Keychron K3 V3 vs K3 V2
Choose the K3 V3 if you need QMK/VIA programmability and improved acoustics; the K3 V2 works well for a more budget-friendly low-profile experience.
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No reviews
from$84at MK
4.8 (2,258)4.8 · 2,258 reviews
from$105at Keychron (DE)
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K3 V3
QMK
Build quality in the top 10% of 75% boards under $100.
- Full QMK and VIA support via the Keychron Launcher web app for limitless key remapping and macros.
- Enhanced acoustic experience with IXPE, EPDM, and latex foam layers as per the vendor description.
- Redesigned stabilizers for improved reliability and less wobble on larger keys like the space bar.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- Missing ISO-ES. The other board is sold in those layouts.
Get the
Keychron K3 V2
Build quality in the bottom 50% of 75% boards under $150.
- Uses low-profile Keychron Optical switches, which are not compatible with the V3's mechanical switch sockets.
- Lower entry price compared to the V3 based on vendor pricing.
- Built-in Bluetooth 5.1 chipset for wireless connectivity as per the vendor.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- Missing ISO-SW. The other board is sold in those layouts.
For most users, the Keychron K3 V3 is the stronger choice due to its QMK/VIA programmability, improved acoustics with multiple foam layers, and higher wired polling rate. It is the better option for anyone who values customization, a quieter typing experience, or gaming performance. The K3 V2 is a more affordable low-profile keyboard that works well out of the box, but its lack of software support and older optical switch ecosystem make it a weaker long-term investment for power users.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Keychron K3 V3
Keychron K3 V2
Case material
ABS, Aluminum
Aluminum, Plastic
Mount style
PCB Mount, Plate Mount, Top Mount
Tray Mount
QMK
Yes
No
The deep option when you want to remap every key
VIA
Yes
No
GUI remapping without compiling firmware
Layout standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, JIS
ISO and JIS exist so regional layouts fit
- Keychron K3 V3
- Keychron K3 V2
- Performance
- 8263
- Build quality
- 8265
- Productivity
- 8065
- Customizability
- 8968
- Portability
- 7780
- Layout size: 75%
- Connection: Bluetooth, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 1,550 mAh
- Low profile
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
What will you mostly use it for?
In almost every category, the Keychron K3 V3 takes the lead over the V2 thanks to its advanced programmability, better acoustic design, and higher wired polling rate. For travel, they tie due to identical battery and form factor. The V3's QMK/VIA support is the defining advantage for office, programming, and content creation workflows, while its acoustic foams and superior stabilizers give it a clear edge for modding and general typing comfort. The V2, lacking these features, is best suited for users who want a simple low-profile experience without needing software customization.
Pick the Keychron K3 V3
- 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode is explicitly stated for the V3, while the V2's polling rate is not mentioned.
- The V3's ARM architecture MCU with 256KB Flash offers more processing power for low latency as per the vendor.
- QMK firmware allows for custom macros and keybinds, useful for in-game commands.
Keychron K3 V3 vs K3 V2 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
8 of 25 specs differ
Keychron K3 V3
Keychron K3 V2
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Keychron K3 V3
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW
In stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-SW
In stockDoes not ship to you
Keychron K3 V2
Keychron
ISO-ES
Out of stockShips to you
Keychron
ISO-UK
Out of stockShips to you
Keychron
ISO-DE
Out of stockShips to you
Keychron
ISO-Nordic
Out of stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE
In stockDoes not ship to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-ES
Out of stockDoes not ship to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-UK
Out of stockDoes not ship to you
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Keychron K3 V3 vs K3 V2: your questions
Yes, the vendor description confirms that the K3 V3 supports QMK firmware and the Keychron Launcher web app. Since the Launcher is based on VIA, it allows for key remapping and macro creation through an internet browser, compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux.
No, the vendor states that the K3 V3 is only compatible with Keychron Milk POM switches or Gateron/Keychron low-profile mechanical switches. Standard Cherry MX switches are not designed for the ultra-slim low-profile form factor and will not fit.
The vendor description for the K3 V3 specifies Bluetooth 5.2, while the K3 V2 is listed with Bluetooth 5.1. Both versions support connecting to up to 3 devices wirelessly, but the V3's newer version may offer slight improvements in range or power efficiency.
The vendor description for the K3 V2 does not mention any internal acoustic foam layers. In contrast, the K3 V3 specifically lists IXPE foam, EPDM foam, and latex foam for enhanced sound dampening and key switch support.
Yes, the vendor for the K3 V3 explicitly states that the stabilizers have been redesigned to improve reliability and reduce wobble on larger keys. The K3 V2's description mentions MX-styled stabilizers but does not highlight a redesign.
The K3 V3 is better for programming due to its QMK/VIA support, which allows for custom keymaps, layers, and macros directly from a web browser. The K3 V2 lacks any software-based customization, limiting its usefulness for complex coding workflows.
No, the K3 V2 uses low-profile Keychron Optical switches, which are not interchangeable with the mechanical switches used in the K3 V3. The vendor for the V3 states it is only compatible with low-profile mechanical switches from Gateron or Keychron.
The K3 V3 comes with LSA profile (low-profile spherical angle) shine-through ABS keycaps as per the vendor. The V2 also uses ABS keycaps, but the profile is not explicitly named in its description.
Yes, the vendor states the K3 V3 offers three levels of adjustable typing angle: 2.5 degrees, 4.2 degrees, and 6.5 degrees. The K3 V2 has two-level adjustable rubber feet, providing fewer ergonomic options.
The vendor description and metadata for the K3 V2 do not provide any polling rate information for wired or wireless modes. In contrast, the K3 V3 is stated to have a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode and 90 Hz in Bluetooth mode.
The K3 V3 is likely quieter due to its enhanced acoustic foam layers, including IXPE foam, which the vendor describes as improving comfort and durability. The V2's vendor description does not mention any internal foam for sound dampening.
Yes, the vendor for the K3 V3 states that the Keychron Launcher web app is compatible with Linux, allowing full customization on that platform. The K3 V2's vendor mentions a dedicated user group for Linux support but does not guarantee the same level of software compatibility.
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