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 Ultra 8K $120 “ZMK-powered wireless 96% with 8000Hz and up to 660 hours of battery” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $60–$70 | $120 |
| Size , different | TKL | 96% |
| Type | Pre-built | Pre-built |
| Connectivity , different | Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released , different | 2022 | 2026 |
| Mounting , different | Tray Mount | Gasket |
| Case , different | ABS Plastic | Plastic |
| Colors , different | Frosted Black, Carbon Black | Black |
| Weight , different | 966g | 983 g ± 10 g |
| Dimensions , different | 359 x 138.5 x 31mm | 148.7 x 391.5 mm |
| 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 660 hours |
| Compatible switches , different | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin | MX-style |
| Software , different | QMK, VIA | ZMK, 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, ZMK firmware, 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 | People who want wireless 96% with very long battery life Gamers and typists who want 8000Hz and tri-mode Users comfortable with ZMK or willing to learn it |
| 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 QMK or VIA Buyers who want an all-metal body People who dislike cramped 96% layouts |
| 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 | Keychron rates the 4000 mAh battery at up to 660 hours (with 8000Hz, backlight off, per Tom's Hardware) Tri-mode connectivity: 2.4GHz at 8000Hz, Bluetooth 5.3 and wired USB-C Gasket mount and PC plate; Tom's Hardware found it flexible, well-dampened and decent sounding Upgraded screw-in stabilizers with less wobble (The Verge) Launcher web app for remapping, Snap Action, per-key and mix RGB (Tom's Hardware) Knob, numpad and arrows in a 96% layout |
| 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 | ZMK firmware with less polished remapping than QMK/VIA (The Verge) Launcher requires a wired connection, and 8000Hz must be enabled in it (Tom's Hardware) The 96% layout is cramped (Tom's Hardware) Tom's Hardware's reviewer was lukewarm on the Banana tactile switches Plastic case at 983 g (Keychron's figure) |
| 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 96% whose standout is battery life and 8000Hz, paid for by a switch to ZMK. If QMK/VIA matters, the V5 Max is the alternative. |