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 V5 Max $120 “Wireless 96% with a gasket mount, PC plate and knob” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $60–$70 | $120 |
| Size , different | TKL | 96% |
| 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 | 925 ± 10g (fully assembled) |
| Dimensions , different | 359 x 138.5 x 31mm | 96% |
| 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 | 96% 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 | Wireless users who want a numpad in a compact footprint People who switch between several devices Typists who like tactile switches and 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 | Quiet offices Players who want 8000Hz or long battery life (see the V5 Ultra 8K) Anyone who dislikes tall keycaps without a palm rest |
| 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 with a PC plate in a 96% layout with a numpad and knob Tri-mode: 2.4GHz and wired at 1000Hz, Bluetooth 5.1 TechGearLab praised the convenience of the wireless options and the volume knob Keychron rates the 4000 mAh battery at up to 190 hours with the backlight off QMK with the Launcher web app and hot-swap sockets 925 g (Keychron's figure), lighter than the wired V5 8K |
| 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 | Tall keys: TechGearLab advised a palm rest and recorded below-average typing speeds The numpad has a small 0 key (TechGearLab) Fairly loud, 47 dB in TechGearLab's measurement Max-series double-press and chatter reports led to a Keychron statement in July 2025 (TechPowerUp) Keycaps are not shine-through; Bluetooth polling is 90Hz (Keychron's spec table) |
| 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 convenient wireless 96% that TechGearLab picked as its favorite wireless mechanical board, with the tall keys and loudness as the main caveats. The 2025 chatter reports are the reason to buy from a recent batch. For better battery life and 8000Hz, look at the V5 Ultra 8K. |