Keychron V3 vs MCHOSE K87Wired Customization vs Wireless Flexibility
Choose the Keychron V3 for deep firmware customization and a wired-only setup, or the MCHOSE K87 for tri-mode wireless connectivity and a gasket-mounted typing feel.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron V3
Wired Customization
- Full QMK and VIA support for extensive key remapping and macro programming.
- Includes a programmable aluminum rotary encoder (knob) on select models.
- Features screw-in PCB stabilizers and supports both 3-pin and 5-pin hot-swap switches.
- Wired-only connectivity, lacking Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz wireless options.
- Uses a tray mount design, which may offer a different typing feel compared to gasket mounts.
- Some configurations use ABS keycaps, while others use PBT.
Get the
MCHOSE K87
Wireless Flexibility
- Offers tri-mode connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless, and wired USB-C.
- Features a gasket mount design with a PC flex-cut plate for a softer typing feel.
- Includes a 6000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
- Lacks support for open-source firmware like QMK or VIA.
- Only offers linear switch options from the manufacturer.
- The vendor description does not specify a polling rate for its wired or wireless modes.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require deep, open-source programmability via QMK/VIA, insist on a wired connection for gaming, or want a knob for creative control, the Keychron V3 is the more capable platform. If wireless freedom for a clean desk, a gasket-mounted typing experience, and simpler plug-and-play operation are your goals, the MCHOSE K87 is the better fit. Both are competent hot-swappable keyboards, but they serve distinct user profiles.
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
MCHOSE K87
Connection
Wired
Wired, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz
Case material
ABS, Plastic
Aluminum, Plastic, Polycarbonate
Switch options
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Linear
Mount style
Gasket Mount, Plate Mount, Tray Mount
Gasket Mount
Knob
Yes
No
- Keychron V3
- MCHOSE K87
- Performance
- 9148
- Build quality
- 8969
- Productivity
- 9887
- Customizability
- 9866
- Portability
- 5785
- Layout size: 80%
- Hot-swappable
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Keychron V3 is the clear choice for users who value firmware-level customization, precise gaming performance, and a wired setup, excelling in programming and modding. The MCHOSE K87 wins for mobile and office use where wireless connectivity and battery life are paramount, and its gasket mount appeals to those seeking a specific typing feel. For content creation, the V3's knob and the K87's wireless design present a trade-off based on workflow preference.
Pick the Keychron V3
- The Keychron V3 has a specified 1000 Hz polling rate for lower latency.
- Its south-facing RGB LEDs avoid interference with Cherry-profile keycaps, a common choice for gamers.
- The manufacturer states the 1000 Hz polling rate makes latency 'hardly noticeable even in competitive games'.
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…”
MCHOSE K87
No owner reviews collected yet.
Keychron V3 vs MCHOSE K87 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
15 of 27 specs differ
Keychron V3
MCHOSE K87
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 vs MCHOSE K87: your questions
The Keychron V3 is likely better for competitive gaming due to its specified 1000 Hz polling rate, which the manufacturer states minimizes latency. The MCHOSE K87's wireless modes may introduce latency, and its polling rate is not specified in the provided information.
Yes, the MCHOSE K87 listing states it supports macOS, Windows, and Linux. However, it does not include dedicated Mac keycaps like the Keychron V3, which comes with a full set for both operating systems.
Yes, the Keychron V3 is hot-swappable. Its PCB supports both 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches, allowing you to change switches without soldering.
The MCHOSE K87 is equipped with a 6000mAh battery. The exact battery life in hours is not specified, but a larger capacity generally supports longer use between charges for its Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless modes.
Yes, the Keychron V3 is fully programmable using the open-source QMK firmware and the VIA configurator. Keychron also provides its own web-based Launcher app for remapping keys and programming the knob without installing software.
The Keychron V3 uses a tray mount design. The MCHOSE K87 uses a gasket mount design, which typically offers a softer, more cushioned typing feel by isolating the plate from the case with silicone gaskets.
The Keychron V3 uses non-shine-through PBT keycaps, so the legends are not illuminated. The MCHOSE K87's vendor description mentions 'RGB wraparound lights' and a 'bottom-lighting design,' but does not explicitly state if its PBT keycaps are shine-through.
Yes, the Keychron V3 is available in both knob and non-knob variants, as shown in the vendor's configuration options for Fully Assembled Knob and Barebone Knob models.
According to its specifications, the MCHOSE K87 features a six-layer padded structure including Plate Foam, IXPE Foam, PET Foam, Poron Foam, and Silicone Bottom Foam for sound dampening and a more consistent typing sound.
The Keychron V3 is generally more customizable for modding due to its QMK firmware support, which allows reprogramming the microcontroller itself. It also uses screw-in stabilizers, which are easier to modify than clip-in styles, and the vendor emphasizes its design for easy assembly of all components.
Both are available as pre-built models that include switches and keycaps. The Keychron V3 also offers a barebones kit without switches or keycaps. The MCHOSE K87 listing shows only pre-built configurations with various switch and color options.
The Keychron V3 case is made of ABS plastic. The MCHOSE K87 case is listed as a combination of plastic and aluminum, and some color variants feature an aluminum anodized or stainless steel PVD mirror finish nameplate on the back.
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