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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 11, 2026

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.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Keychron V3

Wired Customization

Build quality in the top 5% of 80% boards under $100.

If you want

  • 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.

Rules this board out

  • South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.

Get the

MCHOSE K87

Wireless Flexibility

Build quality in the top 35% of 80% boards under $100.

If you want

  • 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.

Rules this board out

  • No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.

Bottom line

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.

What actually differs

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

    Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency

  • 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

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Keychron V3
  • MCHOSE K87
Performance
91
48
Build quality
88
68
Productivity
98
86
Customizability
98
66
Portability
58
85

What they share

  • Layout size: 80%
  • Hot-swappable
  • Sound dampening
See every spec side by side

Best for

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.

For gaming

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'.

Full specs

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

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Linear

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount, Plate Mount, Tray Mount
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Screw-in stabilizers

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

80%
80%

Layout standard

ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, JIS
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Knob

Yes
No

Display

None
None

Media keys

Yes
No

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Wired
Wired, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz

Max polling rate

8,000 Hz
—

Battery

Wired only
6,000 mAh

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

ABS, Plastic
Aluminum, Plastic, Polycarbonate

Plate material

Polycarbonate, Steel
—

Keycaps

ABS, PBT
PBT

Weight

1,360 g
1,000 g

Dimensions

19 x 141 x 367 mm
30 x 135 x 370 mm

Typing angle

4°
—

Backlight

RGB, south-facing
RGB

Firmware & software

QMK

Yes
No

VIA

Yes
No

N-key rollover

Yes
No

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2022
2024

For EU buyers

ISO layouts by store

Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.

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

MCHOSE K87

No ISO layout at the stores we track.

Where to buy

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 V34 stores
MCHOSE K874 stores

FAQ

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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