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 V4 $60 “Wired 60% with a steel plate and tray mount” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $60–$70 | $60 |
| Size , different | TKL | 60% |
| Type | Pre-built | Pre-built |
| Connectivity | Wired | Wired |
| Released | 2022 | 2022 |
| Mounting | Tray Mount | Tray Mount |
| Case , different | ABS Plastic | Plastic |
| Colors , different | Frosted Black, Carbon Black | Frosted Black (Translucent), Carbon Black (Non-transparent) |
| Weight , different | 966g | 730 ± 10 g (fully assembled) |
| 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 | Double-shot PBT |
| PCB , different | Hot-swap, South-facing RGB | Hot-swap |
| Plates , different | Steel | Not listed |
| 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, Wired, 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 | A compact wired board for a small desk Programmers and writers who are comfortable with layers People who want a firm, accurate key feel Beginners starting with switch swapping |
| 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 need arrow keys and function keys on the base layer Buyers who want a soft gasket feel |
| 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 | Stiff steel plate and tray mount give an accurate, solid feel; Expert Reviews called the build superb Hot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches Screw-in PCB stabilizers QMK with the Launcher web app, and VIA or Vial support (Expert Reviews) OSA double-shot PBT keycaps, which Expert Reviews liked 730 g (Keychron's figure) and 303.85 mm wide, so it is compact Three typing angles from the flip-out feet |
| 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; Keychron's wireless 60% is the V4 Max 60% layout with no dedicated arrows or function row, so the Fn layer matters The V line sits high off the desk and Keychron does not supply a wrist rest (Expert Reviews) Stock K Pro Brown switches are tactile but not quiet (Thomas' Notes) Rich VIA lighting control was not available in an owner's VIA setup (Thomas' Notes) |
| 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 compact, solid wired 60% that reviewers rate for build and typing accuracy. It is plain and a bit tall, and it assumes you are happy living on layers. For wireless, step up to the V4 Max. |