Keychron K1 SE vs K3 V2TKL vs 75% Low-Profile Keyboard Choice
Choose the K1 SE for a larger TKL layout and bigger battery, or the K3 V2 for a more compact 75% form factor and wider layout support.
KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
No reviews
from$122at Keychron (DE)
4.8 (2,258)4.8 · 2,258 reviews
from$105at Keychron (DE)
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K1 SE
TKL
Build quality in the top 45% of 80% boards under $150.
- Larger 2000mAh battery capacity for longer wireless use.
- 80% TKL layout provides dedicated arrow and navigation keys.
- Offers a choice between hot-swappable Gateron mechanical and Keychron optical low-profile switches.
- 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 V2
75% Low-Profile Keyboard Choice
Build quality in the bottom 50% of 75% boards under $150.
- More compact 75% layout saves desk space and enhances portability.
- Supports a wide array of layout standards including ANSI, JIS, ISO, and several regional ISO variants.
- Comes with 12 extra keycaps according to the vendor listing.
- 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.
Your primary layout preference should guide this decision. If you want a traditional TKL size with dedicated keys and the largest battery, the Keychron K1 SE is the suitable choice. If you prioritize a smaller footprint for a portable setup or need support for ISO or other international layouts, the Keychron K3 V2 is the better option. Both deliver the core low-profile, wireless, and hot-swappable experience Keychron is known for.
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 V2
Layout size
80%
75%
Battery
2,000 mAh
1,550 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Layout standard
ANSI
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, JIS
ISO and JIS exist so regional layouts fit
Backlight
RGB
RGB, north-facing
RGB for looks and low light rather than speed
Released
2021
2020
- Keychron K1 SE
- Keychron K3 V2
- Performance
- 6663
- Build quality
- 6065
- Productivity
- 6766
- Customizability
- 7168
- Portability
- 7780
- Connection: Bluetooth, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Low profile
- Case material: Aluminum, Plastic
What will you mostly use it for?
The K1 SE takes the lead for gaming and programming due to its larger TKL layout and gamer-focused switch claims. The K3 V2 is the clear choice for travel with its smaller 75% form factor and dedicated travel accessory. For office use and content creation, the keyboards are evenly matched, sharing core productivity features. Modders might lean toward the K1 SE for its dual switch platform options and described internal reinforcement.
Pick the Keychron K1 SE
- The K1 SE's vendor description highlights its 0.2 ms ultra-low latency optical switches as an option, which are crafted for gamers.
- Its 80% TKL layout provides more space for mouse movement compared to the more compact K3 V2.
- The larger 2000mAh battery may support longer wireless gaming sessions.
Keychron K1 SE vs K3 V2 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
5 of 17 specs differ
Keychron K1 SE
Keychron K3 V2
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Keycaps
Backlight
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 V2
Keychron
ISO-ES
Out of stockShips to you
Keychron
ISO-UK
Out of stockShips to you
Keychron
ISO-DE
Out of stockShips to you
Keychron
ISO-Nordic
Out of stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE
In stockDoes not ship to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-ES
Out of stockDoes not ship to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-UK
Out of stockDoes not ship to you
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.
Keychron K1 SE vs K3 V2: your questions
The Keychron K1 SE uses an 80% tenkeyless (TKL) layout, which includes a full row of function keys and dedicated navigation cluster. The K3 V2 uses a more compact 75% layout, which squeezes the function and navigation keys into a tighter space for a smaller overall footprint.
The Keychron K1 SE has a larger 2000mAh battery, while the K3 V2 has a 1550mAh battery. Based on the listed capacities, the K1 SE has the potential for longer wireless runtime, though actual battery life depends on usage patterns like backlight brightness.
Yes, both keyboards offer hot-swappable versions. The K1 SE vendor page lists hot-swappable options for both low-profile Gateron mechanical switches and Keychron optical switches. The K3 V2 listing specifies its hot-swappable feature is for the low-profile Keychron Optical switch version.
No. According to the manufacturer's descriptions for both models, the low-profile Keychron Optical and low-profile Gateron mechanical switches used in these keyboards are not compatible with normal profile MX-style mechanical switches or their keycaps.
The Keychron K3 V2 is more portable. Its 75% layout is physically smaller than the K1 SE's 80% TKL layout. Furthermore, Keychron's product page for the K3 V2 specifically markets a 'K3 Travel Pouch' as an accessory, emphasizing its travel-friendly design.
Yes. Both the Keychron K1 SE and K3 V2 are listed as compatible with Mac and Windows operating systems. Their vendor descriptions note that they include keycaps for both systems, and a switch on the side panel allows for easy switching between OS modes.
Both keyboards offer Bluetooth wireless and wired USB-C connectivity. The vendor descriptions for both specify the use of a Bluetooth 5.1 chipset for wireless connections, and each includes a USB-A to USB Type-C cable in the box.
Based on its vendor page, the Keychron K3 V2 is available with low-profile Keychron Optical switches in Red (linear), Blue (clicky), and Brown (tactile) options for its hot-swappable version.
The K3 V2 package includes a keyboard, a USB-A to USB Type-C cable, a keycap puller, a switch puller (for the optical version), a dust cover, and a user manual. The vendor listing also mentions it comes with 12 extra keycaps.
The K1 SE's product description highlights features aimed at gamers. It mentions an available optical switch option with a 0.2 ms ultra-low latency and states the Gateron low-profile switch is suitable for 'personal gaming'. Its TKL layout also provides more room for mouse movement.
The Keychron K3 V2 supports a wider range of layouts. Its metadata lists support for ANSI, JIS, ISO, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, and ISO-ES layouts. The K1 SE is listed with US ANSI layout support only.
Yes. The vendor descriptions for both the Keychron K1 SE and K3 V2 mention they include two-level adjustable rubber feet, allowing users to change the typing angle for ergonomic comfort.
Not sold on either?
Still torn?
Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.











