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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.

97
Keychron V1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
96
Keychron V3 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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2.5 (61)
2.4 (16)
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO-NO 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, ISO-CH layout standard
  • Supports Wired, Wired only, connectivity
  • Weighs about 1360 g
  • Sized at 19 x 141 x 367 mm
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
Scores
  • Performance: 90.8
  • Build Quality: 89.2
  • Productivity: 97.9
  • Customizability: 99.5
  • Portability: 64.7
Scores
  • Performance: 91
  • Build Quality: 88.5
  • Productivity: 97.5
  • Customizability: 99.7
  • Portability: 57.6
Name
Keychron V1
Name
Keychron V3
Release year
2022
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
80%
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO-NO
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
 
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
Wired, Wired only
Connection
Wired, Wired only,
Polling Rate
1000 Hz;8000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz;8000 Hz
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
-
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
Tray Mount
Mount Style
Tray Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS,
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Dimensions
18 x 149 x 329 mm
Dimensions
19 x 141 x 367 mm
Weight
995g
Weight
1360g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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