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 Max $120 “Wireless 65% Alice layout with a gasket mount” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $60–$70 | $120 |
| Size , different | TKL | Alice |
| 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 | 745 ± 10g (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 | 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 | Alice 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 | Typists with wrist or forearm discomfort Wireless desk and office use People willing to relearn a layout for comfort |
| 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 needs a standard layout for several keyboards Players who want 8000Hz polling Buyers who want to avoid any Max-series reliability risk |
| 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 with angled halves; Tom's Guide found the typing very comfortable once adapted Gasket mount and PC plate with a soft, bouncy feel; two foam layers and a light, tappy sound with Banana switches (Tom's Guide) Tri-mode connectivity with a switch on the back (Tom's Guide) 745 g (Keychron's figure); Tom's Guide gave 1.6 lb and carried it between home and office 65% size keeps a full set of typing keys (Tom's Guide) QMK with the Launcher web app, hot-swap sockets and a knob |
| 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 | Learning curve: the split disrupts touch typists and Tom's Guide's speed dropped at first South-facing RGB is dim and the keycaps are not shine-through (Tom's Guide) ABS plastic case Max-series double-press and chatter reports led to a Keychron statement in July 2025 (TechPowerUp) Bluetooth polling is 90Hz, per 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 comfortable, well-regarded wireless Alice board if you are prepared to relearn some keys. The 2025 chatter reports are the reason to buy from a recent batch. For a bigger Alice with a function row, see the V10 Max. |