Keychron K3 V3 vs K4 HELow-Profile vs Magnetic Gaming Features
Choose the K3 V3 for a slim, portable build, or the K4 HE for a full-featured layout with advanced magnetic gaming switches.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K3 V3
Low-Profile
Build quality in the top 10% of 75% boards under $100.
- Ultra-slim, low-profile design with a 3° typing angle for portability.
- Lightweight at 540g, making it easy to transport.
- Offers a low-profile typing experience with specific Keychron Milk POM or Gateron low-profile switches.
- 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-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-CH. The other board is sold in those layouts.
- No numpad.
Get the
Keychron K4 HE
Magnetic Gaming Features
Build quality in the top 10% of 96% boards under $150.
- Features advanced Gateron double-rail magnetic switches with adjustable actuation points (0.2-3.8mm).
- Includes gaming-focused features like Rapid Trigger, Dynamic Keystrokes, and Analog Mode.
- Large 4000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If your priority is a thin, light keyboard for travel or a minimalist desk, the Keychron K3 V3 is the better option. If you want cutting-edge magnetic switches for gaming, need a number pad, and value a long battery life in a stationary setup, the Keychron K4 HE justifies its higher cost and weight. Both offer excellent customization through QMK and VIA.
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 K4 HE
Layout size
75%
96%
Hall effect (magnetic)
No
Yes
Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing
Rapid trigger
No
Yes
Faster resets help in games and not in normal typing
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired
Bluetooth, Wired, 2.4 GHz
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Battery
1,550 mAh
4,000 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
- Keychron K3 V3
- Keychron K4 HE
- Performance
- 8292
- Build quality
- 8387
- Productivity
- 8094
- Customizability
- 8989
- Portability
- 7756
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- QMK
- VIA
- Plate material: Aluminum
What will you mostly use it for?
The K4 HE is the clear choice for gaming and office productivity, thanks to its magnetic switches, full layout, and large battery. The K3 V3 dominates for travel due to its lightweight, low-profile design. For programming and modding, both are equally capable due to shared firmware support and hot-swap sockets. Content creators may prefer the K4 HE for its extra keys and potential for analog input control.
Pick the Keychron K4 HE
- The K4 HE features adjustable actuation point magnetic switches with 0.1mm sensitivity for precise control.
- It includes gaming-specific features like Rapid Trigger, Dynamic Keystrokes, and Last Key Priority, as listed by the manufacturer.
- Its 2.4 GHz wireless connection maintains a 1000 Hz polling rate, while the K3 V3's Bluetooth mode drops to 90 Hz.
Keychron K3 V3 vs K4 HE specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
18 of 29 specs differ
Keychron K3 V3
Keychron K4 HE
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Rapid trigger
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
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 K4 HE
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-CH
In stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-CH
In stockDoes not ship to you
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Keychron K3 V3 vs K4 HE: your questions
The K3 V3 uses traditional low-profile mechanical switches (linear, tactile, or clicky). The K4 HE uses Gateron double-rail magnetic switches, which utilize TMR sensors for contactless actuation and offer features like adjustable actuation points and Rapid Trigger.
Both have sound-dampening materials. The K4 HE listing specifically mentions a 3.5mm EVA foam, EPDM foam, and a silicone acoustic pad. The K3 V3 vendor page lists IXPE, EPDM, and latex foam. The K4 HE's heavier build and additional foams may lead to a quieter, more muted sound profile.
Yes, the K4 HE supports a 2.4 GHz wireless connection with a 1000 Hz polling rate, which is suitable for gaming. Its Bluetooth mode operates at 125 Hz. The K3 V3 only has Bluetooth and wired modes, with its Bluetooth polling rate at 90 Hz.
Yes, but with profile considerations. The K3 V3 uses low-profile LSA keycaps. The K4 HE's Standard Version uses Cherry profile keycaps, and its Special Edition uses OSA profile keycaps. You must ensure any replacement keycap sets match these specific profiles and stem compatibility.
The Keychron K4 HE has a significantly larger 4000mAh battery compared to the K3 V3's 1550mAh battery. The manufacturer states the K4 HE can last up to 110 hours in wireless mode, suggesting longer usage between charges.
Yes, both the Keychron K3 V3 and K4 HE are listed as compatible with Mac and Windows systems. Their vendor descriptions note they include keycaps for both operating systems and have a system toggle switch.
It means you can pull out and replace switches without soldering. However, each board has restrictions. The K3 V3 is compatible with Keychron Milk POM or Gateron/Keychron low-profile mechanical switches. The K4 HE is compatible only with Gateron double-rail magnetic switches.
Yes, both keyboards support the open-source QMK firmware and the VIA/Keychron Launcher web app for extensive key remapping, macro creation, and lighting customization without needing installed software.
The K3 V3 can be used for gaming, especially in its wired mode which has a 1000 Hz polling rate. However, its Bluetooth mode runs at 90 Hz, and it lacks the specialized magnetic switch features like Rapid Trigger and adjustable actuation points found on the K4 HE.
The K3 V3 uses an ABS and aluminum frame. The K4 HE uses an aluminum body (with wood accents on the Special Edition), an aluminum plate, and includes screw-in stabilizers. The K4 HE's construction is generally heavier and more substantial.
The Keychron K3 V3 is far more portable. It weighs 540g versus 1090g, has a smaller 75% footprint (306x116mm vs 377x126mm), and features a slimmer low-profile design. It is the clear choice for frequent travel.
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