Compare Keychron X2 vs X3 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two very similar, budget-friendly full-size mechanical keyboards from Keychron's Lemokey line. The decision is difficult because both share core features like QMK/VIA programmability, hot-swap sockets, and a 1000 Hz polling rate. The key differences lie in their internal construction, which significantly alters the typing experience, and their lighting options.

Model
	88	90	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	5.0 stars (1 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Uses a Tray Mount mounting style Weighs about 970 g Sized at 37 x 438 x 129 mm Made with a ABS case Offers Yes, North-face RGB lighting	Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style Weighs about 807 g Sized at 42 x 446 x 138 mm Made with a ABS, Plastic case Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 75.8 Build Quality: 83.5 Productivity: 95.5 Customizability: 89.7 Portability: 47.5	Scores Performance: 82.2 Build Quality: 84.3 Productivity: 95.1 Customizability: 91.8 Portability: 47.4
Name	Name Keychron X2	Name Keychron X3
Release year	Release year 2024	Release year 2024
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 100%	Layout Size 100%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Wired, Wired only	Connection Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity -
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Tray Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight North-face	Backlight Rgb, North-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material ABS	Case Material ABS, Plastic
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material ABS	Keycaps Material ABS
Dimensions	Dimensions 37 x 438 x 129 mm	Dimensions 42 x 446 x 138 mm
Weight	Weight 970g	Weight 807g

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Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice hinges on desired typing feel and lighting. The Keychron X3 is the better option if you want a potentially more comfortable, bouncier typing experience from its gasket mount and value customizable RGB lighting. The Keychron X2 is the pick if you prefer the solid, direct feedback of a steel plate and tray mount, and only need simple red backlighting.

Keychron X2

+Steel plate provides a firm, traditional typing feel.
+Includes two adjustable typing angles (2° and 7°).
+Comes with pre-lubed Keychron mechanical switches (excluding clicky variants).
+Features acoustic EVA and case foam for sound dampening.

−Only offers red backlighting, not full RGB.
−Heavier at 970g.
−Uses a tray mount design, which is typically less flexible than a gasket mount.

Keychron X3

+Gasket mount structure with foam for a softer, more flexible typing experience.
+Polycarbonate plate can contribute to a different acoustic profile.
+Offers RGB backlighting with side lights and over 22 lighting effects.
+Lighter weight at 807g.
+Provides three adjustable typing angles (4°, 6°, and 8.7°).

−Its gasket mount design may feel too soft for users who prefer a very rigid keyboard.
−The vendor description notes its VIA keymap file requires a manual download to function initially.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The keyboards tie in most functional categories like gaming, office work, and programming due to their identical core specs. The X3 pulls ahead for modders seeking a gasket-mount feel and for users who prioritize RGB lighting and side lights for aesthetics. The X3's lower weight also gives it a slight edge for travel, though both are large, wired boards.

GamingTie

•Both offer a 1000 Hz polling rate for low latency.
•Both feature N-key rollover for accurate simultaneous key presses.
•Both are compatible with Windows and macOS.

OfficeTie

•Both have a full-size layout with a number pad.
•Both include sound-dampening foam for a quieter typing experience.
•Both offer programmable keys via QMK/VIA for workflow shortcuts.

ProgrammingTie

•Both support deep key remapping and macros through QMK and VIA software.
•Both have a standard ANSI layout.
•Both are hot-swappable for trying different switch types.

TravelKeychron X3

•The X3 is lighter at 807g compared to the X2's 970g.
•Both are wired-only and similarly sized, offering no major portability advantage beyond weight.

ModdingKeychron X3

•The X3 uses a gasket mount design, which is often preferred for a softer, more flexible typing feel.
•The X3 has a polycarbonate plate, which can produce a different sound signature than steel.
•Both are equally hot-swappable and support the same firmware.

Content CreationKeychron X3

•The X3 offers RGB backlighting with over 22 lighting effects, according to its listing, compared to the X2's red backlight.
•The X3 also features side lights for additional ambiance.
•Both have full layouts suitable for shortcut-heavy applications.