Compare Keychron V1 vs V3 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Keychron's two popular wired, customizable mechanical keyboards. The choice is difficult because both share core features like QMK/VIA support, hot-swap sockets, and PBT keycaps. The decision ultimately hinges on your preferred layout size, the importance of a specific mounting style, and subtle performance differences.

Model
	98	97	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	2.4 stars (62 reviews)	2.4 stars (16 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Available in a 75% layout Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK layout standard Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity Weighs about 995 g Sized at 18 x 149 x 329 mm Features PBT, ABS keycaps	Available in a 80% layout Built with the ISO, JIS, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW layout standard Supports Wired, Wired only, connectivity Weighs about 1360 g Sized at 19 x 141 x 367 mm Features ABS, PBT keycaps
Score	Scores Performance: 91.3 Build Quality: 89.2 Productivity: 97.9 Customizability: 99.4 Portability: 64.7	Scores Performance: 91 Build Quality: 88.6 Productivity: 97.7 Customizability: 99.7 Portability: 57.6
Name	Name Keychron V1	Name Keychron V3
Release year	Release year 2022	Release year 2022
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, 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 ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, 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;8000 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 Tray 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, White, White South-face	Backlight Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Plastic, ABS	Case Material Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT, ABS	Keycaps Material ABS, PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 18 x 149 x 329 mm	Dimensions 19 x 141 x 367 mm
Weight	Weight 995g	Weight 1360g

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Pros and Trade-offs

Select the Keychron V1 if you prioritize a space-saving layout, the potential for higher polling rates, or want the flexibility of a gasket mount for modding. Opt for the Keychron V3 if you require a traditional TKL layout with a full function row for work or gaming and prefer a heavier, stable board. Both are excellent entry points into custom keyboards with their robust firmware support.

Keychron V1

+More compact 75% layout saves desk space.
+Offers an 8000 Hz polling rate option for lower latency.
+Includes gasket mount as an option for a softer typing feel.
+Lighter weight (995g) and shorter length for better portability.
+Available with a polycarbonate plate option.

−Lacks a dedicated function row, which some users prefer.
−Wired-only connectivity limits placement flexibility.
−Smaller right shift key on some ISO layouts may require adjustment.

Keychron V3

+Classic TKL (80%) layout retains the function row and navigation cluster.
+Heavier 1120g construction can feel more substantial on a desk.
+Includes sound dampening foam for a quieter typing experience out of the box.
+Shares the same high customizability with QMK/VIA and hot-swap support.

−Larger footprint (367mm) consumes more desk space.
−Polling rate is listed only as 1000 Hz, without a higher option.
−Mounting style is limited to tray and plate mount, lacking a gasket option.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The V1 takes the lead for gaming and travel due to its higher polling rate option and more compact, lighter design. The V3 is better suited for office work where a full function row is valuable. For programming and content creation, the decision is a tie, boiling down to layout preference. Modders may favor the V1 for its additional gasket mount and plate material options.

GamingKeychron V1

•The V1 lists an 8000 Hz polling rate option, while the V3 is specified at 1000 Hz.
•Its more compact 75% layout frees up more desk space for mouse movement.
•The V1's gasket mount option, per its metadata, may offer a softer typing feel preferred by some gamers.

OfficeKeychron V3

•The V3's TKL (80%) layout retains the full function row, which is often used for productivity shortcuts.
•Its heavier 1120g weight may provide more stability on a desk.
•Both keyboards include Mac/Windows keycaps and a system toggle for multi-OS environments.

ProgrammingTie

•Both support extensive key remapping and macros via QMK and VIA firmware.
•Both are available in multiple ISO language layouts, including UK, German, and Nordic.
•The choice depends on personal preference for a compact 75% layout (V1) or a TKL with dedicated nav cluster (V3).

TravelKeychron V1

•The V1 is more compact (328mm length) and lighter (995g) than the V3 (367mm, 1120g).
•Its smaller 75% footprint is easier to fit in a backpack.
•Both are wired-only, so portability is solely about physical size and weight.

ModdingKeychron V1

•The V1's metadata includes gasket, tray, and plate mount styles, offering more mounting options than the V3's tray and plate mount.
•It also lists polycarbonate as a plate material option, while the V3 only lists steel.
•Both are equally hot-swappable and support screw-in stabilizers.

Content CreationTie

•Both keyboards offer a programmable knob version for controlling volume, zoom, or brush size.
•Both feature south-facing RGB LEDs that avoid interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.
•The V1's compact layout may suit smaller desks, while the V3's TKL layout offers dedicated media keys.