Compare Keychron K3 vs K3 QMK V3 Differences Side by Side

This comparison helps buyers decide between the Keychron K3 and the new Keychron K3 QMK V3, two ultra-slim 75% low-profile wireless mechanical keyboards. The decision is difficult because both share a similar design and battery, but the K3 QMK V3 introduces QMK firmware, a 1000 Hz polling rate, and Hall Effect switches, while the original K3 offers a PBT keycap option at a lower price. This guide focuses on the trade-offs between advanced programmability and a more affordable entry point.

Model
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Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2023 Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear switch options Built with the ISO-FR, ISO, ANSI layout standard Made with a Aluminum, ABS case Features PBT, ABS keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting	Released in 2024 Has Tactile, Linear switch options Built with the ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ANSI layout standard Utilizes Hall effect sensors Supports QMK firmware Features N-key rollover Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate Weighs about 540 g Sized at 19 x 306 x 116 mm Made with a ABS, Aluminum case Features ABS keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 64.8 Build Quality: 61.9 Productivity: 66.1 Customizability: 70.4 Portability: 80.3	Scores Performance: 84.8 Build Quality: 71.3 Productivity: 73.9 Customizability: 79.1 Portability: 77.4
Name	Name Keychron K3	Name Keychron K3 QMK V3
Release year	Release year 2023	Release year 2024
Switch Options	Switch Options Clicky, Tactile, Linear	Switch Options Tactile, Linear
Profile	Profile Low Profile	Profile Low Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 75%	Layout Size 75%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ISO-FR, ISO, ANSI	Layout Standard ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 1550 mAh	Battery capacity 1550 mAh
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Plate Mount	Mount Style Plate Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, White, North-face	Backlight Rgb, North-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum, ABS	Case Material ABS, Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT, ABS	Keycaps Material ABS
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions 19 x 306 x 116 mm
Weight	Weight -	Weight 540g

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Pros and Trade-offs

If you need absolute control over your keymap, macros, and latency, buy the Keychron K3 QMK V3. It offers QMK firmware, a faster polling rate, and N-Key rollover for a more responsive experience. If you are on a tighter budget and value the durability of PBT keycaps, the standard Keychron K3 is a great low-profile option that covers all the basics well.

Keychron K3

+Offers PBT keycaps, which are generally more resistant to wear and shine than ABS.
+Available at a lower price point in the market.
+Features an aluminum case build.
+Includes both a keycap puller and a switch puller in the box.

−Lacks QMK firmware support for advanced programming.
−Uses a plastic plate instead of an aluminum one.
−Does not have N-Key rollover, based on available specs.
−Uses optical switches which are not compatible with standard MX switches.

Keychron K3 QMK V3

+Supports QMK firmware for deep customization via the Keychron Launcher web app.
+Features a 1000 Hz polling rate on wired mode for faster response.
+Includes N-Key rollover for both wireless and wired modes.
+Has redesigned stabilizers for less wobble on larger keys.

−ABS keycaps may be more prone to shine over time.
−Higher price point compared to the standard Keychron K3.
−Does not include a keycap puller in the box as per vendor description.
−Some users report weak tactile feedback and a built-in positive tilt.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The K3 QMK V3 takes the lead for Gaming, Programming, Modding, and Content Creation due to its QMK firmware, 1000 Hz polling rate, and Hall Effect switches. For Office use, the original K3 is a better value because of its lower price and PBT keycap option. For Travel, they tie because both share the same compact size, low profile design, and battery capacity.

GamingKeychron K3 QMK V3

•1000 Hz polling rate on wired mode for lower latency.
•Hall Effect switch support as per vendor description.
•N-Key rollover for both wired and wireless modes.

OfficeKeychron K3

•PBT keycap material option is generally more durable than ABS.
•Lower starting price points available in the market.
•Slim aluminum body and 6 degree typing angle are comfortable.

ProgrammingKeychron K3 QMK V3

•QMK firmware allows for unlimited key remapping and macro creation.
•Customization via the Keychron Launcher web app on any browser.
•Three levels of adjustable typing angle for ergonomic comfort.

TravelTie

•Both have a compact 75% layout and a 1550mAh battery.
•Both offer Bluetooth wireless connectivity.
•Both use low profile switches for a slim design.

ModdingKeychron K3 QMK V3

•QMK firmware offers much deeper customization than the original.
•Hall Effect switch support is a unique modding path.
•Hot-swappable version compatible with Gateron/Keychron low-profile mechanical switches.

Content CreationKeychron K3 QMK V3