Keychron K1 SE vs K3 Pro
Choose the K3 Pro for advanced programmability and a more compact layout, or the K1 SE for a larger 80% form factor with optional optical switches.
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from$122at Keychron (DE)
4.7 (54)4.7 · 54 reviews
from$67at Keychron
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K1 SE
Battery
Build quality in the top 45% of 80% boards under $150.
- Offers an 80% TKL layout with dedicated function row.
- Available with both low-profile Gateron mechanical and Keychron optical switch options.
- Features a larger 2000mAh battery capacity.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
- No numpad.
Get the
Keychron K3 Pro
QMK
Build quality in the top 15% of 75% boards under $100.
- Supports QMK and VIA firmware for extensive key remapping and macros.
- Specifies a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode for lower latency.
- Available in a wide variety of ISO and ANSI layouts for international users.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- No numpad.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you want the absolute deepest level of customization for keys and layers, the Keychron K3 Pro is the clear winner with its QMK/VIA support and high polling rate. If you prefer a more traditional TKL size, need the optional optical switches, or prioritize a larger battery, the Keychron K1 SE is a solid alternative, albeit with less software 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 SE
Keychron K3 Pro
Layout size
80%
75%
Battery
2,000 mAh
1,550 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Case material
Aluminum, Plastic
ABS, Aluminum, Plastic
QMK
No
Yes
The deep option when you want to remap every key
VIA
No
Yes
GUI remapping without compiling firmware
- Keychron K1 SE
- Keychron K3 Pro
- Performance
- 6681
- Build quality
- 6081
- Productivity
- 6779
- Customizability
- 7188
- Portability
- 7777
- Connection: Bluetooth, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Low profile
What will you mostly use it for?
The K3 Pro wins in more specialized categories, particularly for programming and modding due to its QMK/VIA support, and for travel due to its smaller size and known weight. It also has a slight edge for gaming with its specified high polling rate. The K1 SE is a contender for content creation and users who prefer a larger TKL layout with dedicated function keys. For general office use, both keyboards are equally capable.
Pick the Keychron K3 Pro
- The K3 Pro lists a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode, which the K1 SE vendor description does not specify.
- The K3 Pro's vendor page states its 1000 Hz polling rate is engineered for competitive gaming.
- The K3 Pro includes N-key rollover for both wireless and wired modes.
Keychron K1 SE vs K3 Pro specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
9 of 24 specs differ
Keychron K1 SE
Keychron K3 Pro
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
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 K1 SE
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Keychron K3 Pro
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
Out of stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
Out of 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 K1 SE vs K3 Pro: your questions
The Keychron K3 Pro has far superior software customization. It supports the open-source QMK firmware and the VIA configurator, allowing you to remap any key and create complex macros through the Keychron Launcher web app. The K1 SE does not offer support for QMK or VIA.
No, both keyboards are designed for low-profile switches only. The K1 SE vendor page explicitly states its hot-swap sockets are not compatible with normal profile MX-style mechanical switches. The K3 Pro is listed as compatible only with Gateron low-profile mechanical switches.
The Keychron K1 SE has a larger 2000mAh battery, while the K3 Pro has a 1550mAh battery. While actual battery life depends on usage and lighting, the K1 SE's larger capacity suggests it may require less frequent charging under similar conditions.
The Keychron K3 Pro has features aimed at gamers. Its vendor description states it has a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode, which is engineered for competitive gaming, and it includes N-key rollover. The K1 SE's vendor description does not specify a polling rate.
The Keychron K3 Pro is more portable. It has a compact 75% layout with dimensions of 306mm wide and a listed weight of 930g. The K1 SE has a larger 80% (TKL) layout, and while its exact dimensions and weight are not listed in the provided specs, a TKL is generally larger and less compact.
Yes. According to their vendor descriptions, both the Keychron K1 SE and the K3 Pro include keycaps for both Windows and macOS layouts, allowing you to switch between operating systems easily.
The K1 SE is available with low-profile Gateron mechanical switches or low-profile Keychron optical switches, according to its vendor page. Switch options include linear (Red), tactile (Brown, Banana, Mint), and clicky (Blue) variants.
The standard Keychron K3 Pro comes with low-profile double-shot PBT keycaps. The Black (Special Edition) model is equipped with dye-sublimated PBT keycaps. PBT is generally more durable and resistant to shine than ABS plastic.
Yes. The K3 Pro vendor description states it can connect to up to 3 devices wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.1, allowing for seamless switching between a laptop, phone, and tablet. The K1 SE also offers this multi-device Bluetooth connectivity.
The Keychron K3 Pro offers significantly more layout options. It is available in ANSI and numerous ISO layouts (like ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-FR). The K1 SE, according to the metadata, is only listed with an ANSI layout.
The K3 Pro's vendor description specifically mentions redesigned stabilizers for less wobble on large keys like the spacebar. The K1 SE vendor description does not provide details about its stabilizer design, so a direct comparison cannot be made.
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