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

Compare Keychron Q3 Pro vs R3 Differences Side by Side

The Keychron Q3 Pro and R3 are both 80% keyboards with QMK support and 4000 mAh batteries, but their feature sets suit different priorities. The Q3 Pro adds an aluminum case, gasket mount, hot-swappable switches, and several layout options. The R3 offers 2.4 GHz connectivity, acoustic foam layers, and an ANSI layout. The choice is less about size than whether you value customization and build materials or the R3’s additional wireless connection mode.

96
Keychron Q3 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard - Image: 5
Keychron R3 TKL Wireless RGB Keyboard

Select a keyboard to compare

4.8 (46)
0.0 (0)
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Supports hot-swappable switches
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, ANSI layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Compatible with both Mac and Windows
  • Connects via USB-C
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Weighs about 2300 g
  • Sized at 31 x 144 x 415 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2026
  • Has Tactile, Linear switch options
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Offers No RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 81.6
  • Build Quality: 89.3
  • Productivity: 97.1
  • Customizability: 98.2
  • Portability: 76.1
Scores
  • Performance: 44.4
  • Build Quality: 52.2
  • Productivity: 45.8
  • Customizability: 48.3
  • Portability: 50.5
Name
Keychron Q3 Pro
Name
Keychron R3
Release year
2023
Release year
2026
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
80%
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, ANSI
Layout Standard
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
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
-
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
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
-
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
-
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Keycaps Material
-
Dimensions
31 x 144 x 415 mm
Dimensions
-
Weight
2300g
Weight
-
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

Choose the Q3 Pro if you want a clearly specified aluminum gasket-mounted board with hot-swap support, VIA, and broader layout choices. Choose the R3 if 2.4 GHz connectivity and its listed acoustic foam package matter more, but confirm the exact configuration’s RGB and switch options before ordering.

Keychron Q3 Pro

  • +Aluminum case with gasket mount and a polycarbonate plate.
  • +Hot-swappable switches, plus QMK and VIA support.
  • +Available in ANSI and multiple ISO layout options.
  • +Bluetooth and wired connectivity, with a listed 4000 mAh battery.
  • +Special Edition description includes an aluminum knob and four left-side macro keys.
  • −Listed weight is 2300 g, which is a considerable travel trade-off.
  • −Vendor specifies 90 Hz polling over Bluetooth, compared with 1000 Hz wired.
  • −The Special Edition’s shine-through ABS keycaps differ from the non-shine-through double-shot PBT keycaps described for the standard Q3 Pro ISO.

Keychron R3

  • +Supports 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, and wired connections.
  • +Vendor states 1000 Hz polling over 2.4 GHz and wired modes.
  • +Acoustic foam package includes IXPE foam, EPDM foam, a silicone bottom pad, and PET film.
  • +Cherry-profile double-shot PBT keycaps are listed by the vendor.
  • +QMK and Keychron Launcher support are described.
  • −Product metadata lists ANSI as its only layout standard.
  • −RGB is listed as absent in the product metadata, although the vendor description claims south-facing RGB, so buyers should confirm the exact variant.
  • −The product metadata does not establish an aluminum case, gasket mount, or hot-swap support for the selected configuration.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Q3 Pro has clearer advantages for layout choice, switch customization, and workflows that can use its Special Edition knob and macro keys. The R3 is a reasonable fit when 2.4 GHz connectivity is a priority, with a stated 1000 Hz polling rate in that mode. Gaming is a close call on the listed connection details, rather than a clear category win. For travel, weigh the R3’s extra connection option against the Q3 Pro’s listed 2300 g weight and the R3’s ANSI-only layout.

GamingTie
  • •The Q3 Pro lists a 1000 Hz polling rate for wired use, while its vendor description specifies 90 Hz over Bluetooth.
  • •The R3 vendor description states 1000 Hz polling over 2.4 GHz and wired connections.
  • •Neither product’s inputs establish an advantage in game-specific controls beyond these connection and polling details.
OfficeKeychron Q3 Pro
  • •The Q3 Pro is listed with ANSI and multiple ISO layout options, while the R3 is listed as ANSI only.
  • •The Q3 Pro includes Bluetooth and wired connectivity, and its vendor description says it can connect to up to three devices over Bluetooth.
  • •The Q3 Pro has an aluminum knob and four left-side macro keys in the Special Edition description.
ProgrammingKeychron Q3 Pro
  • •Both keyboards support QMK and Keychron Launcher, but the Q3 Pro is also listed with VIA support.
  • •The Q3 Pro is hot-swappable, with vendor-listed support for many 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches.
  • •The Q3 Pro’s layout options include ISO variants as well as ANSI.
TravelKeychron R3
  • •The R3 supports 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, and wired connections, giving it more listed connection modes than the Q3 Pro.
  • •Both keyboards have a 4000 mAh battery, and the Q3 Pro is listed at 2300 g, so its substantial weight is a travel trade-off.
  • •The R3 is listed as ANSI only, which may limit layout choice for some buyers.
ModdingKeychron Q3 Pro
  • •The Q3 Pro is listed as hot-swappable and supports QMK and VIA.
  • •Its aluminum case, gasket mount, polycarbonate plate, and screw-in stabilizers are specifically listed features.
  • •The R3 vendor mentions an optional hot-swappable version, but the product metadata does not confirm that feature for every configuration.
Content CreationKeychron Q3 Pro
  • •The Q3 Pro Special Edition has a programmable aluminum knob and four left-side macro keys, according to its vendor description.
  • •The Q3 Pro supports VIA and is described as configurable with QMK and Keychron Launcher.
  • •The R3 supports QMK and Launcher, but its listed features do not include a knob or dedicated macro keys.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

84
$169
Evoworks Evo80 Keyboard - Image: 6
Evoworks Evo80
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
Alu case,
Plate Mount

76
$89
M87 TKL Wireless Gaming Keyboard
Royal Kludge M87
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Screen,
RGB,
Knob,
Gasket Mount

61
$159
CORSAIR K70 RGB TKL OPX Switch Optical-Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Corsair K70 Pro
80%,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case

66
$85
Glorious PC GMMK White Ice 60% Hotswap RGB Double Shot ABS Mechanical Keyboard
Glorious PC
80%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Plate Mount

87
$145
Qwertykeys QK80 Mk2 Keyboard - Image: 5
Qwertykeys QK80 Mk2
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Screen,
RGB,
VIA,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

84
$89
YUNZII B87 QMK/VIA Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Yunzii B87
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

72
$149
CIDOO V87 Mechanical Keyboard
Cidoo V87
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

82
$69
ANTONIUM K743 PRO (Side Printed PBT Keycaps)
Redragon ANTONIUM K743 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Screen,
RGB,
Knob,
Gasket Mount

69
$139
Keydous NJ87Pro Gasket Mechanical Keyboard
Keydous NJ87 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

71
$75
MCHOSE K87 Mechanical Keyboard
MCHOSE K87
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount