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Compare Keychron K1 Pro vs K3 QMK V3 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers seeking a low-profile wireless mechanical keyboard who are torn between the Keychron K1 Pro and the Keychron K3 QMK V3. Both offer QMK firmware, hot-swappable switches, and Bluetooth connectivity, but they differ in layout size and keycap material. The K1 Pro features a tenkeyless 80% layout with double-shot PBT keycaps, while the K3 QMK V3 has a more compact 75% layout with shine-through ABS keycaps and enhanced acoustic foam. The decision ultimately comes down to whether you prioritize typing feel and keycap durability or a smaller footprint and quieter typing experience.

86
Keychron K1 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
77
Keychron K3 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 3

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5.0 (10)
0.0 (0)
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, JIS, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, ANSI layout standard
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Equipped with a 2000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 580 g
  • Sized at 8 x 346 x 119 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Plastic, ABS, case
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face, White, White North-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Tactile, Linear switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ANSI layout standard
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Uses a Plate Mount mounting style
  • Equipped with a 1550 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 540 g
  • Sized at 19 x 306 x 116 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Aluminum case
  • Features ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 81.2
  • Build Quality: 79.9
  • Productivity: 79.9
  • Customizability: 89.3
  • Portability: 73.1
Scores
  • Performance: 84.6
  • Build Quality: 71.2
  • Productivity: 73.9
  • Customizability: 79.2
  • Portability: 77.7
Name
Keychron K1 Pro
Name
Keychron K3 QMK V3
Release year
2023
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear
Profile
Low Profile
Profile
Low Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, JIS, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
2000 mAh
Battery capacity
1550 mAh
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Tray Mount
Mount Style
Plate Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face, White
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum, Plastic, ABS,
Case Material
ABS, Aluminum
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Keycaps Material
ABS
Dimensions
8 x 346 x 119 mm
Dimensions
19 x 306 x 116 mm
Weight
580g
Weight
540g
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Pros and Trade-offs

If you prioritize keycap durability and a traditional tenkeyless layout for productivity, the K1 Pro with its PBT keycaps and larger battery is the better choice. If you value a quieter, more compact keyboard for travel or a smaller desk, the K3 QMK V3 with acoustic foam and a lighter build is worth considering. Both are excellent low-profile keyboards, but your layout preference and desire for PBT vs. ABS keycaps will be the deciding factors.

Keychron K1 Pro

  • +Double-shot PBT keycaps for long-lasting oil resistance and durability.
  • +80% tenkeyless layout with dedicated navigation keys for productivity.
  • +VIA support alongside QMK for easier key remapping without coding.
  • +Higher build quality score with aluminum frame construction.
  • +Larger 2000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
  • −Heavier at 580g, making it less portable than the K3 QMK V3.
  • −Only compatible with Gateron low-profile mechanical switches, limiting switch options.
  • −Lacks the enhanced acoustic foam found in the K3 QMK V3.

Keychron K3 QMK V3

  • +More compact 75% layout saves desk space and improves portability.
  • +Enhanced acoustic foam (IXPE, EPDM, latex) for a quieter typing experience.
  • +Newer Bluetooth 5.2 connection for potentially improved wireless stability.
  • +Pre-lubed Keychron Low-Profile 2.0 switches for smoother keystrokes out of the box.
  • −ABS keycaps may develop shine over time with heavy use.
  • −Lower build quality score compared to the K1 Pro.
  • −Smaller 1550mAh battery results in shorter wireless runtime.
  • −Limited to Keychron low-profile mechanical switches, reducing aftermarket options.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

For office and programming use, the K1 Pro's larger layout and durable PBT keycaps give it an edge. Travelers will prefer the K3 QMK V3 for its lighter weight and smaller footprint. Gamers and content creators can choose either based on their layout preference, as both deliver similar wired performance and QMK customization. Modders will appreciate the K1 Pro's higher customizability score and VIA support.

GamingTie
  • •Both offer a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode, suitable for competitive gaming.
  • •Both support N-Key Rollover over USB and Bluetooth for reliable input.
  • •The K3 QMK V3 has a slightly higher performance score, but the difference is marginal.
OfficeKeychron K1 Pro
  • •The K1 Pro uses double-shot PBT keycaps which are more oil-resistant and durable for heavy daily use.
  • •Its 80% layout provides dedicated arrow keys and a full navigation cluster, helpful for spreadsheet work.
  • •The K1 Pro offers a higher productivity score, indicating better layout and feature suitability for office tasks.
ProgrammingKeychron K1 Pro
  • •The K1 Pro's PBT keycaps resist shine and wear better over long coding sessions.
  • •More layout options (ANSI and multiple ISO variants) allow programmers to choose their preferred key arrangement.
  • •A larger 80% layout gives extra keys for macros or shortcuts without requiring layers.
TravelKeychron K3 QMK V3
  • •The K3 QMK V3 is lighter at 540g compared to the K1 Pro's 580g.
  • •Its 75% layout is more compact, saving space in a bag.
  • •The K3 QMK V3 has a higher portability score, reflecting its smaller dimensions and lower weight.
ModdingKeychron K1 Pro
  • •The K1 Pro has a higher customizability score, supported by its wider switch compatibility with Gateron low-profile mechanical switches.
  • •Availability of PBT keycap sets and hot-swappable PCB make it more mod-friendly.
  • •The K1 Pro includes VIA support in addition to QMK, offering more firmware flexibility.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both keyboards offer QMK firmware for custom macros and shortcuts, beneficial for video editing or design workflows.
  • •Both include 12 multimedia keys for quick access to media controls.
  • •The choice depends on whether the creator prefers a larger layout (K1 Pro) or a more compact desk setup (K3 QMK V3).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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