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 V8 $80 “Wired 65% Alice layout with a steel plate and tray mount” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $60–$70 | $80 |
| Size , different | TKL | Alice |
| 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 | 945 ± 10 g (fully assembled) |
| Dimensions , different | 359 x 138.5 x 31mm | Alice |
| 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 | Alice layout, Wired, 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 | Typists with wrist discomfort who want a mechanical Alice board People willing to relearn a few key positions Wired desk users on a modest budget |
| 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 uses several standard keyboards daily Buyers who want wireless People who want arrow and page keys in standard positions |
| 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 | Alice layout angles the two halves for a more natural wrist position (as Tom's Guide describes for the V8 Max) Steel plate and tray mount give a firm feel Hot-swap sockets, screw-in stabilizers and QMK with the Launcher web app Programmable knob Includes both Mac and Windows keycaps in the assembled version 945 g (Keychron's figure) and wired, so there is no battery to manage |
| 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; the V8 Max is the wireless version Alice layout needs an adaptation period (Tom's Guide on the V8 Max, Clements on the V10) The 65% layout with a split B and double spacebar changes where some keys sit (Clements on the V10) Tray mount and steel plate leave little flex No review of the V8 itself was found |
| 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 wired Alice 65% for people who want the ergonomic angle in a plastic, hot-swap board. Evidence is mostly from siblings; the main buying question is whether you will adapt to the layout, so check the V8 Max reviews and consider that wireless is available there. |