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Pick two boards from the directory and see how they differ.
Shaded rows are where they differ.
| Spec |  Keychron Keychron V5 8K $85 “Wired 96% with 8000Hz polling, a steel plate and a knob” |  Keychron Keychron V3 $60–$70 “QMK support under $100 is absurd” Budget King |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $85 | $60–$70 |
| Size , different | 96% | TKL |
| Type | Pre-built | Pre-built |
| Connectivity | Wired | Wired |
| Released , different | 2026 | 2022 |
| Mounting | Tray Mount | Tray Mount |
| Case , different | Plastic | ABS Plastic |
| Colors , different | Black | Frosted Black, Carbon Black |
| Weight , different | 1080 g ± 10 g | 966g |
| Dimensions , different | 142.3 x 388.87 mm | 359 x 138.5 x 31mm |
| Typing angle , different | Not listed | 5.2° |
| Front height , different | Not listed | 22mm |
| Switches | Mechanical | Mechanical |
| Profile | Standard | Standard |
| Keycaps , different | Double-shot PBT | Double-shot PBT, OSA Profile |
| PCB , different | Hot-swap | Hot-swap, South-facing RGB |
| Plates | Steel | Steel |
| Compatible switches , different | MX-style | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin |
| Software , different | QMK, Keychron Launcher | QMK, VIA |
| NKRO | Yes | Yes |
| RGB | Yes | Yes |
| Features , different | 96% layout, Wired, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA, Knob | QMK/VIA, 80% TKL with Knob, Hot-swap, Screw-in Stabs, Double-shot PBT, South-facing LEDs, 1000Hz Polling |
| Good for , different | Wired gamers who want 8000Hz with a numpad People who prefer a stiff, stable feel QMK users who want a knob | 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 |
| Skip if , different | Anyone who wants wireless Buyers who want a soft gasket feel Players who only need 1000Hz and do not want to pay for the 8K version | 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 |
| Pros , different | 8000Hz polling over wired USB-C, with QMK and the Launcher web app Steel plate and tray mount for a firm feel (Keychron's spec page) 96% layout with a numpad, arrows and a knob Hot-swap sockets for Keychron Super or other 3-pin and 5-pin switches Screw-in PCB stabilizers OSA double-shot PBT keycaps with Mac and Windows legends | 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 |
| Cons , different | Wired only 1080 g (Keychron's figure) is heavy and a tray mount with a steel plate has little flex The 96% layout drops dedicated PgUp, PgDn and context-menu keys (Mortensen, on the original V5) South-facing LEDs can glare at higher brightness (Mortensen, on the original V5) No independent review of this model was found | 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 |
| Research take , different | A wired 96% with 8000Hz polling and a firm tray-mount feel. Evidence is limited to Keychron's specs and sibling reviews, so look for owner reports. The V5 Max or V5 Ultra 8K are the options if you want wireless. | 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. |