Keychron K4 HE vs K4 V3Magnetic vs Mechanical 96%
Choose the K4 HE for magnetic switch gaming features or the K4 V3 for a lower price and broad mechanical switch compatibility.
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4.0 (11)4.0 · 11 reviews
from$118at MK
5.0 (4)5.0 · 4 reviews
from$94at Keychron
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K4 HE
Magnetic
Build quality in the top 10% of 96% boards under $150.
- Magnetic switch technology with adjustable actuation (0.2-3.8 mm) per key.
- Gaming features include Rapid Trigger, Snap Click, and Dynamic Keystrokes.
- Dual connectivity with both 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth for gaming and multitasking.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
Get the
Keychron K4 V3
Mechanical 96%
Build quality in the top 5% of 96% boards under $100.
- Compatible with almost all 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches for easy customization.
- Available as a barebones DIY kit for users who want to build from scratch.
- Lower price point makes it a more accessible option.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- Missing ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW. The other board is sold in those layouts.
The Keychron K4 HE is the better choice for gamers who want the latest magnetic switch technology with features like Rapid Trigger and analog input. The Keychron K4 V3 is the more versatile and affordable option for enthusiasts who want a wide selection of mechanical switches and the ability to mod, including a barebones kit. If you want a keyboard specifically for competitive gaming, choose the K4 HE; for a customizable daily driver that is easier on the wallet, choose the K4 V3.
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 K4 HE
Keychron K4 V3
Hall effect (magnetic)
Yes
No
Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing
Rapid trigger
Yes
No
Faster resets help in games and not in normal typing
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired, 2.4 GHz
Bluetooth, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Case material
ABS, Aluminum, Plastic, Wood
Aluminum, Plastic
Switch options
Clicky, Linear, Magnetic, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
- Keychron K4 HE
- Keychron K4 V3
- Performance
- 9282
- Build quality
- 8787
- Productivity
- 9495
- Customizability
- 8996
- Portability
- 5654
- Layout size: 96%
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 4,000 mAh
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Mount style: Tray Mount
- QMK
What will you mostly use it for?
For gaming, the K4 HE is the clear winner due to its magnetic switch features like Rapid Trigger and Analog Mode. For office work and programming, the two keyboards are evenly matched, as both offer the same layout, QMK/VIA support, and wireless connectivity. The K4 V3 is the better choice for travel and modding, as it is likely lighter and supports a wider range of switches including a barebones option. For content creation, both are equally capable, offering a numpad and Bluetooth connectivity.
Pick the Keychron K4 HE
- Features Rapid Trigger, Snap Click, and Dynamic Keystrokes for competitive gaming.
- Analog Mode provides variable input for racing and sports games.
- Low latency with 1000 Hz polling in wired and 2.4 GHz modes.
- Adjustable actuation from 0.2 to 3.8 mm per key.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron K4 HE
11 owner reviews
“So far it have met my expectations for the use i wanted it for, had a small hic up the first day i started ysing it but got easily resolved with the provided user manual”
“The keyboard is smooth to the touch, and has the nice feel. For me, it's almost an ideal keyboard but the one thing that gets me and it's a hard issue is that when connected, it takes away input from my controller when I game, especially for live service…”
Keychron K4 V3
4 owner reviews
“I am overall extremely impressed with this keyboard! I upgraded from a Corsair K70 Luxe that I had for many years, and this feels like miles better of an experience. I am impressed how good the Banana switches are, they are a little more tactile than the…”
Keychron K4 HE vs K4 V3 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
10 of 28 specs differ
Keychron K4 HE
Keychron K4 V3
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Rapid trigger
Hot-swappable
Mount style
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 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
Keychron K4 V3
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-CH
In stockShips 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 K4 HE vs K4 V3: your questions
The main difference is the switch type: the K4 HE uses Gateron double-rail magnetic switches with hall effect technology, while the K4 V3 uses traditional mechanical switches. The K4 HE also includes 2.4 GHz wireless and a more premium build with aluminum and wood options, whereas the K4 V3 is more affordable and compatible with a wider range of mechanical switches.
The K4 HE is better for gaming because it includes magnetic switch-specific features like Rapid Trigger, Snap Click, and Dynamic Keystrokes. It also has Analog Mode for gamepad-like control and a 2.4 GHz connection for low-latency wireless play. The K4 V3 lacks these features.
No, the K4 HE is only compatible with Gateron double-rail magnetic switches. According to the vendor, it does not support other magnetic switches like the Gateron Magnetic Jade or KS-20 Magnetic switches.
The K4 V3 is more customizable because it supports almost all 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches, and it is available as a barebones DIY kit. The K4 HE is limited to proprietary magnetic switches, though both keyboards support QMK and VIA for firmware customization.
Only the K4 HE includes a 2.4 GHz wireless connection option. The K4 V3 uses Bluetooth and wired Type-C connections for connectivity.
Both the K4 HE and K4 V3 use a 96% layout, which means they have a compact design that retains a full number pad and navigation cluster.
Yes, both the Keychron K4 HE and K4 V3 support QMK open-source firmware and the Keychron Launcher web app, which is compatible with VIA. This allows for key remapping, macros, and lighting control.
The K4 HE is described by the vendor as having a 'soft and thocky' typing sound due to its 3.5 mm thick EVA acoustic foam, EPDM foam, and silicone pad. The K4 V3 also uses sound dampening materials but its sound is described by users as 'clacky' or 'thocky and creamy' depending on the build.
Both keyboards have a 4000 mAh battery. The vendor states the K4 HE has a wireless working time of up to 110 hours in the lab. Battery life for the K4 V3 is not specified in the provided data.
The K4 V3 is better for a tight budget as it has a lower price range ($84-$114) compared to the K4 HE ($118-$195). It also offers more value for money with broad mechanical switch compatibility and a barebones option.
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