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Compare Keychron K3 QMK V3 vs K4 Pro Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers choosing between a compact low-profile keyboard and a fuller 96% layout. The K3 QMK V3 weighs 540 g and has a 75% layout, while the K4 Pro weighs about 1280 g and includes a numpad in its 96% layout. Both offer wireless and wired connectivity, QMK, hot-swapping, and a 1000 Hz wired polling rate. The decision comes down to portability and low-profile typing versus more keys and broader customization options.

77
Keychron K3 QMK Kabellose Mechanische Tastatur (ISO Layout) - Version 3
92
Keychron K4 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

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0.0 (0)
4.7 (7)
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Tactile, Linear switch options
  • Features a low-profile design
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ANSI layout standard
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Uses a Plate 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 ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2022
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK layout standard
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1280 g
  • Sized at 31 x 391 x 139 mm
  • Made with a Plastic, ABS case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, South-face, Rgb South-face, White South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 84.5
  • Build Quality: 71.2
  • Productivity: 73.6
  • Customizability: 78.3
  • Portability: 77.2
Scores
  • Performance: 81.5
  • Build Quality: 83.9
  • Productivity: 94.7
  • Customizability: 95.8
  • Portability: 53.5
Name
Keychron K3 QMK V3
Name
Keychron K4 Pro
Release year
2024
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Low Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
96%
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK
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
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
Plate Mount
Mount Style
Tray Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, South-face, White South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS, Aluminum
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material
ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
19 x 306 x 116 mm
Dimensions
31 x 391 x 139 mm
Weight
540g
Weight
1280g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Choose the K3 QMK V3 if a lightweight 75% layout and low-profile design matter more than a numpad or broad switch selection. Choose the K4 Pro if you want a 96% layout, PBT keycaps, and hot-swap support for a wide range of MX-style switches. Both offer wired and wireless use, QMK, and hot-swapping, but their size and switch compatibility make them suited to different setups.

Keychron K3 QMK V3

  • +75% layout with a 540 g listed weight and 306 x 116 mm dimensions.
  • +Low-profile design with three adjustable typing angles listed by Keychron.
  • +Hot-swappable version supports Keychron low-profile mechanical switches without soldering.
  • +Keychron describes IXPE, EPDM, and latex foam layers in the K3 Version 3.
  • +Includes both Mac and Windows keycaps, according to Keychron.
  • −Its hot-swap support is limited to Keychron low-profile mechanical switches, according to Keychron.
  • −The 75% layout has fewer keys than the K4 Pro's 96% layout.
  • −Its listed 1550 mAh battery is smaller than the K4 Pro's 4000 mAh battery.

Keychron K4 Pro

  • +96% layout provides a numpad while keeping the keyboard smaller than a full-size layout.
  • +Hot-swappable sockets support almost all 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches, according to Keychron.
  • +Lists QMK and VIA support, plus Keychron Launcher for remapping and macros.
  • +Includes double-shot PBT keycaps and a steel plate.
  • +Keychron lists sound-absorbing foam, a thick silicone dampening bottom pad, and screw-in stabilizers.
  • −At about 1280 g and roughly 391 x 139 mm, it is substantially heavier and larger than the K3.
  • −Its normal-profile layout lacks the K3's low-profile design.
  • −The K4 Pro's tray mount differs from the K3's plate mount, so buyers should not expect the same construction approach.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The K3 takes the practical edge for travel because it is lighter, smaller, and low-profile. The K4 Pro is the more suitable pick for office and programming setups that benefit from its numpad, VIA listing, and wider switch choices. For gaming, the shared polling-rate and rollover specs do not establish a clear overall winner, so layout preference matters more. The K4 Pro also has the stronger case for modding, while either board offers macros and multimedia keys for content work.

GamingTie
  • •Both list a 1000 Hz polling rate and N-key rollover.
  • •The K3 is a 75% layout, while the K4 Pro is 96%, so desk space and access to a numpad may guide the choice.
  • •Both are hot-swappable, though the K3 is limited to Keychron low-profile mechanical switches and the K4 Pro supports almost all 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches.
OfficeKeychron K4 Pro
  • •The K4 Pro's 96% layout includes a numpad, useful for number-heavy work.
  • •Keychron lists sound-absorbing foam and a thick silicone dampening bottom pad for the K4 Pro.
  • •The K4 Pro offers Bluetooth and wired connectivity and can connect wirelessly to up to three devices, according to Keychron.
ProgrammingKeychron K4 Pro
  • •The K4 Pro lists both QMK and VIA support, while the K3 QMK V3 lists QMK support.
  • •Keychron says the K4 Pro can hot-swap almost all 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches.
  • •Both support key remapping and macros through Keychron Launcher, and both list macOS, Windows, and Linux support.
TravelKeychron K3 QMK V3
  • •The K3 weighs 540 g, compared with about 1280 g for the K4 Pro.
  • •The K3 has a 75% layout and measures 306 x 116 mm, while the K4 Pro's 96% layout measures about 391 x 139 mm.
  • •Keychron describes the K3 as low-profile, whereas the K4 Pro has a normal-profile layout.
ModdingKeychron K4 Pro
  • •The K4 Pro supports hot-swapping almost all 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches; the K3 supports Keychron low-profile mechanical switches only.
  • •The K4 Pro lists both QMK and VIA support, while the K3 lists QMK support.
  • •The K4 Pro is available as a barebone kit, according to Keychron.
Content CreationKeychron K4 Pro
  • •The K4 Pro's 96% layout includes a numpad for workflows involving frequent numeric entry.
  • •Both keyboards support key remapping and macros through Keychron Launcher.
  • •Both list multimedia keys and wireless connectivity, while the K4 Pro can connect to up to three devices wirelessly according to Keychron.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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