KEEBD Corne V3 vs Corne V4DIY Kit vs Pre-Built Split Keyboard
Choose the Corne V3 for a customizable DIY project with RGB and screens, or the V4 for a ready-to-use pre-built board.
Which one should you get?
Get the
KEEBD Corne V3
DIY Kit
- Lower cost entry point for a Corne split keyboard.
- Includes components for per-key RGB lighting and OLED displays.
- Comes as a comprehensive DIY kit with FR4 plates, acrylic bottoms, and all necessary hardware.
- Requires significant assembly, including soldering diodes and sockets.
- Needs additional purchased components (controllers, switches, keycaps) to become functional.
- Lacks the convenience of a pre-built, ready-to-use keyboard.
Get the
KEEBD Corne V4
Pre-Built Split Keyboard
- Arrives fully assembled, requiring only switches and keycaps to be installed.
- Listing confirms it is a pre-built unit, saving build time and complexity.
- Includes rubber feet and a TRRS cable in the box.
- Significantly higher cost than the V3 kit.
- Lacks RGB lighting and OLED screens mentioned in the V3's listing.
- Offers less hands-on customization potential from the outset compared to a full kit.
Your choice depends entirely on your relationship with keyboard building. If you enjoy soldering, sourcing parts, and want the option for RGB and displays, the Corne V3 kit is the compelling, budget-friendly project. If you want the Corne layout without the DIY hassle and are willing to pay a premium for a pre-assembled board, the Corne V4 is the straightforward option. Consider the total cost, as the V3 requires additional purchases to become operational.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
KEEBD Corne V3
KEEBD Corne V4
Display
Yes
None
Backlight
RGB
None
Released
2021
2024
- KEEBD Corne V3
- KEEBD Corne V4
- Performance
- 4238
- Build quality
- 4541
- Productivity
- 4649
- Customizability
- 7449
- Portability
- 6467
- Hot-swappable
- Ergonomics: Split
What will you mostly use it for?
The V3 is the clear choice for modders and tinkerers due to its kit form and extensive optional add-ons like RGB. The V4 is better for travelers or those who want a finished product immediately. For standard use cases like gaming, office work, or programming, the core experience is similar, with the decision boiling down to whether you value the V3's extra features (OLED, RGB) against the V4's convenience and higher initial cost.
It's a tie
- Both share the same 42-key split layout, which is unconventional for most games.
- Both are hot-swappable, allowing for switch choice.
- The V3's per-key RGB, according to its listing, is an optional aesthetic addition not present on the V4.
KEEBD Corne V3 vs Corne V4 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
3 of 9 specs differ
KEEBD Corne V3
KEEBD Corne V4
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Case material
Plate material
Backlight
Released
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KEEBD Corne V3 vs Corne V4: your questions
The Corne V3 is a DIY kit that requires full assembly, including soldering. The Corne V4 is a pre-assembled hot-swap board that only needs switches and keycaps added. The V3 kit also includes parts for OLED screens and RGB lighting, which are not mentioned for the V4.
Yes. The KEEBD Corne V3 kit includes 42 Kailh hotswap sockets in its parts list. However, these sockets require soldering onto the PCB during the build process.
Yes. The Corne V4 product description states that switches and keycaps can be easily added to the hot swap sockets, indicating it is a hot-swappable keyboard.
According to the kit's 'Required to Complete' section, you need Pro Micro controllers, 42 MX switches, and 42 MX keycaps (40x 1u, 2x 1.5u). Optional items include headers for hot-swapping the controllers and displays, as well as LEDs for per-key RGB.
No. The Corne V4 listing specifies that the keyboard simply needs switches and keycaps added to the hot swap sockets, confirming they are not included.
The Corne V3 kit listing includes SK6812mini-E LEDs as an optional item for per-key RGB lighting. The Corne V4 listing does not mention any RGB lighting features.
The Corne V3 kit includes two acrylic OLED covers and two OLED displays in its parts list. The Corne V4 listing does not mention OLED screens.
The product listing for the Corne V4 does not mention wireless or Bluetooth connectivity. It includes a TRRS cable for connecting the two halves.
Both keyboards are based on the Corne design with 3x6 column staggered keys and 3 thumb keys per half, totaling 42 keys. The V4 listing also mentions support for an additional two switches or encoders on each side in certain layouts.
Vendor reviews for the V3 kit mention it being a 'Great Kit for first build' and that assembly was fun, though one reviewer noted it was difficult and took over 10 hours due to inexperience. It requires soldering SMD diodes and sockets.
According to its listing, the Corne V4 offers Regular (3x6), Regular (3x6+2), and Mini (3x5+2) layouts. The '+2' refers to support for two additional switches or encoders on the top left of each half.
The Corne V4 is likely more portable for immediate use as it is a single, pre-assembled unit. The Corne V3, as a kit with many loose components like screws, standoffs, and separate plates, is less convenient to transport until fully built.
Not sold on either?
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