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 |  MonsGeek MonsGeek M3 $110–$116 “Aluminum TKL, barebone price” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $60–$70 | $110–$116 |
| Size | TKL | TKL |
| Type , different | Pre-built | Barebones |
| Connectivity | Wired | Wired |
| Released , different | 2022 | 2023 |
| Mounting , different | Tray Mount | Gasket |
| Case , different | ABS Plastic | Aluminum |
| Colors , different | Frosted Black, Carbon Black | Black, Silver, Purple |
| Weight , different | 966g | About 1950g barebone |
| Dimensions , different | 359 x 138.5 x 31mm | 366 x 146 x 34mm |
| Typing angle , different | 5.2° | Not listed |
| Front height , different | 22mm | 34mm case height |
| Switches | Mechanical | Mechanical |
| Profile | Standard | Standard |
| Keycaps , different | Double-shot PBT, OSA Profile | Not included |
| PCB , different | Hot-swap, South-facing RGB | Hot-swap, south-facing RGB, 1.2mm |
| Plates , different | Steel | PC |
| Compatible switches , different | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin | MX-style 5-pin |
| Software | QMK, VIA | QMK, VIA |
| NKRO | Yes | Yes |
| RGB | Yes | Yes |
| Features , different | QMK/VIA, 80% TKL with Knob, Hot-swap, Screw-in Stabs, Double-shot PBT, South-facing LEDs, 1000Hz Polling | Aluminum TKL, Gasket mount, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA, PC plate, RGB |
| 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 | First-time builders who want a metal TKL VIA users who like a heavy wired board Desk keyboards that stay put |
| 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 | Wireless users Buyers who want a finished board People who want slim bezels |
| 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 | Aluminum TKL with gasket mount and a polycarbonate plate QMK/VIA firmware on the international edition South-facing 5-pin hot-swap PCB Screw-in stabilizers and extra foam in the box A Korean owner reported about 2 kg and no case hollowness (2023) |
| 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 Barebone: switches and keycaps are extra, and stabilizers need assembling Large bezels (Clien owner post) Only an older single owner post found; no professional review Does not support MonsGeek's driver, so the QMK/VIA edition is the one to buy |
| 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 plain, solid TKL kit. Only light independent evidence exists, so treat the sound as unverified. |