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Compare Keychron K1 SE vs K3 V3 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 hot-swap capability, multi-device Bluetooth, and low-profile switches, but diverge significantly in layout, firmware support, and internal construction. Your decision will hinge on whether you prioritize a more compact, programmable board or a slightly larger one with extended battery life.

66
Keychron K1 SE Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (US ANSI Layout)
83
Keychron K3 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 3

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  • Released in 2021
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear switch options
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Connects via USB-C
  • Equipped with a 2000 mAh battery
  • Made with a Aluminum, Plastic case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White RGB lighting
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-SW, ISO-Nordic layout standard
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Uses a Top Mount mounting style
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • 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 PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 66.1
  • Build Quality: 60.4
  • Productivity: 66.5
  • Customizability: 71.6
  • Portability: 77.1
Scores
  • Performance: 81.8
  • Build Quality: 81.8
  • Productivity: 70.3
  • Customizability: 90
  • Portability: 74.6
Name
Keychron K1 SE
Name
Keychron K3 V3
Release year
2021
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Low Profile
Profile
Low Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-SW, ISO-Nordic
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
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
-
Mount Style
Top Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, White
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, North-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum, Plastic
Case Material
ABS, Aluminum
Keycaps Material
-
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
19 x 306 x 116 mm
Weight
-
Weight
540g
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Pros and Trade-offs

The Keychron K3 V3 is the more versatile and feature-rich keyboard for most users, especially those interested in customization, a compact form factor, or specific international layouts. Choose the Keychron K1 SE if your priority is a larger battery life and you prefer an 80% layout with dedicated navigation keys, and do not require advanced firmware programming.

Keychron K1 SE

  • +Larger 2000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
  • +80% layout provides dedicated navigation cluster.
  • +Vendor description mentions a reinforced aluminum top case with a steel plate for structure.
  • +Offers both Gateron mechanical and Keychron optical low-profile switch options.
  • −Polling rate is not specified in the provided information.
  • −Only available in ANSI layout, lacking ISO options.
  • −No mention of advanced firmware support like QMK or VIA.
  • −Internal acoustic foaming details are not described.

Keychron K3 V3

  • +Supports QMK and VIA firmware for extensive programmability.
  • +More compact 75% layout (84 keys) and lighter weight (540g).
  • +Includes multiple internal foam layers (IXPE, EPDM, latex) for sound dampening.
  • +Offers multiple ISO layout options (UK, DE, Swiss, Nordic).
  • +Specifies a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode.
  • −Smaller 1550mAh battery compared to the K1 SE.
  • −Vendor notes that QMK does not support low-profile optical switches, limiting hot-swap options for that switch type.
  • −The compact layout lacks dedicated navigation keys.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The K3 V3 is the stronger choice for gaming, programming, travel, and modding due to its specified polling rate, QMK/VIA support, compact size, and detailed modding features. The K1 SE takes a slight edge for content creation primarily due to its larger battery capacity. For general office use, both keyboards are equally capable with their shared low-profile, wireless, and multi-OS features.

GamingKeychron K3 V3
  • •The K3 V3 lists a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode for potentially lower latency.
  • •Its vendor description mentions a 90 Hz polling rate in wireless mode, which may offer more consistent performance.
  • •The K1 SE's description does not specify a polling rate.
OfficeTie
  • •Both offer Bluetooth connectivity for up to 3 devices and include Mac/Windows keycaps.
  • •Both have low-profile switches and adjustable typing angles for ergonomic comfort.
  • •Both feature multimedia keys for productivity.
ProgrammingKeychron K3 V3
  • •The K3 V3 supports QMK and VIA firmware for deep key remapping and macro programming.
  • •Its vendor page mentions a web-based Launcher app for easy customization across platforms.
  • •It offers multiple ISO layout options (UK, DE, Swiss, Nordic) which may be preferable for international programmers.
TravelKeychron K3 V3
  • •The K3 V3 has a more compact 75% layout (84 keys) compared to the K1 SE's 80% layout.
  • •It is lighter, listed at 540g, while the K1 SE's weight is not specified.
  • •Its smaller dimensions (306mm width) may fit more easily in bags.
ModdingKeychron K3 V3
  • •The K3 V3 supports QMK/VIA, allowing for extensive firmware-level customization.
  • •Its description details multiple internal foam layers (IXPE, EPDM, latex) for acoustic tuning.
  • •It uses a top mount and PCB mount style, and its vendor page mentions redesigned stabilizers.
  • •It offers PBT keycap options in addition to ABS.
Content CreationKeychron K1 SE
  • •The K1 SE has a larger 2000mAh battery compared to the K3 V3's 1550mAh, potentially offering longer wireless use.
  • •Its 80% layout retains dedicated navigation keys which can be useful for timeline scrubbing.
  • •The vendor description highlights 18 types of RGB backlight effects for visual customization.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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