Keychron V3 vs V5TKL vs 96% Layout Custom Keyboard Comparison
Choose the Keychron V3 for a more compact TKL layout, or the V5 for a full numpad in a condensed 96% form factor.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron V3
TKL
- More compact TKL (80%) layout frees up desk space for mouse movement.
- Slightly lighter weight (1120g) and shorter length (367mm).
- Includes sound dampening foam, according to the vendor description.
- Lacks a dedicated numpad, which is essential for some users.
- Wired-only connectivity limits placement options.
- Non-shine-through PBT keycaps may make legends hard to see in low light.
Get the
Keychron V5
96% Layout Custom Keyboard Comparison
- 96% layout includes a numpad and function keys in a condensed form factor.
- Retains all primary keys for data entry and spreadsheet work.
- Available with a programmable aluminum rotary encoder (knob version).
- Larger footprint (389mm long) than the V3, taking up more desk space.
- Wired-only connectivity with no wireless option.
- The vendor description does not mention included sound dampening foam.
Your choice between the Keychron V3 and V5 is a direct trade-off between space and functionality. If you need a numpad and full navigation keys but want to save some space over a full-size board, the V5 is the logical pick. If you prefer a more traditional TKL layout that maximizes mouse real estate and can live without a numpad, the V3 is the better option. Both are excellent platforms for 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
Keychron V5
Layout size
80%
96%
Weight
1,360 g
1,170 g
Layout standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, JIS
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-SW, ISO-UK
Dimensions
19 x 141 x 367 mm
19 x 142 x 389 mm
- Keychron V3
- Keychron V5
- Performance
- 9191
- Build quality
- 8989
- Productivity
- 9898
- Customizability
- 9898
- Portability
- 5745
- 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 V5 is the clear choice for office work and data-heavy tasks due to its numpad, while the V3 wins for gaming and travel due to its smaller footprint. For programming and modding, the keyboards are functionally identical beyond layout. Content creators may lean towards the V5, especially the knob version, for its macro and control potential.
Pick the Keychron V3
- The V3's TKL layout provides more mouse space for low-sensitivity gaming.
- Both share the same 1000 Hz polling rate for low latency.
- The slightly smaller and lighter V3 may be easier to reposition on a desk.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
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”
“I bought this keyboard in March 2023 and genuinely liked it at first. It's solid, heavy, well-built, sounds great. Keychron clearly knows what they're doing in terms of design and firmware. The problem is the switches. After about a year and a half of normal…”
Keychron V5
8 owner reviews
“In love with it already. Only downside is how long it took to get the keyboard. Other then that its a great product for the price”
Keychron V3 vs V5 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
4 of 26 specs differ
Keychron V3
Keychron V5
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
Compare prices
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Keychron V3 vs V5: your questions
The main difference is the layout. The V3 uses an 80% TKL layout without a numpad, while the V5 uses a 96% layout that compactly integrates a numpad and navigation cluster. This makes the V5 about 22mm longer than the V3.
Yes, both the Keychron V3 and V5 are hot-swappable. Their PCBs support both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switch types, allowing you to change switches without soldering.
Yes, both keyboards are fully programmable. They support open-source QMK firmware and the VIA configurator for remapping keys, creating macros, and adjusting lighting layers directly through a web app.
No, both the Keychron V3 and V5 are wired-only keyboards. They connect via a USB Type-C cable, which is included with a Type-A adapter.
The fully assembled versions of both keyboards come with double-shot PBT keycaps in the OSA profile. These are non-shine-through and include extra keycaps for both Mac and Windows layouts.
The fully assembled versions can come with Keychron K Pro Red (linear), Brown (tactile), or Blue (clicky) switches. These are factory pre-lubed, excluding the clicky variants. Barebone versions are also available.
Yes, both keyboards feature south-facing RGB LED backlighting. This orientation is designed to prevent interference with Cherry-profile or OEM-profile aftermarket keycaps.
The Keychron V3 is better for a small desk due to its more compact TKL layout. Its shorter length (367mm vs 389mm) provides significantly more room for your mouse compared to the V5.
The Keychron V5 is available in both knob and non-knob versions. The knob is a programmable aluminum rotary encoder that can be customized through the Keychron Launcher software.
Both keyboards use screw-in PCB stabilizers. According to Keychron, this design increases stability, reduces wobble, and makes the stabilizers easier to remove and upgrade compared to clip-in variants.
The Keychron V5 is better for Excel and accounting due to its integrated numpad. The numpad allows for much faster data entry compared to using the number row on the V3.
Both the Keychron V3 and V5 have a 1000 Hz polling rate. Keychron states this provides low latency that is suitable for competitive gaming.
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