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Compare Keychron K3 Pro vs K4 HE Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for users deciding between Keychron's ultra-portable and advanced performance lines. The K3 Pro offers a unique low-profile design in a 75% layout, while the K4 HE packs magnetic switch technology and a 96% layout into a heavier, more feature-rich package. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize a slimmer, more travel-friendly form factor or desire cutting-edge, customizable actuation for gaming and typing.

87
Keychron K3 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
91
Keychron K4 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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4.6 (54)
4.3 (13)
  • Released in 2022
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Features a low-profile design
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ANSI layout standard
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Equipped with a 1550 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 930 g
  • Sized at 15 x 306 x 116 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Plastic, ABS case
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2025
  • Has Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-CH, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-SW, ISO-Nordic, ANSI layout standard
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Enables rapid trigger functionality
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1090 g
  • Sized at 41 x 377 x 126 mm
  • Made with a Plastic, Aluminum, Wood, ABS case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 80.9
  • Build Quality: 81.3
  • Productivity: 79.8
  • Customizability: 89.1
  • Portability: 77.2
Scores
  • Performance: 92.4
  • Build Quality: 87.1
  • Productivity: 94.2
  • Customizability: 89.8
  • Portability: 56.4
Name
Keychron K3 Pro
Name
Keychron K4 HE
Release year
2022
Release year
2025
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Low Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
96%
Layout Standard
ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-CH, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-SW, ISO-Nordic, ANSI
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, 2.4 GHz
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless, 2.4 GHz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
1550 mAh
Battery capacity
4000 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
Tray Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face, White, North-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum, Plastic, ABS
Case Material
Plastic, Aluminum, Wood, ABS
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
15 x 306 x 116 mm
Dimensions
41 x 377 x 126 mm
Weight
930g
Weight
1090g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you want the thinnest possible wireless mechanical keyboard for easy transport and a minimalist desk, the Keychron K3 Pro is the clear option. If you desire the latest switch technology with deep customization for actuation, need a number pad, and prioritize advanced features for gaming or a thocky typing sound, the Keychron K4 HE justifies its larger size and higher cost.

Keychron K3 Pro

  • +Ultra-slim low-profile design, noted as 31% slimmer than conventional switches.
  • +More portable due to its smaller 75% layout and lower 930g weight.
  • +Offers both low-profile ABS shine-through and PBT keycap options.
  • +South-facing RGB LEDs prevent interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.
  • +Available in a wide array of ISO layouts including UK, DE, FR, ES, and Nordic.
  • −Limited to hot-swapping low-profile Gateron mechanical switches only.
  • −Smaller 1550mAh battery offers less wireless runtime.
  • −Lacks the advanced actuation customization of magnetic switches.

Keychron K4 HE

  • +Features Gateron double-rail magnetic switches with adjustable actuation (0.2-3.8mm).
  • +Includes gaming features like Rapid Trigger, Analog Mode, and Last Key Priority.
  • +Large 4000mAh battery promises extended wireless use.
  • +96% layout includes a number pad while maintaining a relatively compact form.
  • +Comes with extensive sound-dampening (EVA foam, EPDM foam, silicone pad).
  • −Larger, heavier (1090g) and less portable than the K3 Pro.
  • −Hot-swap is restricted to specific Gateron double-rail magnetic switches.
  • −North-facing RGB LEDs may cause interference with certain Cherry-profile keycaps.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The K4 HE is the stronger choice for office work, gaming, and content creation, largely due to its integrated number pad, massive battery, and advanced magnetic switch features. The K3 Pro is the clear winner for travel thanks to its slim, lightweight 75% form factor. For programming and modding, the keyboards tie, as both offer excellent QMK/VIA support and hot-swap capabilities, leaving the choice to layout preference.

GamingKeychron K4 HE
  • •The K4 HE features adjustable actuation points from 0.2 to 3.8 mm and Rapid Trigger functionality.
  • •It includes gaming-focused features like Last Key Priority (LKP) and Snap Click.
  • •Its 1000 Hz polling rate on both wired and 2.4 GHz wireless matches the K3 Pro's performance.
OfficeKeychron K4 HE
  • •The K4 HE's 96% layout includes a dedicated number pad, which is often essential for data entry.
  • •It offers a significantly larger 4000mAh battery for longer wireless use between charges.
  • •It includes sound-dampening foams like EVA and EPDM for a quieter typing experience in shared spaces.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both keyboards support QMK and VIA for extensive key remapping and macro creation.
  • •The K4 HE's 96% layout provides more readily accessible keys, while the K3 Pro's 75% layout saves desk space.
  • •Both are compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux systems.
TravelKeychron K3 Pro
  • •The K3 Pro is significantly more compact (306mm wide) and lighter (930g) than the K4 HE.
  • •Its low-profile design is 31% slimmer than standard switches, as noted by Keychron, making it easier to pack.
  • •It maintains a 1550mAh battery and triple-mode connectivity despite its smaller size.
ModdingTie
  • •Both keyboards are hot-swappable, though they support different switch types (low-profile mechanical vs. magnetic).
  • •Both feature open-source QMK firmware and VIA support for deep software customization.
  • •The K4 HE lists screw-in stabilizers and multiple internal foam layers (EVA, EPDM, silicone), while the K3 Pro has redesigned stabilizers.
Content CreationKeychron K4 HE
  • •The K4 HE's number pad is useful for timeline scrubbing and numerical input in creative software.
  • •Features like Analog Mode and Dynamic Keystrokes allow for pressure-sensitive input, potentially useful for brush control.
  • •Its larger, heavier build with an aluminum plate and case may provide a more stable typing platform for long sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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