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Head to head · Prices checked Oct 21, 2026

Shurikey Hanzo 002 vs Hanzo 003Knob vs Value in 65% Keyboards

Choose the Hanzo 003 for its dedicated control knob, or the Hanzo 002 for a lower price with otherwise identical core features.

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Shurikey Hanzo 002

Knob

If you want

  • Lower price point for the same core feature set.
  • Includes double-shot ABS keycaps in a beige and brown color scheme.
  • Features a 4400mAh battery for extended wireless use.

And can live with

  • Lacks the dedicated control knob found on the Hanzo 003.
  • Uses a non-hot-swap, plate-mount design, limiting switch customization.
  • A user review indicates the white LED backlight may not effectively illuminate key legends.

Get the

Shurikey Hanzo 003

Value in 65% Keyboards

If you want

  • Includes a dedicated control knob for media or application control.
  • Offers a unique purple color scheme with green and purple keycaps.
  • Shares the robust 4400mAh battery and triple-device Bluetooth of the 002.

And can live with

  • Commands a higher price than the Hanzo 002.
  • Also uses a non-hot-swap, plate-mount design.
  • Like the 002, has a plastic case and plate construction.

Bottom line

The Shurikey Hanzo 003 is the logical choice if you value the utility of a dedicated control knob for media or creative work and the price difference is acceptable. For everyone else, the Hanzo 002 delivers the same core typing experience, wireless functionality, and battery life at a more accessible cost. Your decision should be based solely on the need for that single additional feature.

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.

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Shurikey Hanzo 002
  • Shurikey Hanzo 003
Performance
57
58
Build quality
46
45
Productivity
55
54
Customizability
51
51
Portability
85
86

What they share

  • Layout size: 65%
  • Connection: Bluetooth, Wired
  • Battery: 4,400 mAh
  • Case material: Plastic
  • Switch options: Clicky
  • Mount style: Plate Mount
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Hanzo 003 takes a slight edge in office and content creation scenarios due to its dedicated control knob, a feature absent on the Hanzo 002. For gaming, programming, travel, and modding, the keyboards are functionally identical, sharing the same switches, battery, layout, and construction. The choice therefore hinges on whether the knob's utility justifies the price difference for your workflow.

For gaming

It's a tie

  • Both offer full N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
  • Both use the same Varmilo EC V2 clicky switches.
  • Both have identical wired and wireless connectivity options.

Full specs

Shurikey Hanzo 002 vs Hanzo 003 specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

0 of 17 specs differ

Shurikey Hanzo 002

Shurikey Hanzo 003

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky
Clicky

Mount style

Plate Mount
Plate Mount

Layout

Layout size

65%
65%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Media keys

Yes
Yes

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, Wired
Bluetooth, Wired

Battery

4,400 mAh
4,400 mAh

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Plastic
Plastic

Plate material

—
Plastic

Keycaps

ABS
ABS

Backlight

White
White

Firmware & software

N-key rollover

Yes
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2023
2023

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

  • AmazonGlobal

    Check price
    ~$59Visit
  • MKUS

    Out of stock
    $59Visit
  • AmazonGlobal

    Check price
    ~$129Visit
  • MKUS

    Out of stock
    $35Visit

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FAQ

Shurikey Hanzo 002 vs Hanzo 003: your questions

The primary difference is that the Hanzo 003 includes a dedicated control knob. According to the vendor listing, this is listed as an 'Additional Feature' for the 003 model. All other core specifications like switches, battery, connectivity, and keycaps are identical.

No. The vendor characteristics for both the Hanzo 002 and Hanzo 003 explicitly list 'Hotswap: No'. This means the Varmilo EC V2 switches are soldered onto the PCB and cannot be changed without desoldering.

Both keyboards use Varmilo EC V2 switches. The vendor description specifies these are clicky switches. The listings show options for different color variants of these EC V2 switches, such as Daisy, Sakura, Rose, Ivy, and Moxa.

The manufacturer states both models can connect to up to three devices using Bluetooth 5.0. You can switch between these connected devices wirelessly, in addition to having a USB-C wired option.

Both models have a 4400mAh rechargeable battery. A user review for the Hanzo 002 mentioned the wireless function lasted approximately 2 to 2.5 days before needing an overnight recharge, which can serve as a real-world reference point.

No, they feature white LED backlighting only. The specifications list 'Backlighting: White LED'. A review for the Hanzo 002 noted that the light comes from between the keys and may not illuminate the legends effectively.

Both keyboards use double-shot ABS keycaps. The vendor lists the 'Print Method' as 'Double Shot' and the 'Keycap Material' as 'ABS'. This construction method helps prevent the legends from wearing off.

Yes. The vendor characteristics for both models list compatibility with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. This is confirmed in the 'Mac Compatible' and 'Linux Compatible' fields of the product listings.

Both keyboards feature a plastic case and a plastic plate, as stated in their specifications. The vendor describes a 'retro industrial style' and markets them as 'modifiable'. They are pre-built and use a plate-mount design.

The provided specifications and vendor descriptions do not include information about a warranty period or terms. For warranty details, you would need to consult the retailer's policy or contact Shurikey directly.

Both are 65% layout keyboards with 65 keys. They have a compact form factor that omits the numpad, function row, and navigation cluster, retaining the main alphanumeric area and arrow keys.

The vendor descriptions do not specify included accessories beyond the keyboard and USB-C cable. A user review for the Hanzo 002 mentioned it came with 'extra interchangeable keys, and the equipment to do so', but this is not confirmed in the official listing.

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