Compare Shurikey Hanzo 002 vs Hanzo 003 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two very similar 65% wireless keyboards from Shurikey's Hanzo series. The decision is difficult because the Hanzo 002 and 003 share identical core specs like Varmilo EC V2 switches, double-shot ABS keycaps, Bluetooth 5.0, and a 4400mAh battery. The primary differentiator is the Hanzo 003's inclusion of a control knob, which comes at a higher price point. This analysis breaks down which model is better for specific uses.

Model
			Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	No unique differences found	No unique differences found
Score	Scores Performance: 56.8 Build Quality: 46.4 Productivity: 55.1 Customizability: 50.9 Portability: 84.8	Scores Performance: 60.2 Build Quality: 46.8 Productivity: 55 Customizability: 54 Portability: 86.4
Name	Name Shurikey Hanzo 002	Name Shurikey Hanzo 003
Release year	Release year 2023	Release year 2023
Switch Options	Switch Options Clicky	Switch Options Clicky
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 65%	Layout Size 65%
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 Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 4400 mAh	Battery capacity 4400 mAh
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 Plate Mount	Mount Style Plate Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight White	Backlight White
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Plastic	Case Material Plastic
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material ABS	Keycaps Material ABS
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight -	Weight -

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Pros and Trade-offs

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.

Shurikey Hanzo 002

+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.
+Supports connection to up to three devices via Bluetooth 5.0.
+Comes with a 72-inch USB-C to USB-A cable.

−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.

Shurikey Hanzo 003

+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.
+Also features Shurikey double-shot ABS keycaps for longevity.
+Uses the same Varmilo EC V2 clicky switches for a tactile typing experience.

−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.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingTie

•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.

OfficeShurikey Hanzo 003

•The Hanzo 003's dedicated knob can quickly control volume or other media.
•Both have multimedia keys and support for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
•Both can connect to up to three devices via Bluetooth for easy switching.

ProgrammingTie

•Both share the same 65% ANSI layout with identical key counts.
•Both use the same double-shot ABS keycaps for durability.
•Both lack hot-swap sockets, limiting easy switch changes.

TravelTie

•Both are compact 65% keyboards with identical sizes.
•Both feature the same large 4400mAh rechargeable battery.
•Both offer Bluetooth 5.0 and USB-C wired connectivity.

ModdingTie

•Both are plate-mount, pre-built keyboards without hot-swap capability.
•Both have a plastic case and plate, as stated in their listings.
•The vendor description for both mentions a retro industrial style that is 'modifiable'.

Content CreationShurikey Hanzo 003

•The Hanzo 003's knob provides tactile control for scrubbing timelines or adjusting parameters.
•Both have white LED backlighting, though a review notes it may not illuminate legends well.
•The shared multimedia keys offer quick playback controls.