Keychron K1 Pro vs K3Which Ultra-Slim to Pick?
Choose the K1 Pro if QMK customization matters, or the K3 if you prefer a more compact footprint and a lower entry price.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K1 Pro
Battery
- Full QMK and VIA support for complete key remapping and macro creation.
- Larger 2000mAh battery for extended wireless use between charges.
- 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode, as confirmed by the vendor.
- 80% layout is larger than the K3's 75%, making it less portable.
- No dust cover or switch puller included in the box, as per the package content list.
- Lower portability score due to its larger size and heavier weight (580g).
Get the
Keychron K3
- More compact 75% layout reduces desk space usage and improves portability.
- Includes a dust cover and a switch puller for the optical version in the box.
- Vendor describes it as one of the thinnest and lightest wireless mechanical keyboards.
- No QMK or VIA support, limiting software customization options.
- Optical switch version is not compatible with standard MX mechanical switches.
- Smaller 1550mAh battery compared to the K1 Pro's 2000mAh.
The Keychron K1 Pro is the better choice for users who prioritize deep customization through QMK/VIA, a larger battery, and a higher wired polling rate for gaming. The Keychron K3 is a solid alternative if you prefer a smaller, more travel-friendly form factor and are working with a tighter budget. For most users seeking a versatile low-profile keyboard, the K1 Pro offers more long-term value and flexibility.
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 K1 Pro
Keychron K3
Layout size
80%
75%
Battery
2,000 mAh
1,550 mAh
Case material
ABS, Aluminum, Plastic
ABS, Aluminum
Mount style
Tray Mount
Plate Mount
QMK
Yes
No
- Keychron K1 Pro
- Keychron K3
- Performance
- 8164
- Build quality
- 8061
- Productivity
- 8065
- Customizability
- 8869
- Portability
- 7380
- Connection: Bluetooth, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Low profile
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
- Keycaps: ABS, PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The Keychron K1 Pro wins in most productivity and customization-focused categories. Its QMK/VIA support, larger battery, and higher polling rate make it the stronger choice for gaming, programming, office, modding, and content creation. The K3 takes the edge for travel due to its smaller 75% footprint and included dust cover. For users who need deep software control and a robust feature set, the K1 Pro is clearly more capable, while the K3 is the go-to for maximum portability.
Pick the Keychron K1 Pro
- K1 Pro has a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode, as stated by the vendor.
- K1 Pro's wireless polling rate is 90 Hz, while K3 polling rates are not provided.
- K1 Pro supports N-Key Rollover over both wireless and wired connections.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron K1 Pro
5 owner reviews
“I realy like this keyboard. I feel is harder to make typos compared to the K3 v2. I decided to go with the K1 Pro instead of the K3 Pro and it's going to to take time to adjust to the new layout, but the feeling and shape of the keys is definitely better.”
Keychron K3
No owner reviews collected yet.
Keychron K1 Pro vs K3 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
9 of 25 specs differ
Keychron K1 Pro
Keychron K3
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
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
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Keychron K1 Pro vs K3: your questions
Yes, the vendor description confirms the K1 Pro supports VIA, allowing you to remap keys and create macros using the Keychron Launcher web app. This feature is available through a wired connection using Chrome, Opera, or Edge browsers.
No, the provided data for the K3 does not mention any support for QMK or VIA firmware. It relies on hardware-based customization through its hot-swappable optical switches and pre-programmed functions.
The K3 is designed for low-profile Keychron Optical switches. The vendor states that the optical switch version is not compatible with any conventional MX-style mechanical switch, which likely includes Gateron low-profile switches.
The K1 Pro has a larger 2000mAh battery compared to the K3's 1550mAh battery. While actual runtime depends on usage and backlight settings, the K1 Pro's higher capacity suggests it should last longer between charges.
Yes, the vendor specifies that the K1 Pro comes with low-profile double-shot PBT keycaps. These are designed to be durable and resistant to oil, which helps prevent the letters from wearing off over time.
The vendor lists the polling rate for the K1 Pro as 90 Hz in wireless mode. This is lower than the 1000 Hz polling rate available in wired mode, which is better suited for competitive gaming.
Yes, the K3 vendor description states that it includes 17 extra keycaps, providing the necessary keycaps to switch between macOS and Windows operating systems. The keyboard comes with Mac keycaps pre-installed.
The K3 has a more compact 75% layout and is advertised by the vendor as one of the thinnest and lightest wireless mechanical keyboards. It also includes a dust cover, making it the more portable option between the two.
A hot-swappable version of the K1 Pro is available. The vendor confirms this version allows you to change Gateron low-profile mechanical switches without soldering, but only low-profile Gateron switches are compatible.
The K1 Pro has redesigned stabilizers, as per the vendor description, which are intended to reduce wobble on large keys like the space bar, left Shift, backspace, and Enter key. This aims to improve typing stability.
Yes, the metadata shows the K1 Pro supports an ANSI layout among other international options. The vendor specification lists it as an 87-key keyboard with an ANSI layout.
Yes, the metadata specifies that the K3 uses a plate mount style, as opposed to the K1 Pro's tray mount. The K3's switch plate is made of plastic, which may affect the feel and sound of the typing experience.
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