Compare Keychron Q3 vs V3 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Keychron's two wired, customizable TKL keyboards. The choice is challenging because both share a 1000Hz polling rate, QMK/VIA support, hot-swap sockets, and screw-in stabilizers. The core trade-off is the Q3's premium aluminum construction and gasket mount against the V3's more budget-friendly plastic case and tray mount, making the decision one of material preference versus cost.

Model
	97	97	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	4.7 stars (320 reviews)	2.4 stars (16 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Silent switch options Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-SW, ISO-UK layout standard Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity Weighs about 2000 g Sized at 20 x 137 x 365 mm Made with a Aluminum case Features PBT, ABS keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting	Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options Built with the ISO, JIS, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW layout standard Features N-key rollover Uses a Tray Mount mounting style Supports Wired, Wired only, connectivity Weighs about 1360 g Sized at 19 x 141 x 367 mm Made with a Plastic, ABS case Features ABS, PBT keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 72.1 Build Quality: 90.9 Productivity: 97.5 Customizability: 99.6 Portability: 57.5	Scores Performance: 91 Build Quality: 88.6 Productivity: 97.7 Customizability: 99.7 Portability: 57.6
Name	Name Keychron Q3	Name Keychron V3
Release year	Release year 2022	Release year 2022
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Silent	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 80%	Layout Size 80%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-SW, ISO-UK	Layout Standard ISO, JIS, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Wired, Wired only	Connection Wired, Wired only,
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz;8000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity -
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Gasket Mount	Mount Style Tray Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum	Case Material Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT, ABS	Keycaps Material ABS, PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 20 x 137 x 365 mm	Dimensions 19 x 141 x 367 mm
Weight	Weight 2000g	Weight 1360g

*Something incorrect or missing? Please

let me know

!

Pros and Trade-offs

Your budget and desire for specific build materials are the deciding factors. If you value a premium metal construction, a gasket-mounted typing feel, and are willing to pay more for it, the Keychron Q3 is the clear choice. If you want nearly all the same customization features—QMK, hot-swap, knob option—in a lighter, more affordable plastic package, the Keychron V3 delivers exceptional value.

Keychron Q3

+Full CNC machined aluminum body for a premium, solid feel.
+Double-gasket mount design, which Keychron states reduces acoustic resonance.
+Wide selection of ISO layout options (UK, DE, Nordic, etc.).
+Comes with OSA profile ABS shine-through keycaps in some configurations.

−Substantially heavier at 2000g, making it less portable.
−Typically commands a higher price than the V3 series.
−No wireless connectivity option, wired only.

Keychron V3

+More affordable price point for a fully-featured custom keyboard.
+Lighter weight (1120g) due to its ABS plastic case.
+Includes double-shot PBT keycaps in some configurations, which resist shine.
+Offers a translucent frosted black case option.

−Tray mount design instead of a gasket mount.
−Plastic case may feel less premium than aluminum.
−No wireless connectivity option, wired only.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The keyboards tie in most categories due to their shared core features like programmability, layout, and performance specs. The Keychron V3 wins for travel solely on its lower weight. The Keychron Q3 takes the modding category because of its gasket mount design and aluminum construction, which provide a different foundation for customization. For gaming, office work, programming, and content creation, the feature sets are virtually identical.

GamingTie

•Both have a 1000Hz polling rate for low latency.
•Both support the same switch types and hot-swapping for personal preference.
•Identical wired-only connectivity.

OfficeTie

•Both include Mac and Windows keycaps and system toggles.
•Both feature a programmable knob option for media control.
•Both have sound-dampening features listed in their specs.

ProgrammingTie

•Full QMK and VIA support for extensive key remapping on both.
•Identical TKL (80%) layout saves desk space.
•South-facing RGB on both prevents interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.

TravelKeychron V3

•The V3 is significantly lighter at 1120g versus the Q3's 2000g.
•Both are wired-only with similar dimensions, but the lower weight is an advantage for transport.

ModdingKeychron Q3

•The Q3 features a gasket mount design, which the manufacturer states improves typing sound and feel.
•It has a full CNC machined aluminum body, offering a more premium base for modifications.
•Both are equally hot-swappable and support aftermarket screw-in stabilizers.

Content CreationTie

•Both offer a programmable aluminum knob for shortcuts like zoom or brush size adjustment.
•Full QMK support allows for complex macros on either board.
•South-facing RGB is present on both for backlighting.