Keychron V1 Ultra vs V3 Ultra75% vs TKL Layout Comparison
Choose the V1 Ultra for a compact footprint or the V3 Ultra for dedicated navigation keys.
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5.0 (1)5.0 · 1 reviews
from$97at MK
5.0 (2)5.0 · 2 reviews
from$114at MK
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron V1 Ultra
75%
Build quality in the top 10% of 75% boards under $100.
- More compact 75% layout (329mm wide) saves desk space.
- Lighter weight at 770 grams for easier portability.
- Includes all core functionality in a smaller footprint with a function row and arrow keys.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- Missing ISO-UK, ISO-CH. The other board is sold in those layouts.
- No numpad.
Get the
Keychron V3 Ultra
TKL Layout Comparison
Build quality in the top 10% of 80% boards under $150.
- TKL (80%) layout provides dedicated navigation and editing keys for productivity.
- Familiar layout for users transitioning from a full-size keyboard.
- Shares all the premium features of the V1 Ultra, like ZMK firmware and multi-layer foam.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- No numpad.
Your choice hinges entirely on layout needs versus space constraints. Opt for the Keychron V3 Ultra if you regularly use dedicated navigation keys for work or programming and have the desk space. Choose the Keychron V1 Ultra if you prioritize a compact setup, need to save space, or plan to transport the keyboard frequently. Both deliver identical performance, battery life, and modding potential.
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 V1 Ultra
Keychron V3 Ultra
Layout size
75%
80%
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wired, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Switch options
Linear, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Weight
770 g
960 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
Layout standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR
ANSI, ISO, ISO-CH, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-UK, JIS
ISO and JIS exist so regional layouts fit
- Keychron V1 Ultra
- Keychron V3 Ultra
- Performance
- 9191
- Build quality
- 8483
- Productivity
- 9898
- Customizability
- 9494
- Portability
- 7976
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 4,000 mAh
- Max polling rate: 8,000 Hz
- Case material: ABS, Plastic
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- Knob
What will you mostly use it for?
The V3 Ultra's TKL layout gives it a clear edge for office work and programming where dedicated navigation keys are frequently used. The V1 Ultra is the definitive choice for travel and portability due to its smaller size and lower weight. For gaming, modding, and content creation, the keyboards are functionally identical, offering the same high-performance wireless, customizability, and acoustic design, making the decision purely about layout preference.
It's a tie
- Both offer an 8000 Hz polling rate in wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes for minimal latency.
- Both feature N-key rollover and hot-swappable sockets for customizing switches.
- Both use the same gasket mount design and polycarbonate plate for a consistent typing feel.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron V1 Ultra
1 owner reviews
“Keychron has the best keyboard for keyboard enthusiasts. This is my 3rd and I have no notes. Exactly what I wanted, versatility, thockiness, and portability.”
Keychron V3 Ultra
2 owner reviews
“Second Keyboard I buy from Keychron! I live in El Salvador and it arrived on time and perfectly. Extremely comfortable, outstanding switches. Best keyboard I've had in my life.”
Keychron V1 Ultra vs V3 Ultra specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
6 of 27 specs differ
Keychron V1 Ultra
Keychron V3 Ultra
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
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 V1 Ultra
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-FR, ISO-ES
In stockDoes not ship to you
Keychron V3 Ultra
Input Gear
ISO-DE
Out of stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-FR, ISO-ES
In stockDoes not ship 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 V1 Ultra vs V3 Ultra: your questions
The primary difference is the layout size. The V1 Ultra is a 75% keyboard, which combines the function row and arrow keys into a compact block. The V3 Ultra is a TKL (Tenkeyless or 80%) layout, which retains a dedicated navigation cluster with keys like Insert, Delete, and Home while removing the number pad.
Yes. Both the V1 Ultra and V3 Ultra support 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.3, and wired USB-C connections. According to Keychron, they can connect to three devices via Bluetooth for easy switching.
Both keyboards feature an 8000 Hz polling rate in both their wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes, as stated in the product specifications. This is designed for minimal input latency during gaming or fast typing.
Yes. Both models feature hot-swappable sockets that support both 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches. This allows you to change switches without any soldering required.
Both keyboards use a gasket mount design with a polycarbonate plate. Keychron states this design, combined with multiple foam layers, reduces acoustic resonance for a softer and quieter typing experience.
Both keyboards use ZMK open-source firmware and are programmable via the web-based Keychron Launcher. This allows for key remapping, macro creation, and lighting customization without installing dedicated software.
Keychron lists a battery life of up to 660 hours with the backlight turned off for both models, based on a 4000mAh battery. With RGB lighting at the lowest brightness, battery life is up to 200 hours.
Both come pre-built with OSA profile double-shot PBT keycaps and Keychron's pre-lubed Silk POM switches. The keycaps include separate sets for Mac and Windows layouts.
The Keychron V1 Ultra is better for a small desk. It has a width of 329mm and weighs 770g, making it significantly more compact and space-efficient than the 368mm wide, 960g V3 Ultra.
Yes. Both keyboards are listed as compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux. They include a system toggle switch and an extra set of keycaps with Mac-specific legends.
Yes. Both feature south-facing RGB LEDs with per-key lighting and a 'Mix RGB' zone mode. They offer over 22 backlight settings, including a static white option, configurable through the Keychron Launcher.
According to the vendor descriptions, the fully assembled version of each keyboard includes the keyboard PCB, the plastic case, the polycarbonate plate, OSA PBT keycaps (for Mac and Windows), and Keychron Silk POM switches. A USB-C cable is also included for wired use and charging.
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