Keychron B35 vs B36Compact 96% vs Full-Size Layout Choice
Choose the B35 for a space-saving 96% layout or the B36 for a full-size layout with a dedicated number pad and low-profile design.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron B35
Compact 96%
Build quality in the bottom 15% of 96% boards under $100.
- More compact 96% layout saves desk space.
- Lighter weight at 510 grams.
- Shares the same tri-mode connectivity and 1000 Hz polling rate as the B36.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
- Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.
Get the
Keychron B36
Full-Size Layout Choice
Build quality in the bottom 25% of 100% boards under $100.
- Full-size 100% layout includes a dedicated number pad.
- Offers a low-profile ergonomic design option.
- Includes sound dampening according to its feature list.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
Your desk space and need for a number pad are the deciding factors. Opt for the Keychron B35 if you want a more portable, space-efficient board. Choose the Keychron B36 if you require a full-size layout for data entry, prefer a low-profile typing angle, or want RGB backlighting.
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.
Keychron B35
Keychron B36
Layout size
96%
100%
Low profile
No
Yes
Weight
510 g
650 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
Sound dampening
No
Yes
Backlight
None
Yes, north-facing
RGB for looks and low light rather than speed
- Keychron B35
- Keychron B36
- Performance
- 6055
- Build quality
- 4448
- Productivity
- 7180
- Customizability
- 5054
- Portability
- 5353
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Battery: 800 mAh
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Case material: ABS, Plastic
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
- Keycaps: ABS
What will you mostly use it for?
The B36 wins for office and content creation due to its full-size layout with number pad and stated sound dampening. The B35 is better for gaming and travel because of its more compact, lighter form factor. For programming and modding, the keyboards tie, as they share identical software customization and hardware limitations, leaving the choice to layout preference.
Pick the Keychron B35
- The B35's 96% layout offers more mouse space on a desk.
- Both share the same 1000 Hz polling rate for responsive 2.4 GHz wireless.
- The lighter 510g weight may be easier to reposition.
Keychron B35 vs B36 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
8 of 21 specs differ
Keychron B35
Keychron B36
Switch options
Low profile
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Keychron B35 vs B36: your questions
The main difference is the layout size. The B35 uses a 96% layout that condenses the number pad, while the B36 is a standard 100% full-size keyboard with a dedicated number pad. The B36 also lists low-profile ergonomics and sound dampening as features.
No. The specification sheet for the Keychron B35 explicitly states it is not hot-swappable. There is no evidence to suggest the B36 is hot-swappable either, as this feature is not mentioned in its description.
Yes. Both the B35 and B36 offer tri-mode connectivity, supporting 2.4 GHz wireless with a 1000 Hz polling rate, Bluetooth 5.2, and a wired USB-C connection. Both include a magnetic storage slot for the 2.4 GHz receiver.
The Keychron B35 is better for a small desk. It has a significantly shorter length (381mm) compared to the B36 (437mm), freeing up valuable space for your mouse. Its 96% layout removes the number pad while keeping most navigation keys.
Yes. The metadata for the Keychron B36 specifies it has north-face RGB backlighting. The Keychron B35, in contrast, is listed as having no RGB backlighting.
Yes. Both keyboards are fully programmable using the Keychron Launcher, a web-based app. This allows for key remapping, macro creation, and setting shortcuts without needing installed software, and it works across Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Both keyboards use a scissor-switch mechanism, not traditional mechanical switches. Keychron states these are pre-lubed for a silent and smooth typing experience and are 59% taller than standard scissor switches for more stability.
Both keyboards are equipped with an 800mAh rechargeable battery. Keychron's product description for both models claims this can provide up to 320 hours of continuous use on a single charge, though actual results will vary with usage.
Both feature silent, pre-lubed typing, but the Keychron B36 has a potential advantage. Its listed extra features include 'sound dampening,' which the B35's listing does not mention, suggesting it may be even quieter.
Yes. Both keyboards have a physical system toggle to switch between Windows and macOS layouts. Furthermore, the Keychron Launcher web app supports configuration for both operating systems, as well as Linux.
According to the vendor specs, both keyboards offer adjustable typing angles. The B35 lists angles of 5°, 6.5°, and 9°. The B36 lists the same adjustable angles and is also described as having a 'low profile' ergonomic option in its metadata.
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