbon Black |
| Weight , different | 966g | 770 g ± 10 g (fully assembled) |
| Dimensions , different | 359 x 138.5 x 31mm | 75% |
| 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 190 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 | 75% 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 | A wireless 75% on a modest budget Desks that move between a laptop and a desktop People who want gasket-mount softness without paying for an aluminum board QMK users who still want a knob |
| 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 | Buyers who want a heavy metal case Players who want 8000Hz polling (see the V1 8K) People who want to avoid any Max-series reliability risk Anyone who needs bright backlighting |
| 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 | Tri-mode: 2.4GHz at 1000Hz, Bluetooth 5.1 and wired USB-C (Keychron's spec page) Gasket mount gives a more flexible feel than the V1's tray mount (SemiPro) XDA Developers called the wireless connection reliable Both USB-C and USB-A 2.4GHz receivers are included (SemiPro) Hot-swap sockets, QMK and Launcher support, and a programmable knob Keychron rates the 4000 mAh battery at up to 190 hours with the backlight off (XDA quotes up to 225) 770 g assembled (Keychron's figure) is lighter than the wired V1 |
| 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 | Plastic shell feels a little cheap and the south-facing RGB is dim (XDA) Stock spacebar stabilizer was unstable enough to cause missed presses for XDA Slightly hollow sound out of the box (SemiPro) Bluetooth polling drops to about 90Hz, so use 2.4GHz or wired for gaming (Tom's Guide) Max-series double-press and chatter reports led to a Keychron statement in July 2025 (TechPowerUp) |
| 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 budget wireless 75% that fixes the V1's biggest gaps with a softer mount and tri-mode connectivity. XDA's stabilizer and plastic-shell notes and the 2025 plate-warp reports are the reasons to buy from a recent batch and check the return window. For wired-only use, the V1 or V1 8K make more sense. |