Keychron V1 vs V375% vs TKL Layout & Mounting Differences
Choose the V1 for a more compact layout and higher polling rate option, or the V3 for a dedicated function row and arrow keys in a TKL form.
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4.9 (64)4.9 · 64 reviews
from$44at Keychron
4.9 (17)4.9 · 17 reviews
from$54at Keychron
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron V1
75%
Build quality in the top 5% of 75% boards under $50.
- 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.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- No numpad.
Get the
Keychron V3
TKL Layout & Mounting Differences
Build quality in the top 5% of 80% boards under $100.
- 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.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- Missing ISO-Nordic. The other board is sold in those layouts.
- No numpad.
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.
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
Keychron V3
Layout size
75%
80%
Weight
995 g
1,360 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
Layout standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, JIS
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, JIS
ISO and JIS exist so regional layouts fit
Dimensions
18 x 149 x 329 mm
19 x 141 x 367 mm
- Keychron V1
- Keychron V3
- Performance
- 9191
- Build quality
- 8988
- Productivity
- 9898
- Customizability
- 9898
- Portability
- 6458
- Connection: Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 8,000 Hz
- Case material: ABS, Plastic
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
- Mount style: Gasket Mount, Plate Mount, Tray Mount
What will you mostly use it for?
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.
Pick the Keychron 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.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron V1
64 owner reviews
“Even tho I live in the middle of Europe the shipping only took 11 working days. It feels and sounds great to type on. And the opening experience was also great.”
Keychron V3
17 owner reviews
“Mainly bought this keyboard for the russian layout, despite this I prefer it over my steelseries apex pro, its nice feel and sounds nice”
Keychron V1 vs V3 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
4 of 26 specs differ
Keychron V1
Keychron V3
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
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
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
In stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-FR, ISO-ES
In stockDoes not ship to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
In stockDoes not ship to you
Keychron V3
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
In stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-ES
In stockDoes not ship to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
Out of 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 vs V3: your questions
The Keychron V1 uses a 75% layout, which is more compact and integrates the function keys into a row above the numbers. The V3 uses an 80% (TKL) layout, which is larger and retains a dedicated function row, arrow keys, and navigation cluster separately.
Yes, both the Keychron V1 and V3 feature hot-swappable PCBs. According to their product listings, they support both 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches, allowing for easy switch changes without soldering.
Yes. Both keyboards are fully programmable using the open-source QMK firmware and the VIA configuration software. This allows for extensive key remapping, macro creation, and layer customization directly through a web app.
The Keychron V1 may have an edge for competitive gaming. Its specifications list an 8000 Hz polling rate option, which can offer lower input latency compared to the V3's specified 1000 Hz. The V1's smaller size also frees up more desk space for mouse movement.
According to the vendor descriptions, both the V1 and V3 come with double-shot PBT keycaps in the OSA profile. These keycaps are not shine-through and include extra keycaps for both macOS and Windows layouts.
The Keychron V1 offers more mounting variety, with its metadata listing gasket mount, tray mount, and plate mount. The Keychron V3 is listed with tray mount and plate mount styles, but does not mention a gasket mount option.
Yes. Both the Keychron V1 and V3 are available in 'Fully Assembled Knob' and 'Barebone Knob' variants. The aluminum rotary encoder is programmable for controlling volume, zoom, brightness, or other macros.
The Keychron V3 is heavier, with a listed weight of 1120g for the fully assembled version. The Keychron V1 is lighter at 995g, making it the more portable option of the two.
Yes. Both keyboards are compatible with macOS and Windows. They include a physical toggle switch to change between operating systems and come with an extra set of keycaps tailored for each OS.
Both keyboards use screw-in PCB stabilizers. The manufacturer states this design increases stability, makes upgrades easier, and that the boards support third-party screw-in stabilizers for further customization.
Yes. Both the Keychron V1 and V3 are sold in a 'Barebone' or 'Barebone Knob' configuration. These versions include the case, PCB, plate, and stabilizers, but do not include switches or keycaps, allowing for complete personalization.
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