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

Compare Keychron K3 vs V3 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Keychron's portable and wireless-focused K3 and their feature-rich, wired V3. The choice is difficult because both offer hot-swappable switches and multi-OS support, but they target fundamentally different user priorities. The K3 emphasizes a slim, lightweight design with Bluetooth connectivity, while the V3 focuses on a robust, mod-friendly construction with advanced programmability. Your decision hinges on whether wireless freedom or a customizable, high-performance typing experience is more valuable.

65
Keychron K3 Ultra-slim Wireless Mechanical Keyboard FR-ISO Layout
96
Keychron V3 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

Select a keyboard to compare

0.0 (0)
2.4 (16)
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Features a low-profile design
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ISO-FR, ISO, ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a Plate Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 1550 mAh battery
  • Made with a Aluminum, ABS case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2022
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ISO, JIS, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, ISO-CH layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Supports Wired, Wired only, connectivity
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Weighs about 1360 g
  • Sized at 19 x 141 x 367 mm
  • Made with a Plastic, ABS case
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 62.8
  • Build Quality: 61.7
  • Productivity: 66.7
  • Customizability: 69.5
  • Portability: 78.2
Scores
  • Performance: 91
  • Build Quality: 88.5
  • Productivity: 97.5
  • Customizability: 99.7
  • Portability: 57.6
Name
Keychron K3
Name
Keychron V3
Release year
2023
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Low Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
80%
Layout Standard
ISO-FR, ISO, ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO, JIS, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, ISO-CH
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
Wired, Wired only,
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
1000 Hz;8000 Hz
Battery capacity
1550 mAh
Battery capacity
-
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, South-face, White, White South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum, ABS
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
19 x 141 x 367 mm
Weight
-
Weight
1360g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

Your decision rests on a trade-off between wireless freedom and wired customization. For a keyboard to carry between home, office, and travel that connects to multiple devices, the Keychron K3 is the logical pick. If your keyboard stays on one desk and you value a solid, moddable foundation with deep programmability, the Keychron V3 offers significantly more features for enthusiasts. Consider the V3 if you plan to modify switches and keycaps regularly, and the K3 if you need to reduce clutter and maximize desk space.

Keychron K3

  • +Bluetooth 5.1 and wired connectivity for multi-device use.
  • +Ultra-slim, low-profile design with an aluminum top case for portability.
  • +Hot-swappable low-profile optical switches for easy customization.
  • +Includes 17 extra keycaps for macOS and Windows layouts.
  • +Two-level adjustable feet for a customizable typing angle.
  • −Low-profile optical switches are not compatible with standard MX-style mechanical switches.
  • −Lacks advanced programmability features like QMK or VIA support.
  • −The vendor description does not specify a polling rate for wired mode.

Keychron V3

  • +Full support for QMK and VIA firmware for limitless key remapping.
  • +Hot-swappable PCB supports both 3-pin and 5-pin standard MX switches.
  • +Includes premium features like screw-in PCB stabilizers, a steel plate, and sound-dampening foam.
  • +Available with a programmable aluminum rotary encoder (knob).
  • +Specifies a 1000 Hz polling rate for responsive performance.
  • −Wired-only connectivity, with no wireless option.
  • −Heavier and larger (80% TKL) than the K3, making it less portable.
  • −The case is constructed from ABS plastic, not aluminum.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron V3 is the clear choice for users who prioritize a premium, customizable typing experience at a desk, winning in Gaming, Programming, Modding, and Content Creation. Its wired-only design is offset by superior build materials, programmability, and modding support. The Keychron K3 excels in mobile and shared-desk scenarios, taking the win for Office use and Travel due to its wireless connectivity and slim form factor. Your primary use case will decisively point you toward one model over the other.

GamingKeychron V3
  • •The V3 has a specified 1000 Hz polling rate for lower latency.
  • •Its tray mount design with a steel plate and sound dampening may provide a more stable, consistent feel.
  • •The K3's low-profile optical switches have a narrower compatibility for aftermarket keycaps, which some gamers may find limiting.
OfficeKeychron K3
  • •The K3 offers Bluetooth connectivity for easy switching between multiple devices like a laptop, phone, or tablet.
  • •Its ultra-slim, low-profile design is more discreet and takes up less desk space.
  • •The manufacturer states it includes keycaps for both macOS and Windows layouts.
ProgrammingKeychron V3
  • •The V3 supports QMK and VIA firmware for extensive key remapping and macro creation.
  • •Its 80% TKL layout retains the function row and navigation cluster, which are useful for IDE shortcuts.
  • •The inclusion of screw-in stabilizers and a steel plate contributes to a more consistent typing feel across all keys.
TravelKeychron K3
  • •The K3 is designed to be an ultra-slim and lightweight wireless keyboard.
  • •It has a built-in 1550mAh battery for cordless use.
  • •Its 75% layout is more compact than the V3's 80% layout.
ModdingKeychron V3
  • •The V3 is explicitly designed as a custom keyboard with a barebones kit option.
  • •It features a hot-swappable PCB that supports both 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches, screw-in PCB stabilizers, and includes sound dampening foam.
  • •It has extensive firmware support via QMK and VIA for deep customization.
Content CreationKeychron V3
  • •The V3 offers a knob version for programmable control over parameters like volume or brush size.
  • •QMK and VIA support allows for complex macros and shortcuts tailored to editing software.
  • •The south-facing RGB LEDs prevent interference with Cherry-profile keycaps, offering more aesthetic customization options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

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

96
$49
Keychron V5 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron V5
96%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

83
$94
Keychron K3 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 3
Keychron K3 V3
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Top Mount

98
$44
Keychron V6 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V6
100%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
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

91
$44
Keychron V2 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V2
65%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray 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

94
$94
Keychron V3 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3 Max
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket 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

97
$44
Keychron V1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron V1
75%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount