Keychron V3 Max Mechanical Keyboard

The Keychron V3 Max is a versatile 80% mechanical keyboard designed to meet the needs of gamers, office professionals, and keyboard enthusiasts alike. With its compact tenkeyless layout, it strikes an ideal balance between desk space efficiency and full functionality. This keyboard stands out for its robust wireless and wired connectivity options, hot-swappable switches, and extensive customization capabilities. It supports both Mac and Windows systems, making it a flexible choice for users who switch between devices or operating systems. The inclusion of a programmable knob, south-facing RGB lighting, and high-quality double-shot PBT keycaps further enhances its appeal. Whether you are seeking a high-performance tool for competitive gaming, a reliable companion for productivity, or a customizable platform for personal expression, this keyboard is engineered to deliver a premium typing experience.

Main Features

The keyboard boasts a comprehensive set of features that cater to a wide range of users. Its 80% tenkeyless layout provides all essential keys while saving valuable desk space, making it ideal for both gaming and office environments. The device supports QMK and VIA firmware, enabling advanced key remapping, macro programming, and seamless integration with custom workflows. One of its standout features is the inclusion of a programmable rotary knob, which can be tailored for tasks such as volume adjustment, scrolling, or application-specific controls.

• Hot-swappable PCB: Easily change switches without soldering, supporting both 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches.
• Multi-device connectivity: Switch between Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless, and wired USB-C modes for maximum flexibility.
• Long-lasting battery: A 4000mAh rechargeable battery ensures extended wireless use, with up to 225 hours of operation (backlight off).
• Multi-layout support: Compatible with ANSI and various ISO layouts (including UK, DE, ES, FR, Nordic, SW), making it suitable for international users.
• South-facing RGB backlighting: Delivers vibrant, customizable lighting effects visible from the typist’s angle.
• Dedicated multimedia keys: Streamline control of music, videos, and system functions.
• Mac/Windows compatibility: Includes system toggle and extra keycaps for both operating systems.

With a polling rate of up to 1000 Hz in wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes, the keyboard ensures ultra-low latency for responsive gaming and typing. Its open-source firmware and intuitive web-based customization tools set it apart, making it a top choice for users who demand both performance and personalization.

Craftsmanship and Design

This keyboard features a modern, minimalist design with a focus on durability and comfort. The chassis is constructed from high-quality ABS plastic, providing a lightweight yet sturdy build. Its gasket mount design, paired with a polycarbonate plate and sound-absorbing foam, delivers a softer, quieter typing experience with reduced acoustic resonance. The double-shot PBT keycaps in OSA profile (OEM height, SA shape) offer excellent resistance to shine and wear, ensuring the legends remain crisp and clear over time. The compact tenkeyless layout maximizes desk space without sacrificing essential keys, while the adjustable feet allow for three typing angles (4°, 7°, and 10°) to suit different ergonomic preferences. Screw-in PCB stabilizers on larger keys enhance stability and reduce wobble, contributing to a premium feel during extended typing sessions. Overall, the keyboard’s thoughtful design and robust construction make it a reliable choice for daily use.

Wireless and Wired Connectivity

Connectivity is a core strength of this keyboard, offering users the flexibility to switch seamlessly between different devices and platforms. It supports three primary connection modes: Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4 GHz wireless, and wired USB-C. The Bluetooth mode allows pairing with up to three devices simultaneously, making it easy to toggle between a computer, tablet, and smartphone with a simple key combination. This is particularly useful for multitaskers who work across multiple platforms.

For users who require ultra-low latency, such as gamers or fast typists, the 2.4 GHz wireless mode delivers a 1000 Hz polling rate, ensuring near-instantaneous response times. The keyboard comes equipped with both Type-C and Type-A wireless receivers, offering broad compatibility with a variety of devices. When battery life is a priority, the 4000mAh rechargeable battery provides up to 225 hours of use with the backlight off, and up to 100 hours with RGB lighting at its lowest setting. Charging is efficient via the USB-C port, and the keyboard can be used in wired mode while charging, ensuring uninterrupted productivity.

• Bluetooth 5.1: Stable, energy-efficient connection with multi-device support.
• 2.4 GHz wireless: High-speed, low-latency connection ideal for gaming.
• USB-C wired: Reliable, lag-free connection with simultaneous charging.
• Easy device switching: Instantly swap between paired devices or operating systems.

This comprehensive connectivity suite makes the keyboard an excellent choice for users who value versatility, whether in a stationary setup or on the go.

Tailoring Your Typing

Personalization is at the heart of this keyboard’s design. It supports QMK and VIA, two of the most powerful open-source keyboard customization platforms available. Through these, users can remap any key, create complex macros, and set up custom layers to optimize their workflow or gaming experience. The web-based Keychron Launcher app further simplifies the customization process, allowing changes to be made directly from a browser in wired mode.

Aesthetic customization is equally robust. The keyboard features south-facing RGB LEDs, offering a wide range of lighting effects and colors that can be adjusted to match your setup or mood. The hot-swappable PCB allows users to experiment with different mechanical switches—whether tactile, linear, or clicky—without any soldering required. This opens up endless possibilities for tailoring the typing feel to individual preferences.

• Key remapping: Assign any function or macro to any key using QMK/VIA.
• Custom lighting: Choose from multiple RGB effects and colors.
• Switch swapping: Easily install different MX-compatible switches for a personalized typing experience.
• Layout flexibility: Save and switch between Mac and Windows layouts, with dedicated keycaps for each.
• Programmable knob: Customize the rotary encoder for volume, scrolling, or other functions.

With its extensive software and hardware customization options, this keyboard empowers users to create a truly unique and optimized typing environment.

Beyond Basics

In addition to its core features, the keyboard offers several thoughtful extras that enhance its usability and appeal. The programmable rotary knob provides intuitive control over system functions or creative applications. Dedicated multimedia keys allow for quick access to volume