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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

Keychron K1 SE vs K3 V3

Choose the K3 V3 for advanced firmware and a compact layout, or the K1 SE for a larger form factor and bigger battery.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Keychron K1 SE

Battery

Build quality in the top 45% of 80% boards under $150.

If you want

  • 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.

Rules this board out

  • 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 V3

QMK

Build quality in the top 10% of 75% boards under $100.

If you want

  • 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.

Rules this board out

  • Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
  • North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
  • No numpad.

Bottom line

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.

What actually differs

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 V3

  • 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

  • QMK

    No

    Yes

    The deep option when you want to remap every key

  • VIA

    No

    Yes

    GUI remapping without compiling firmware

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Keychron K1 SE
  • Keychron K3 V3
Performance
66
82
Build quality
60
83
Productivity
67
80
Customizability
71
89
Portability
77
77

What they share

  • Connection: Bluetooth, Wired
  • Hot-swappable
  • Low profile
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

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.

For gaming

Pick the Keychron 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.

Full specs

Keychron K1 SE vs K3 V3 specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

9 of 25 specs differ

Keychron K1 SE

Keychron K3 V3

Typing & switches

Switch options

—
Clicky, Linear, Tactile

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

—
PCB Mount, Plate Mount, Top Mount

Low profile

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

80%
75%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Media keys

Yes
Yes

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, Wired
Bluetooth, Wired

Max polling rate

—
1,000 Hz

Battery

2,000 mAhBetter
1,550 mAh

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum, Plastic
ABS, Aluminum

Plate material

—
Aluminum

Keycaps

—
ABS, PBT

Weight

—
540 g

Dimensions

—
19 x 306 x 116 mm

Typing angle

—
3°

Backlight

RGB
RGB, north-facing

Firmware & software

QMK

No
Yes

VIA

No
Yes

N-key rollover

No
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2021
2024

For EU buyers

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 V3

  • Keychron

    ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW

    In stockShips to you

  • Keychron (DE)

    ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-SW

    In stockDoes not ship to you

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

FAQ

Keychron K1 SE vs K3 V3: your questions

The Keychron K1 SE has a larger 2000mAh battery, while the K3 V3 has a 1550mAh battery. Based on the listed capacities, the K1 SE should theoretically offer longer usage between charges, though actual battery life depends on usage patterns and backlight settings.

Yes. The Keychron K3 V3 supports QMK and VIA firmware, allowing for deep key remapping, macro creation, and layer programming. Keychron also provides a web-based Launcher app for easier customization without installing software.

The provided specifications and vendor description for the Keychron K1 SE do not mention support for QMK, VIA, or any advanced reprogramming software. Its customization appears limited to hot-swapping switches and changing RGB effects.

Yes, both the Keychron K1 SE and K3 V3 are listed as compatible with Mac and Windows operating systems. Each includes keycaps for both systems, and a switch on the keyboard allows you to change between OS modes.

The K1 SE uses an 80% layout (tenkeyless), while the K3 V3 uses a more compact 75% layout with 84 keys. The K3 V3 is physically smaller, with dimensions of 306mm in width and a weight of 540g. The K1 SE's exact dimensions are not provided.

The K3 V3's vendor description details multiple acoustic foam layers (IXPE, EPDM, and latex) inside the case to dampen sound and improve feel. It also mentions redesigned stabilizers for less wobble. The K1 SE description does not specify any internal foaming, focusing instead on its aluminum frame and steel plate.

No. Both keyboards are designed for low-profile switches only. The K1 SE vendor page explicitly states its low-profile optical and Gateron mechanical versions are not compatible with normal profile MX-style switches. The K3 V3 is listed as compatible only with Gateron or Keychron low-profile mechanical switches.

According to its vendor page, the hot-swappable version of the K3 V3 comes with Keychron Milk POM switches in Red, Brown, or Banana variants. It is also stated to be compatible with Gateron low-profile mechanical switches for aftermarket swapping.

Yes, both the Keychron K1 SE and K3 V3 offer wired connectivity via a USB-C cable in addition to their Bluetooth wireless functionality. This allows for use while charging or for a guaranteed stable connection.

The K1 SE vendor description mentions 18 types of RGB backlit effects. The K3 V3 description states its RGB version offers 22+ dynamic backlight settings. Therefore, the K3 V3 appears to offer a greater variety of lighting effects.

The K3 V3 could be suitable for gaming as it specifies a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode, which can reduce input latency. Its vendor description claims this makes latency "hardly noticeable even in competitive games." The K1 SE does not list a polling rate.

The K1 SE listing includes a keyboard, USB-A to USB-C cable, a keycap puller, and a user manual. The contents for the K3 V3 are not detailed in the provided specifications, but it typically includes similar items like a cable and puller.

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