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Compare Keychron K1 SE V5 vs K3 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two of Keychron's popular low-profile wireless keyboards. The choice is difficult because both share core features like Bluetooth 5.1, hot-swappable low-profile switches, and multi-device compatibility. The decision ultimately hinges on your preferred layout size, need for specific accessories, and how you prioritize battery capacity versus portability.

69
Keychron K1 SE Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (Version 5)
65
Keychron K3 Ultra-slim Wireless Mechanical Keyboard FR-ISO Layout

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2.4 (166)
0.0 (0)
  • Released in 2021
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, JIS layout standard
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Equipped with a 2000 mAh battery
  • Made with a Aluminum, Plastic case
  • Features ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ISO-FR, ISO, ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a Plate Mount mounting style
  • Equipped with a 1550 mAh battery
  • Made with a Aluminum, ABS case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 64.3
  • Build Quality: 67.8
  • Productivity: 68.4
  • Customizability: 70.9
  • Portability: 74
Scores
  • Performance: 62.8
  • Build Quality: 61.7
  • Productivity: 66.7
  • Customizability: 69.5
  • Portability: 78.2
Name
Keychron K1 SE V5
Name
Keychron K3
Release year
2021
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Profile
Low Profile
Profile
Low Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI, JIS
Layout Standard
ISO-FR, ISO, 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
-
Polling Rate
-
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, White, North-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, North-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum, Plastic
Case Material
Aluminum, ABS
Keycaps Material
ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
-
Weight
-
Weight
-
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Pros and Trade-offs

Select the Keychron K1 SE V5 if you value a larger key layout and longer battery life for extended typing sessions. Opt for the Keychron K3 if your priority is a more portable, compact keyboard that comes with useful modding accessories like extra keycaps and a dust cover right out of the box.

Keychron K1 SE V5

  • +Larger 2000mAh rechargeable battery for extended wireless use.
  • +80% layout retains more keys than a 75% board.
  • +Vendor claims a reinforced aluminum top case with a steel plate for structure.
  • +Offers both Gateron mechanical and Keychron optical low-profile hot-swappable switches.
  • −No mention of included extra keycaps or a dust cover.
  • −Package content lists only a keycap puller, not a switch puller.
  • −Some user reviews mention unstable Bluetooth connectivity.

Keychron K3

  • +More compact 75% layout for a smaller desk footprint.
  • +Includes 17 extra keycaps, a keycap puller, a switch puller, and a dust cover.
  • +Vendor describes it as ultra-slim and lightweight with a streamlined aluminum body.
  • +Offers a fixed 6-degree typing angle.
  • −Smaller 1550mAh battery compared to the K1 SE V5.
  • −Vendor page states its hot-swappable feature is for optical switches only.
  • −No user reviews are available to gauge real-world experience.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The K1 SE V5 wins for programming and content creation due to its larger layout and battery. The K3 is the better choice for travel and modding, thanks to its compact form factor and included accessories like extra keycaps and a dust cover. For gaming and office use, the keyboards are closely matched, sharing core wireless and compatibility features.

GamingTie
  • •Both offer low-profile switches with linear, tactile, and clicky options.
  • •Both support a wired USB-C connection for a stable link.
  • •The K1 SE V5 vendor page mentions 0.2 ms ultra-low latency for its optical switches, a claim not made for the K3.
OfficeTie
  • •Both are compatible with Mac and Windows systems.
  • •Both feature multi-media keys and Bluetooth for connecting to multiple devices.
  • •Both have adjustable rubber feet for ergonomic typing angles.
ProgrammingKeychron K1 SE V5
  • •The K1 SE V5 has an 80% layout, which typically retains more navigation keys than a 75% board.
  • •Its larger 2000mAh battery may require less frequent charging during long coding sessions.
  • •The vendor description for the K1 SE V5 specifically mentions boosting productivity.
TravelKeychron K3
  • •The K3 has a more compact 75% layout for a smaller footprint.
  • •Its vendor page highlights it as one of the thinnest and lightweight wireless mechanical keyboards.
  • •The K3 includes a dust cover in the box, which is not mentioned for the K1 SE V5.
ModdingKeychron K3
  • •The K3 includes both a keycap puller and a switch puller in the box.
  • •The K3 comes with 17 extra keycaps, according to its vendor description.
  • •Both boards offer hot-swappable versions for their respective low-profile switches.
Content CreationKeychron K1 SE V5
  • •The K1 SE V5's 80% layout provides dedicated function keys which can be useful for shortcut-heavy software.
  • •The larger 2000mAh battery supports longer wireless use during extended creative work.
  • •Its vendor description mentions 18 types of RGB backlight effects for customizable aesthetics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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