KeebFinder
Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare Monsgeek M1 vs M3 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for keyboard enthusiasts deciding between two popular entry-level aluminum DIY kits from Monsgeek. The choice primarily hinges on your preferred layout and the specific out-of-the-box accessories. Both offer gasket mount designs, hot-swap PCBs, and south-facing RGB, making the decision a matter of detail and form factor preference.

95
MonsGeek M1 Gasket DIY Kit
78
MonsGeek M3 Wired Gasket DIY Kit

Select a keyboard to compare

0.0 (0)
0.0 (0)
  • Released in 2022
  • Has Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Comes with a knob
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Supports Wired connectivity
  • Weighs about 1900 g
  • Sized at 33 x 147 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Copper case
  • Features ABS, PC keycaps
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Linear switch options
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 1700 g
  • Sized at 20 x 340 x 130 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
Scores
  • Performance: 70.4
  • Build Quality: 87.9
  • Productivity: 98
  • Customizability: 100
  • Portability: 64.9
Scores
  • Performance: 75.8
  • Build Quality: 74.4
  • Productivity: 77.5
  • Customizability: 80.4
  • Portability: 61
Name
Monsgeek M1
Name
Monsgeek M3
Release year
2022
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Linear, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
80%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
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
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
-
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
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum, Copper
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
ABS, PC
Keycaps Material
-
Dimensions
33 x 147 mm
Dimensions
20 x 340 x 130 mm
Weight
1900g
Weight
1700g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

Select the Monsgeek M3 if you prioritize a traditional TKL layout with a confirmed high polling rate for gaming. Opt for the Monsgeek M1 if you want a more space-efficient 75% board and value a kit that includes specific modding accessories like Teflon pads and tape from the start. Both are strong entry points into custom aluminum keyboards.

Monsgeek M1

  • +More compact 75% layout saves desk space.
  • +Kit includes Teflon pads and tape for force break and tape mods out of the box.
  • +Includes a PC positioning plate and multiple Poron foam layers (bottom pad, sandwich cotton, switch pad).
  • +Vendor description mentions a renovated encoder designed to avoid scratching the case.
  • −Lacks an explicitly stated polling rate in its provided specifications.
  • −The vendor description contains a contradictory note stating one version does not support QMK/VIA, while metadata says it does.
  • −Only available in a linear or clicky switch type configuration from the metadata.

Monsgeek M3

  • +TKL layout provides dedicated function and navigation keys in a familiar format.
  • +Vendor specifications explicitly state a 1000Hz polling rate in wired mode.
  • +Comes with a polycarbonate plate and a comprehensive foam kit including an IXPE switch pad.
  • +Confirmed full QMK and VIA compatibility for programming.
  • −Larger TKL footprint uses more desk space than a 75% board.
  • −Heavier at 2000g compared to the M1's 1900g.
  • −The vendor description does not mention the inclusion of modding accessories like Teflon pads or tape, though it lists them in the 'Included Foam' section.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The M3 takes a slight lead for traditional office and gaming use due to its TKL layout and confirmed high polling rate. The M1 is the better choice for modders seeking a kit with more included accessories and for those wanting a more compact 75% form factor. For programming and content creation, the decision is a tie, boiling down to layout preference, as both offer robust programmability.

GamingMonsgeek M3
  • •The M3's TKL layout provides dedicated function keys without a numpad, a common preference for gaming.
  • •The M3's vendor page explicitly lists a 1000Hz polling rate in wired mode.
  • •Both have N-key rollover and south-facing RGB.
OfficeMonsgeek M3
  • •The M3's TKL layout retains the function row and navigation cluster, which are useful for productivity software.
  • •Both keyboards are wired-only, eliminating battery concerns for a stationary desk setup.
  • •Both support Mac and Windows.
ProgrammingTie
  • •The M1's 75% layout saves desk space while keeping arrow keys.
  • •The M3's TKL layout offers a dedicated function row for IDE shortcuts.
  • •Both are fully programmable via QMK and VIA support, allowing for extensive key remapping.
TravelMonsgeek M1
  • •The M1 is a 75% layout, which is more compact than the M3's TKL form factor.
  • •The M1 is slightly lighter at 1900g compared to the M3's 2000g.
  • •Both are heavy aluminum kits, making neither ideal for frequent travel.
ModdingMonsgeek M1
  • •The M1's vendor description lists it includes Teflon pads for a force break mod and tape for a tape mod in the kit.
  • •The M1's kit includes a PC positioning plate and multiple Poron foam layers (bottom pad, sandwich cotton, switch pad).
  • •Both are hot-swappable, gasket-mounted, and support screw-in stabilizers.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both keyboards can be fully programmed via QMK/VIA to create macros for editing software.
  • •Both layouts offer sufficient keys for common shortcuts, with the choice being personal preference.
  • •Both include a knob, as noted in the M1's extra features for multimedia control.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

98
$94
Keychron V1 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V1 Max
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

100
$160
Keychron Q1 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q1 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

94
$94
Keychron V3 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3 Max
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

99
$129
Keychron K2 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard
Keychron K2 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

93
$105
MonsGeek M1W Aluminum Wireless Gasket DIY Kit
Monsgeek M1W
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

96
$170
Nuphy GEM80 Barebones Keyboard Kit
Nuphy Gem80
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

100
$104
Lemokey P1 QMK/VIA Custom Gaming Keyboard
Keychron Lemokey P1
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

98
$186
Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q1 Max
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

94
$100
Keychron Q8 Pro (Alice Layout) QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q8 Pro
65%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

95
$149
Keychron Q1 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q1 Pro
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount