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Compare Keychron V3 vs V4 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is between the Keychron V3 and Keychron V4, two wired mechanical keyboards from the same budget-friendly V-series. The decision is primarily about layout trade-offs. The V3 is an 80% TKL that retains dedicated arrow keys, a function row, and navigation cluster, ideal for productivity and gaming. The V4 is a compact 60% that forgoes those dedicated keys for a smaller footprint, making it better for travel and minimalist setups. Both offer strong customization through QMK and VIA support, but their target users differ significantly based on whether they need the extra keys or the smaller size.

97
Keychron V3 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
91
Keychron V4 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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2.4 (16)
5.0 (18)
  • 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
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Supports Wired, Wired only, connectivity
  • Weighs about 1360 g
  • Sized at 19 x 141 x 367 mm
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting
  • Available in a 60% layout
  • Built with the ISO, JIS, ANSI, ISO-DE layout standard
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 730 g
  • Sized at 20 x 117 x 304 mm
  • Features ABS, PBT, keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 91
  • Build Quality: 88.6
  • Productivity: 97.6
  • Customizability: 99.7
  • Portability: 57.7
Scores
  • Performance: 66.4
  • Build Quality: 86.3
  • Productivity: 94.6
  • Customizability: 99.8
  • Portability: 74.9
Name
Keychron V3
Name
Keychron V4
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
80%
Layout Size
60%
Layout Standard
ISO, JIS, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, ISO-CH
Layout Standard
ISO, JIS, ANSI, ISO-DE
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
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
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT,
Dimensions
19 x 141 x 367 mm
Dimensions
20 x 117 x 304 mm
Weight
1360g
Weight
730g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your decision should be guided by your need for keys versus space. The Keychron V3 is the better choice if you frequently use the F row and dedicated navigation keys, as its TKL layout provides a more complete user experience for most productivity and gaming tasks. The Keychron V4 is ideal if you want a minimal footprint and plan to travel with your keyboard, as its light weight and smaller size are its primary advantages. For modding enthusiasts, either keyboard offers nearly identical customization potential, so let the layout preference be your guide.

Keychron V3

  • +80% TKL layout provides a full function row, navigation cluster, and arrow keys
  • +Programmable aluminum rotary knob for customizable controls via VIA
  • +Comes with an ARM Cortex-M4 MCU with 128K Flash and a 1000 Hz polling rate, with 8000 Hz polling rate support mentioned in specs
  • +Double-shot OSA PBT keycaps included in the fully assembled version for durability
  • +Available in multiple layout standards including ISO-DE, ISO-UK, and Russian ANSI variants
  • −Heavier at 1360g, less portable for carrying in a bag
  • −Larger dimensions (367mm length) take up more desk space
  • −Reviews reflect a lower average score of 2.35/5 based on 16 reviews

Keychron V4

  • +Ultra-compact 60% layout with a 304mm length, saving significant desk space
  • +Lightweight at only 730g, making it easy to transport
  • +Positive 5/5 rating from 18 reviews, indicating high user satisfaction
  • +Frosted Black (translucent) case option available for showing off RGB lighting
  • −Lacks dedicated arrow keys, function row, and navigation cluster, relying on layers
  • −Single steel plate option; no polycarbonate plate choice like the V3
  • −Does not include a programmable rotary knob
  • −Only supports 1000 Hz polling rate, no 8000 Hz option as mentioned for the V3

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron V3 wins in three out of six use cases, excelling where a full set of dedicated keys matter: gaming, office work, and programming. The V4's only win is in travel, where its lightweight and compact size are clear advantages. For modding, the two are tied, offering near-identical customization capabilities. For content creation, the V3's programmable knob and navigation keys give it a practical edge over the smaller V4. The core trade-off remains functionality per square inch versus compact portability.

GamingKeychron V3
  • •Full navigation cluster and dedicated F row for quick in-game actions
  • •Higher performance score relative to price tier (91/100) for lower latency
  • •Available with a programmable knob for volume or macros
OfficeKeychron V3
  • •TKL layout includes dedicated arrow keys, page navigation, and F keys for common productivity shortcuts
  • •Higher productivity score (97.6/100) for office use features
  • •Larger footprint provides a more traditional workspace layout
ProgrammingKeychron V3
  • •Dedicated function row and navigation keys are beneficial for IDE shortcuts and code navigation
  • •Keys like Home, End, PgUp, and PgDn available without layers
TravelKeychron V4
  • •63% lighter at 730g compared to the V3's 1360g, easier to pack
  • •Compact 60% dimensions (304mm length) save significant bag space
  • •Higher portability score (74.8/100) for size and weight
ModdingTie
  • •Both have hot-swappable PCBs supporting 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches
  • •Both support QMK and VIA for extensive firmware customization
  • •Both use standard screw-in PCB stabilizers for easy replacement
  • •Both are available as barebone kits to choose your own switches and keycaps
Content CreationKeychron V3
  • •Programmable knob can be configured via VIA for timeline scrolling, volume, or zoom controls
  • •Full arrow and navigation keys allow for precise timeline and media editing without layers
  • •TKL layout provides more utility for non-linear editor shortcuts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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