Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare Keychron K4 Pro vs K4 V3 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two nearly identical Keychron 96% wireless keyboards. The choice is difficult because both share core specs like hot-swap, QMK/VIA, and a 4000mAh battery. The decision hinges on subtle but impactful differences in RGB orientation, included keycap profiles, and sound dampening approaches. Understanding these nuances is key to matching the keyboard to your modding plans and aesthetic preferences.

92
Keychron K4 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
91
Keychron K4 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 3

Select a keyboard to compare

4.7 (7)
5.0 (4)
  • Released in 2022
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK layout standard
  • 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
  • Released in 2025
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-CH, ISO-Nordic, ANSI layout standard
  • Made with a Plastic case
  • Features PC, PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, South-face, Rgb South-face, White South-face, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 81.2
  • Build Quality: 83.9
  • Productivity: 94.6
  • Customizability: 97.2
  • Portability: 53.5
Scores
  • Performance: 81.8
  • Build Quality: 84.1
  • Productivity: 95.2
  • Customizability: 97.6
  • Portability: 54.2
Name
Keychron K4 Pro
Name
Keychron K4 V3
Release year
2022
Release year
2025
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
96%
Layout Size
96%
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-CH, 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
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
4000 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, White, South-face, White South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, South-face, White South-face, North-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Case Material
Plastic
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Keycaps Material
PC, PBT
Dimensions
31 x 391 x 139 mm
Dimensions
-
Weight
1280g
Weight
-
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!
Show more

Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice between the Keychron K4 Pro and K4 V3 should be guided by your keycap and lighting preferences. If you plan to use aftermarket Cherry-profile keycaps, the K4 Pro's south-facing RGB is the necessary choice. If you prefer the look of shine-through legends and will use the included keycaps, the K4 V3's north-facing lighting offers brighter effects. Both are otherwise excellent, highly customizable 96% keyboards.

Keychron K4 Pro

  • +South-facing RGB LEDs prevent interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.
  • +Includes sound-absorbing foam and a thick silicone dampening bottom pad according to its product page.
  • +Comes with OSA profile double-shot PBT keycaps.
  • +Offers adjustable typing angles of 3, 7, and 10 degrees.
  • +Available in a barebone kit version for custom builds.

  • The listed 3-degree base typing angle is shallower than the K4 V3's 5 degrees.
  • Case material is listed as a combination of plastic and ABS.
  • Keycap material options include ABS, which can develop shine over time.

Keychron K4 V3

  • +North-facing RGB LEDs are designed for shine-through keycap effects.
  • +Vendor description mentions an enhanced acoustic foam package with IXPE, EPDM, and PET foams.
  • +Comes with Cherry profile double-shot PBT keycaps.
  • +Offers adjustable typing angles of 5, 8, and 11 degrees.
  • +Available with an optional aluminum frame according to the vendor page.

  • North-facing LEDs may cause interference with some Cherry-profile keycaps.
  • The vendor notes a specific non-hot-swappable version lacks sound-absorbing foam and a silicone pad.
  • Keycap material includes Polycarbonate (PC), which may feel different to standard PBT or ABS.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The keyboards tie in most practical categories like gaming, office work, programming, and travel due to their shared core feature set. The K4 Pro takes a slight edge for modders due to its south-facing RGB, which is a critical feature for using popular aftermarket Cherry-profile keycaps without interference. The K4 V3 is the better pick for content creators who prioritize vibrant, shine-through backlighting for their setup aesthetics.

GamingTie
  • Both offer a 1000 Hz polling rate for low latency.
  • Both have hot-swappable sockets for switch customization.
  • Both support N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
OfficeTie
  • Both support multi-device Bluetooth for switching between computers.
  • Both include Mac and Windows keycaps and compatibility.
  • Both feature sound dampening materials for quieter typing.
ProgrammingTie
  • Both support full key remapping via QMK and VIA firmware.
  • Both use a 96% layout that retains a numpad in a compact form.
  • Both offer multiple ISO and ANSI layout options.
TravelTie
  • Both have identical 96% layout sizes for portability.
  • Both feature wireless Bluetooth connectivity.
  • Both share the same 4000mAh battery capacity.
ModdingKeychron K4 Pro
  • The K4 Pro's south-facing RGB LEDs prevent interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.
  • Its vendor description specifies it includes sound-absorbing foam and a thick silicone dampening pad.
  • It comes with OSA profile double-shot PBT keycaps, offering a different base for customization.
Content CreationKeychron K4 V3
  • The K4 V3's north-facing RGB LEDs are designed for shine-through keycaps, offering more vibrant backlighting for video.
  • Its vendor description lists an enhanced foam package including IXPE, EPDM, and PET foams for a potentially more refined sound profile.
  • It features Cherry profile double-shot PBT keycaps, which some users may prefer for typing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

94
$59
Keychron K8 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron K8 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

88
$69
Keychron K5 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K5 Pro
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

93
$84
Keychron K10 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 2
Keychron K10 V2
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

94
$79
Keychron K10 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K10 Pro
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

96
$99
Keychron V6 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V6 Max
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

86
$67
Keychron K1 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K1 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

97
$99
Keychron V5 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V5 Max
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

92
$59
Keychron Q4 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q4
60%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

95
$90
Keychron Q5 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q5
96%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

93
$59
Keychron Q2 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q2
65%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

Keychron K4 Pro vs K4 V3: South vs North-Facing RGB Comparison