Keychron V3 Ultra vs V5 UltraTKL vs 96% Layout Choice
Choose the Keychron V3 Ultra if you want a compact TKL for travel and gaming, or the V5 Ultra if you need a full number pad.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron V3 Ultra
TKL
- Compact TKL 80% layout saves desk space and is easier to transport.
- Slightly lighter at 960g compared to the V5 Ultra.
- Multiple layout standards available including ISO-ES, ISO-FR, and JIS.
- No dedicated number pad, which may slow down numeric data entry tasks.
- Plastic case material may feel less premium than metal options found on other keyboards.
Get the
Keychron V5 Ultra
96% Layout Choice
- 96% layout includes a full number pad for efficient numeric input.
- Metal and plastic case construction may offer a more solid feel than the all-plastic V3 Ultra.
- Slightly lower front height (21.7mm) compared to the V3 Ultra (23.6mm).
- Heavier and wider than the V3 Ultra, making it less portable.
- Only available in ANSI layout, limiting standards options for international users.
- One user review noted that backlighting does not adequately illuminate key legends in the dark.
The Keychron V3 Ultra and V5 Ultra are nearly identical in performance specs, making the layout the deciding factor. If you prioritize desk space, portability, or programming, go with the V3 Ultra TKL. If you frequently work with numbers in office or creative workflows, the V5 Ultra with its built-in number pad is the better fit. Both offer the same 8K polling rate, hot-swappable switches, and ZMK customization.
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 V3 Ultra
Keychron V5 Ultra
Layout size
80%
96%
Connection
Wired, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Case material
ABS, Plastic
ABS, Metal, Plastic
Weight
960 g
983 g
Layout standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-CH, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-UK, JIS
ANSI, ISO, ISO-ES
- Keychron V3 Ultra
- Keychron V5 Ultra
- Performance
- 9191
- Build quality
- 8383
- Productivity
- 9898
- Customizability
- 9494
- Portability
- 7656
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 4,000 mAh
- Max polling rate: 8,000 Hz
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- Knob
What will you mostly use it for?
For gaming and modding, both keyboards are effectively tied, sharing the same polling rate, switch options, and gasket mount design. The V5 Ultra wins in office and content creation categories thanks to its 96% layout that includes a number pad. The V3 Ultra takes the lead for programming and travel due to its more compact TKL form factor. Ultimately, the layout difference is the single most important factor in choosing between them.
It's a tie
- Both keyboards offer an 8000 Hz polling rate in wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes for low latency.
- Both use Keychron Silk POM switches and a gasket mount design for a responsive typing feel.
- Both support per-key RGB and Mix RGB lighting for customizable backlight effects.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
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 V5 Ultra
1 owner reviews
“Hi Keychron team, I wanted to share some feedback regarding your new Ultra line of keyboards. While the backlighting is present, the legends on most of your keyboards are not properly illuminated. I don’t quite understand the point of this design—these…”
Keychron V3 Ultra vs V5 Ultra specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
6 of 27 specs differ
Keychron V3 Ultra
Keychron V5 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
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Keychron V3 Ultra vs V5 Ultra: your questions
The main difference is the layout size. The Keychron V3 Ultra is an 80% tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard without a number pad, while the Keychron V5 Ultra is a 96% layout that includes a full number pad. All other core specs, such as the 8000 Hz polling rate, 4000mAh battery, and ZMK firmware, are identical.
Both the Keychron V3 Ultra and V5 Ultra offer an identical 8000 Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes. This means they deliver the same ultra-low input lag for competitive gaming, so there is no advantage for either model in this area.
Yes, both keyboards support three connectivity modes: 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.3, and USB-C wired connection. They also feature a large 4000mAh battery that provides up to 660 hours of use with the backlight turned off, according to the manufacturer.
Yes, both models are fully hot-swappable and support 3pin and 5pin MX-style mechanical switches. This allows you to change switches without soldering, making them ideal for customization and modding.
The Keychron V3 Ultra is often preferred for programming due to its compact TKL layout that frees up more mouse space on the desk. Both models offer ZMK firmware with full key remapping and macro support through the Keychron Launcher web app, which is useful for custom key bindings.
Yes, both the Keychron V3 Ultra and V5 Ultra come in a 'Fully Assembled Knob' version. The knob can be programmed for functions like volume control, zoom, or scrolling via the Keychron Launcher software.
The Keychron V3 Ultra is more portable due to its smaller TKL form factor and slightly lighter weight of 960 grams compared to the V5 Ultra's 983 grams. Both models are wireless, but the V3 Ultra's reduced width makes it easier to fit into bags.
The Keychron V3 Ultra offers three adjustable typing angles of 4 degrees, 7 degrees, and 10 degrees. The Keychron V5 Ultra has slightly different angles: 3.5 degrees, 8 degrees, and 10 degrees. Both use a gasket mount and PC plate for a softer typing feel.
Yes, both the V3 Ultra and V5 Ultra come with a system toggle switch and an additional set of customized keycaps for macOS and Windows. They also include keycaps for both operating systems in the box, allowing you to switch easily between devices.
Both the Keychron V3 Ultra and V5 Ultra use screw-in PCB stabilizers. This design improves stability for larger keys like the space bar, shift, enter, and delete, reducing wobble and providing a smoother typing experience.
No, both keyboards come with the same OSA (OEM Spherical Angled) profile double-shot PBT keycaps. The manufacturer states these keycaps offer oil resistance and prevent the legends from fading over time, and they support per-key RGB backlighting.
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