Keychron
Keychron Q3
Released 2022
Researched from maker specs and published sources. Last checked Oct 18, 2026.
Wired 80% TKL aluminum Q with a steel plate
A wired 80% tenkeyless in CNC aluminum, about 2 kg, with a steel plate, double gasket, QMK/VIA and an optional knob. Reviewers liked the value; Windows Central found the stock damping weaker than pricier boards.
Sources
Our take, based on research
A well-regarded wired TKL: solid metal, gasket feel and QMK/VIA. Reviewers flagged price, lack of wireless and modest stock dampening. Choose it if a cable is fine; otherwise compare the Q3 Max or Q3 Pro.
Overview
The Q3 is the tenkeyless Q: an 80% layout with arrow cluster and navigation keys in a full CNC aluminum case with steel plate, gasket mount, hot-swap sockets, optional knob and QMK with the Keychron Launcher. Keychron lists Gateron G Pro switches on the assembled version, normal-profile double-shot PBT keycaps and 2,000 g. It is wired only, and Keychron's page now points to the Q3 HE 8K and Q3 Ultra 8K as newer versions.
iMore described a hefty 6063 aluminum body of over four pounds and a double-gasket design that gave a thocky sound with little metallic ping, but listed price, no wireless and no number pad as its cons. Windows Central rated it a good starting point for customization with solid build, gasket mounting and QMK support, and named the knob position and weaker dampening as its drawbacks; it said the noise is far better than many keyboards but more noticeable than on pricier custom boards, and easy to improve with aftermarket mods.
It suits a fixed desk that wants a full arrow and navigation block without a numpad.
Pros & Cons
- 80% layout keeps arrows, navigation block and function row without a numpad
- Full CNC aluminum case with steel plate and gasket mount, 2,000 g per Keychron
- iMore described a thocky sound with little metallic ping from the double-gasket design
- QMK/VIA plus the Keychron Launcher for remapping, macros and RGB
- Hot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches
- Windows Central called it great value for a customizable board
- Wired only (iMore)
- Windows Central found the stock dampening weaker than on more expensive custom boards
- Windows Central did not like where the knob sits
- Very heavy for an 80% board; iMore put it over four pounds
- Keychron's site also shows the Q3 HE 8K and Q3 Ultra 8K as newer versions
Who Is This For?
- Typists who want a tenkeyless layout with a premium metal body
- First-time modders who want hot-swap and QMK/VIA without wireless
- Mac and Windows users who want a quiet-ish, gasket-style feel
- Anyone who needs Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz
- Users who need a number pad
- People who want a perfectly damped sound without modding
Where to Buy
Dimensions
TKL
Weight
2000 g ± 10g (fully assembled)
Case Material
Aluminum
Connectivity
Wired
Plate Options
Case Colors
Software Support
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