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Compare Keychron K3 vs K3 V2 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers seeking a slim, low-profile mechanical keyboard with a compact 75% layout, wireless connectivity, and hot-swappable switches. The decision is difficult because the Keychron K3 and K3 V2 are very similar in design, using the same ultra-slim chassis, 1550mAh battery, and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity. The key trade-off involves the V2's minor structural improvements versus the original's broader layout standard availability.

65
Keychron K3 Ultra-slim Wireless Mechanical Keyboard FR-ISO Layout
68
Keychron K3 Ultra-slim Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (Version 2)

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0.0 (0)
3.5 (9415)
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ISO-FR, ISO, ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a Plate Mount mounting style
  • Made with a Aluminum, ABS case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2020
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ANSI, JIS, ISO, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-ES layout standard
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Made with a Aluminum, Plastic case
  • Features ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 62.8
  • Build Quality: 61.7
  • Productivity: 66.7
  • Customizability: 69.5
  • Portability: 78.2
Scores
  • Performance: 61
  • Build Quality: 66.6
  • Productivity: 65.7
  • Customizability: 67.3
  • Portability: 77.5
Name
Keychron K3
Name
Keychron K3 V2
Release year
2023
Release year
2020
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Low Profile
Profile
Low Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ISO-FR, ISO, ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI, JIS, ISO, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-ES
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
-
Battery capacity
1550 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
Plate Mount
Mount Style
Tray 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, ABS
Case Material
Aluminum, Plastic
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Keycaps Material
ABS
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
-
Weight
-
Weight
-
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Pros and Trade-offs

If you prioritize typing comfort and a more solid build, the K3 V2 is the better pick thanks to its adjustable rubber feet and reinforced chassis. If you need a specific layout standard like ANSI or ISO-FR, or prefer the option of PBT keycaps, the original K3 offers more flexibility. Ultimately, the V2's minor ergonomic and structural refinements make it a more modern choice for most users.

Keychron K3

  • +Available in a wider range of layout standards including ISO-FR and ANSI.
  • +Keycap material options include both PBT and ABS according to metadata, offering more variety.
  • +Higher portability score (78.2) suggests it may be slightly lighter or more travel-friendly.
  • +Has a plate mount structure which some users may prefer for typing feel over a tray mount.
  • −Uses a plate mount instead of the V2's tray mount, which may offer less consistent stability.
  • −Vendor descriptions mention it is a first version, lacking the reinforced body of the V2.
  • −No mention of adjustable rubber feet, which are present on the V2.

Keychron K3 V2

  • +Features two-level adjustable rubber feet for improved typing ergonomics.
  • +Reinforced body structure provides more stability and a solid feel.
  • +Comes with 12 extra keycaps to accommodate both macOS and Windows layouts.
  • +Higher build quality score (66.6 vs 61.7) suggests better overall construction.
  • −Limited to ABS keycaps only according to metadata; no PBT option mentioned.
  • −Fewer layout standard options listed compared to the original K3.
  • −Slightly lower portability score (77.5) than the original K3.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

For office use and content creation, the K3 V2 edges ahead due to its adjustable rubber feet and reinforced body, making it the more comfortable and stable choice for long work sessions. In gaming and programming, the two keyboards are essentially tied as they share the same core switch technology, layout, and wireless performance. The original K3 has a slight advantage for travel based on its portability score, and both offer similar modding potential with their hot-swappable optical switches.

GamingTie
  • •Both offer low-profile optical switches with hot-swap support for quick switch changes.
  • •Both have wireless connectivity with Bluetooth 5.1 for a cable-free setup.
  • •Performance scores are very close (62.7 vs 61.0), suggesting similar latency characteristics.
OfficeKeychron K3 V2
  • •The K3 V2 includes two-level adjustable rubber feet for improved typing ergonomics.
  • •The V2 has a reinforced body structure which may provide a more stable typing platform.
  • •Both offer a compact 75% layout that saves desk space while retaining function keys.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both feature a 75% layout with a full row of function keys and arrow keys, ideal for coding.
  • •Both support hot-swappable low-profile switches to tailor the feel and actuation force.
  • •Keycaps for both macOS and Windows are included with both models.
TravelKeychron K3
  • •The original K3 has a higher portability score (78.2 vs 77.5), suggesting it is slightly lighter.
  • •Both are described as ultra-slim and lightweight, suitable for tossing in a bag.
  • •The 75% layout is more travel-friendly than a full-size or TKL keyboard.
ModdingTie
  • •Both have similar customizability scores (69.6 vs 67.5) and share the same hot-swap optical switch design.
  • •Both use a MX-styled stem and stabilizers, potentially opening up future third-party keycap options.
  • •The original K3 offers both PBT and ABS keycap options as per metadata, which may appeal to some modders.
Content CreationKeychron K3 V2
  • •The K3 V2 includes a reinforced body for a more solid feel during long editing sessions.
  • •Adjustable rubber feet on the V2 allow for a better typing angle for video editing or writing.
  • •Both have multi-media keys and RGB backlighting which are useful for creative workflows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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