Keychron V1 Max vs V3: Wireless vs Wired Budget Custom Boards

Compare Keychron V1 Max vs V3 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two of Keychron's most popular entry-level custom mechanical keyboards. The choice hinges on whether wireless connectivity and a compact layout are worth the extra cost over a more affordable, full-featured wired board. Both offer extensive programmability and hot-swap sockets, making the decision between connectivity, size, and mounting style the primary challenge.

Model
Rating	4.3 stars (32 reviews)	2.4 stars (16 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2023 Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options Available in a 75% layout Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-PT, ISO, ANSI layout standard Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery Weighs about 770 g Sized at 22 x 149 x 329 mm Made with a ABS, Plastic case Features PBT, ABS keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting	Released in 2022 Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options Available in a 80% layout Built with the ISO, JIS, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, ISO-CH layout standard 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: 83.2 Build Quality: 86.3 Productivity: 97.3 Customizability: 99.4 Portability: 79.2	Scores Performance: 91 Build Quality: 88.5 Productivity: 97.5 Customizability: 99.7 Portability: 57.6
Name	Name Keychron V1 Max	Name Keychron V3
Release year	Release year 2023	Release year 2022
Switch Options	Switch Options Tactile, Linear, Clicky	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 75%	Layout Size 80%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-PT, ISO, ANSI	Layout Standard ISO, JIS, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, ISO-CH
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 Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Wired, Wired only,
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz;8000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 4000 mAh	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 ABS, Plastic	Case Material Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT, ABS	Keycaps Material ABS, PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 22 x 149 x 329 mm	Dimensions 19 x 141 x 367 mm
Weight	Weight 770g	Weight 1360g

Keychron V1 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

Keychron V3 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

Select a keyboard to compare

4.3 stars (32 reviews)

2.4 stars (16 reviews)

Released in 2023
Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
Available in a 75% layout
Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-PT, ISO, ANSI layout standard
Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
Weighs about 770 g
Sized at 22 x 149 x 329 mm
Made with a ABS, Plastic case
Features PBT, ABS keycaps
Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting

Released in 2022
Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
Available in a 80% layout
Built with the ISO, JIS, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, ISO-CH layout standard
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

Scores

Performance: 83.2
Build Quality: 86.3
Productivity: 97.3
Customizability: 99.4
Portability: 79.2

Scores

Performance: 91
Build Quality: 88.5
Productivity: 97.5
Customizability: 99.7
Portability: 57.6

Name

Keychron V1 Max

Name

Keychron V3

Release year

2023

Release year

2022

Switch Options

Tactile, Linear, Clicky

Switch Options

Linear, Tactile, Clicky

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

75%

Layout Size

80%

Layout Standard

ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-PT, ISO, ANSI

Layout Standard

ISO, JIS, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, ISO-CH

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

USB passthrough

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Connection

Wired, Wired only,

Polling Rate

1000 Hz

Polling Rate

1000 Hz;8000 Hz

Battery capacity

4000 mAh

Battery capacity

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Mount Style

Tray Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb, South-face

Backlight

Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face

Case Colors

Case Material

ABS, Plastic

Case Material

Plastic, ABS

Keycaps Material

PBT, ABS

Keycaps Material

ABS, PBT

Dimensions

22 x 149 x 329 mm

Dimensions

19 x 141 x 367 mm

Weight

770g

Weight

1360g

Pros and Trade-offs

Your budget and need for wireless operation are the deciding factors. Invest in the Keychron V1 Max if you value cable-free flexibility, a compact desk footprint, and the popular gasket-mount typing feel. Opt for the Keychron V3 if you want a cost-effective entry into custom keyboards with a full TKL layout and do not mind a wired connection. Both are excellent platforms for customization.

Keychron V1 Max

+Tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4 GHz, wired) for versatile use.
+Gasket mount design with a polycarbonate plate for a softer typing feel.
+Includes a 4000mAh battery for wireless operation.
+Compact 75% layout saves desk space while keeping most keys.
+Offers a wide range of ISO layout options according to its specifications.

−Typically commands a higher price than the wired V3.
−The 75% layout lacks dedicated function row keys, which some users prefer.
−Relies on battery life, requiring periodic charging.

Keychron V3

+More affordable price point for a fully-featured custom keyboard.
+80% TKL layout includes dedicated navigation and function keys.
+Tray mount with a steel plate provides a rigid and stable typing experience.
+Available in a frosted black translucent case option.
+Heavier build (1120g) can feel more substantial and resist movement.

−Wired-only connectivity limits placement and device switching.
−Tray mount design is generally considered less premium than gasket mount.
−Heavier weight makes it less portable.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The V1 Max wins for mobile and multi-device use cases like travel, office, and content creation due to its wireless connectivity and lighter, more compact form. The V3 is the pragmatic choice for stationary setups like programming, where its lower cost and full TKL layout are advantageous. For core modding and customization, both keyboards are equally capable. Gamers may lean toward the V1 Max for its wireless gaming mode and space-saving design.

GamingKeychron V1 Max

•Offers a 1000 Hz polling rate over both 2.4 GHz wireless and wired connections.
•The 75% layout saves desk space for larger mouse movements.
•Gasket mount with a polycarbonate plate may provide a more consistent typing feel.

OfficeKeychron V1 Max

•Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity allows pairing with multiple devices like laptops and tablets.
•Includes sound dampening foam for a quieter typing experience.
•Lighter weight (770g) makes it slightly easier to reposition on a desk.

ProgrammingKeychron V3

•The 80% (TKL) layout retains dedicated function and navigation keys.
•Lower price point allows budget for other peripherals or components.
•Heavier steel plate and tray mount design can provide a more rigid, stable typing base.

TravelKeychron V1 Max

•Wireless operation removes the need to carry or connect a cable.
•Smaller 75% footprint is more compact.
•Lighter weight (770g vs 1120g) is more portable.

ModdingTie

•Both are hot-swappable, supporting 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches.
•Both support QMK and VIA for firmware customization.
•Both include screw-in PCB stabilizers and sound dampening features.

Content CreationKeychron V1 Max

•Wireless connectivity reduces cable clutter on camera.
•Programmable knob support (on knob versions) for media control or macros.
•Ability to save layouts for both macOS and Windows is useful for cross-platform workflows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)