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 V3 Max $115 “Wireless 80% TKL with a gasket mount and PC plate” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $60–$70 | $115 |
| Size | TKL | TKL |
| Type | Pre-built | Pre-built |
| Connectivity , different | Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released , different | 2022 | 2024 |
| Mounting , different | Tray Mount | Gasket |
| Case , different | ABS Plastic | Plastic |
| Colors , different | Frosted Black, Carbon Black | Carbon Black |
| Weight , different | 966g | 895 ± 10 g (fully assembled) |
| Dimensions , different | 359 x 138.5 x 31mm | TKL |
| 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 | TKL 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 TKL with function keys and an arrow cluster People who want a softer gasket feel on a budget Users who switch between a laptop and a desktop |
| 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 | Players who want 8000Hz polling Anyone who types in low light and needs lit legends People who dislike corner flex |
| 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 | Gasket mount and PC plate; Tom's Guide rated the typing experience as excellent and the sound as rich but relatively quiet 2.4GHz at 1000Hz, Bluetooth 5.1 and wired USB-C 895 g (Keychron's figure), lighter than the wired V3 8K QMK with the Launcher web app, hot-swap sockets and a knob Tom's Guide saw a couple of weeks of office use between charges Includes both Mac and Windows keycaps |
| 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 | Noticeable PCB flex in the corners (Tom's Guide) The volume knob placement drew criticism from Tom's Guide Keycaps are not shine-through, so legends are hard to see in the dark (Tom's Guide) The Launcher needs a wired connection (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 good-value wireless TKL with a pleasant gasket feel, held back by corner flex and an awkward knob position. The 2025 chatter reports are the reason to buy from a recent batch. If polling rate matters more than wireless, the V3 8K is the alternative. |