Keychron C3 HE vs K2 HEFull-Size or Wireless
Choose the C3 HE for its full-size layout and wired simplicity, or the K2 HE for wireless connectivity and a more compact 75% layout.
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from$89at Keychron
4.8 (49)4.8 · 49 reviews
from$129at Keychron
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron C3 HE
Build quality in the top 10% of 100% boards under $100.
- 100% ANSI layout includes a numpad.
- Gasket mount, steel plate, and sound dampening are listed in the product metadata.
- Supports QMK and VIA, with key remapping and macros through Keychron Launcher.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
Get the
Keychron K2 HE
Build quality in the top 5% of 75% boards under $150.
- 75% layout with Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connectivity.
- 4000 mAh battery, with vendor-listed wireless use up to 110 hours.
- Aluminum plate and aluminum case option, with a wood-accented Special Edition also available.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- No numpad.
Pick the C3 HE if a full-size ANSI keyboard and numpad matter more than wireless use. Choose the K2 HE if you want a smaller layout, multiple connection options, and a battery-powered setup. Both share magnetic-switch gaming features, QMK, and VIA, so prioritize layout and connectivity.
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 C3 HE
Keychron K2 HE
Layout size
100%
75%
Connection
Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Case material
Plastic
ABS, Aluminum, Resin, Wood
Switch options
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Linear, Magnetic
Mount style
Gasket Mount
Plate Mount, Tray Mount
- Keychron C3 HE
- Keychron K2 HE
- Performance
- 8893
- Build quality
- 8391
- Productivity
- 9597
- Customizability
- 9298
- Portability
- 4681
- Hall effect (magnetic)
- Rapid trigger
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- QMK
- VIA
What will you mostly use it for?
The K2 HE has the edge for gaming flexibility and travel, thanks to wireless connectivity and its smaller layout. It also suits buyers who want a choice of case materials or a DIY kit option. The C3 HE remains a practical fit for users who need a full-size layout, especially for number entry. Programming is a close call because both offer QMK, VIA, remapping, and macros.
Pick the Keychron K2 HE
- Both offer Hall Effect switches, Rapid Trigger, adjustable actuation, and a 1000 Hz wired polling rate.
- The K2 HE also supports 2.4 GHz wireless at 1000 Hz, plus Dynamic Keystrokes and Analog Mode.
- The C3 HE's full-size layout may suit players who also want a numpad.
Keychron C3 HE vs K2 HE specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
13 of 29 specs differ
Keychron C3 HE
Keychron K2 HE
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Rapid trigger
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Keychron C3 HE
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Keychron K2 HE
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-CH
In stockShips to you
Input Gear
ISO-DE
Out of stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-CH
In stockDoes not ship to you
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Keychron C3 HE vs K2 HE: your questions
The C3 HE is a 100% wired keyboard, while the K2 HE has a 75% layout and supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connections. The C3 HE includes a numpad, which the K2 HE does not.
Yes. The K2 HE supports Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless, as well as a wired connection. Its Bluetooth mode can connect to up to three devices.
No. The C3 HE is listed as wired only. Its vendor description specifies a USB-C connection.
The C3 HE's 100% layout includes a numpad. The K2 HE uses a 75% layout and its compatibility rules specify that it has no numpad.
No. Both keyboards are limited to magnetic switches, and standard MX switches will not fit. The K2 HE's compatible magnetic switch options depend on its switch version.
Yes. The C3 HE supports adjustable actuation from 0.1 to 3.35 mm, according to its vendor description. The K2 HE's vendor listing gives a 0.2 to 3.8 mm range.
Both list Hall Effect switches, Rapid Trigger, and adjustable actuation, and both have a 1000 Hz wired polling rate. The K2 HE adds 2.4 GHz wireless at 1000 Hz and offers Dynamic Keystrokes and Analog Mode.
Yes. Both list QMK and VIA support, and their vendor descriptions specify Keychron Launcher for key remapping and macros. The vendor descriptions say to connect the keyboards in wired mode when using Launcher.
Keychron lists the K2 HE battery as 4000 mAh and its wireless working time as up to 110 hours. The vendor notes that actual use can affect battery life.
Both keyboards have north-facing LEDs, and their compatibility rules warn that Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing. The C3 HE vendor listing also describes its included keycaps as Cherry profile, so check fit before changing keycaps.
Yes. The product metadata lists ISO variants including UK, DE, ES, FR, CH, and Nordic, as well as ANSI and JIS. The C3 HE is listed as ANSI only.
The K2 HE is the more travel-oriented choice because it has a 75% layout and supports wireless use. The C3 HE has a full-size layout and requires a wired connection.
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