Keychron K1 vs Keychron K3 (V2)
The Keychron K1 and the Keychron K3 (V2) are close alternatives. The main differences: the Keychron K3 (V2) is hot-swap while the Keychron K1 is soldered; the Keychron K1 is a TKL layout and the Keychron K3 (V2) is a 75%; stock, the Keychron K1 sounds low-profile office and the Keychron K3 (V2) light clack.
- Easier to modKeychron K3 (V2)hot-swap sockets
- Bigger batteryKeychron K12000 mAh versus 1550 mAh
Choose the Keychron K1 if
- you mainly want it for office.
Choose the Keychron K3 (V2) if
- you want to swap switches without soldering.
Keychron K1 vs Keychron K3 (V2), spec by spec
| Keychron K1 | Keychron K3 (V2) | |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | TKL | 75% |
| Height | Low profile | Low profile |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wired | Bluetooth, Wired |
| Hot-swap | No | Yes (stronger spec) |
| Keycaps | ABS low-profile | ABS shine-through, low-profile |
| Case | aluminum frame | ABS plastic, aluminum top frame |
| Mount | Plate | Tray |
| Backlight | RGB | RGB |
| QMK / VIA | No | No |
| Battery | 2000 mAh (stronger spec) | 1550 mAh |
| Typical price | $85 | $85 |
| Sound (stock) | low-profile office | light clack |
| Released | 2019 | 2021 |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ; a check marks the objectively stronger spec (price, battery, modability). Feel and preference rows never get a check. Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.
Where they sit among all 509 boards we track
21% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Keychron K1; 21% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Keychron K3 (V2).
7% of the 172 wireless boards tracked here carry a smaller battery than the Keychron K1; 4% of the 172 wireless boards tracked here carry a smaller battery than the Keychron K3 (V2).
Where to buy the Keychron K1
Where to buy the Keychron K3 (V2)
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