Keychron K1 vs Keychron Q3
The Keychron K1 and the Keychron Q3 are close alternatives. The main differences: the Keychron K1 is the cheaper of the two at $85 versus $90; the Keychron Q3 is hot-swap while the Keychron K1 is soldered; the Keychron K1 runs wireless where the Keychron Q3 is wired-only.
- Lower priceKeychron K1$85 versus $90
- Easier to modKeychron Q3hot-swap sockets and QMK/VIA
- More ways to connectKeychron K12 connection modes versus 1
Choose the Keychron K1 if
- you mainly want it for office.
- you mainly want it for travel.
- you mainly want it for mac users.
- you want to spend less ($85).
Choose the Keychron Q3 if
- you mainly want it for enthusiast.
- you mainly want it for typing.
- you mainly want it for programming.
- you want to swap switches without soldering.
Keychron K1 vs Keychron Q3, spec by spec
| Keychron K1 | Keychron Q3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | TKL | TKL |
| Height | Low profile | Standard |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wired (stronger spec) | Wired |
| Hot-swap | No | Yes (stronger spec) |
| Keycaps | ABS low-profile | PBT double-shot, OSA profile |
| Case | aluminum frame | Full CNC 6063 aluminum |
| Mount | Plate | Gasket |
| Backlight | RGB | RGB |
| QMK / VIA | No | Yes (stronger spec) |
| Battery | 2000 mAh | n/a |
| Typical price | $85 (stronger spec) | $90 |
| Sound (stock) | low-profile office | deep thock |
| Released | 2019 | 2022 |
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 Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.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; 26% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Keychron Q3.
7% of the 172 wireless boards tracked here carry a smaller battery than the Keychron K1.
Where to buy the Keychron K1
Where to buy the Keychron Q3
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