KeebFinder
Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare Keychron K15 Pro vs K3 V3 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers seeking a low-profile 75% mechanical keyboard, but who are torn between a standard layout and an ergonomic Alice design. The K15 Pro offers the distinct Alice layout with a programmable knob, while the K3 V3 provides a more traditional 75% layout with enhanced acoustic foams and a wider choice of ISO regional variants. The decision comes down to whether you prioritize ergonomic wrist positioning or a familiar key arrangement.

91
Keychron K15 Pro (Alice Layout) QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
83
Keychron K3 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 3

Select a keyboard to compare

4.8 (12)
0.0 (0)
  • Released in 2023
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Offers Alice ergonomics
  • Comes with a knob
  • Connects via USB-C
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Equipped with a 2000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 696 g
  • Sized at 12 x 370 x 143 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Plastic, ABS case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Released in 2024
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-SW, ISO-Nordic layout standard
  • Offers Normal ergonomics
  • Uses a Top Mount mounting style
  • 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
Scores
  • Performance: 83.7
  • Build Quality: 81.9
  • Productivity: 91.6
  • Customizability: 93.2
  • Portability: 81.8
Scores
  • Performance: 81.8
  • Build Quality: 81.8
  • Productivity: 70.3
  • Customizability: 90
  • Portability: 74.6
Name
Keychron K15 Pro
Name
Keychron K3 V3
Release year
2023
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Low Profile
Profile
Low Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-SW, ISO-Nordic
Layout Ergonomics
Alice
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
1000 Hz
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
Tray Mount
Mount Style
Top 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, ABS
Case Material
ABS, Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
12 x 370 x 143 mm
Dimensions
19 x 306 x 116 mm
Weight
696g
Weight
540g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

If you value an ergonomic typing experience and want the added convenience of a programmable knob for work and play, the Keychron K15 Pro is the better overall choice. Its unique Alice layout and high customizability make it a standout for a wide range of uses. However, for those who prioritize a lighter, more portable keyboard with better out-of-the-box acoustic properties and need an ISO layout, the Keychron K3 V3 is the more practical option.

Keychron K15 Pro

  • +Unique 75% Alice layout designed to improve typing ergonomics.
  • +Built-in rotary encoder knob that can be programmed via QMK for various shortcuts.
  • +Durable double-shot PBT keycaps are included, offering excellent oil resistance.
  • +High customizability score of 93.2/100, reflecting strong hot-swappable and firmware features.
  • −Keycaps are not shine-through, making it harder to see legends in low light.
  • −Heavier (696g) and larger than the K3 V3, making it less travel-friendly.
  • −Limited compatibility with low-profile Gateron/Keychron switches only, not optical.

Keychron K3 V3

  • +Lighter and more compact design (540g, 306x116mm) for better portability.
  • +Features enhanced acoustic foam layers (IXPE, EPDM, latex) for a quieter, more refined sound.
  • +Available in multiple ISO regional layouts (UK, German, Swiss, Nordic).
  • +Comes with LSA shine-through ABS keycaps for a vibrant backlight effect.
  • −Starts at a higher price, despite lacking a few features like a knob and PBT keycaps.
  • −No physical rotary encoder knob included, limiting quick physical control macros.
  • −ABS keycaps are more prone to developing a glossy shine over time compared to PBT.
  • −Lower productivity score of 70.3/100 compared to the K15 Pro.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron K15 Pro is the more versatile choice, winning or tying in most categories. Its Alice layout provides clear ergonomic benefits for office work and content creation, while its knob and high customizability score make it a strong pick for gaming and modding. The K3 V3 only wins outright for travel due to its lighter weight and smaller size, but ties in the programming category because both keyboards share strong QMK/VIA support.

GamingKeychron K15 Pro
  • •Includes a dedicated rotary encoder knob, which can be programmed for in-game volume or macros via QMK.
  • •Higher productivity and customizability scores relative to its price tier suggest strong features for gaming setups.
  • •Available with Gateron low-profile mechanical switches in linear (red), tactile (brown), and clicky (blue) options.
OfficeKeychron K15 Pro
  • •The Alice layout is designed to promote a more natural hand and wrist position, which can reduce strain during long typing sessions.
  • •Boasts a high productivity score of 91.6/100, indicating strong features for office use like the programmable knob and macro keys.
  • •Comes with double-shot PBT keycaps, which are more durable and resistant to developing a shiny surface over time.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both keyboards fully support QMK and VIA firmware, allowing for extensive key remapping and creating custom macros for coding workflows.
  • •Both feature a compact 75% layout with 12 multimedia keys and N-key rollover, offering a good balance of functionality and desk space.
  • •The K3 V3 has enhanced acoustic foams (IXPE, EPDM, latex) that may provide a more pleasant typing sound, a subjective benefit for programmers.
TravelKeychron K3 V3
  • •The K3 V3 is lighter at 540g compared to the K15 Pro's 696g, making it easier to carry in a bag.
  • •Its smaller dimensions (19 x 306 x 116 mm) make it more compact than the K15 Pro (12 x 370 x 143 mm).
  • •Both have Bluetooth, but the K3 V3's lighter weight and smaller footprint give it a clear edge for portability.
ModdingKeychron K15 Pro
  • •Scores a very high customizability score of 93.2/100, suggesting excellent potential for modifications.
  • •The hot-swappable PCB allows for easy switch changes without soldering, compatible with Gateron/Keychron low-profile switches.
  • •The K15 Pro includes an aluminum rotary encoder knob, adding a hardware modding option not available on the K3 V3.
Content CreationKeychron K15 Pro
  • •The programmable rotary encoder knob is a key advantage for creators, allowing quick control over timeline scrubbing, brush size, or zoom.
  • •The ergonomic Alice layout can help reduce hand fatigue during long editing sessions.
  • •The macro keys and 75% layout provide a good balance of function keys and space for a mouse or other creative peripherals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

89
$99
Keychron K15 Max (Alice Layout) QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron K15 Max
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
PCB Mount

94
$84
Keychron K3 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K3 Max
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Plate Mount

95
$79
Keychron Q10 (Alice Layout) QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q10
75%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

87
$83
Keychron K3 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K3 Pro
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

68
$96
Keychron K3 Ultra-slim Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (Version 2)
Keychron K3 V2
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

94
$85
Keychron Q8 Pro (Alice Layout) QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q8 Pro
65%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

84
$94
Keychron K1 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 6
Keychron K1 V6
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Alu case,
Top Mount

84
$109
Keychron K13 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K13 Max
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
PCB Mount

86
$67
Keychron K1 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K1 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

85
$106
Keychron K1 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K1 Max
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
PCB Mount