Keychron K3 (V2) vs Keychron K5
The Keychron K3 (V2) and the Keychron K5 are close alternatives. The main differences: the Keychron K5 is the cheaper of the two at $75 versus $85; the Keychron K3 (V2) is a 75% layout and the Keychron K5 is a full.
- Lower priceKeychron K5$75 versus $85
- Bigger batteryKeychron K54000 mAh versus 1550 mAh
Choose the Keychron K3 (V2) if
- you mainly want it for travel.
Choose the Keychron K5 if
- you mainly want it for office.
- you want to spend less ($75).
Keychron K3 (V2) vs Keychron K5, spec by spec
| Keychron K3 (V2) | Keychron K5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | 75% | full |
| Height | Low profile | Low profile |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wired | Bluetooth, Wired |
| Hot-swap | Yes | Yes |
| Keycaps | ABS shine-through, low-profile | ABS shine-through, low-profile |
| Case | ABS plastic, aluminum top frame | Aluminum body with ABS bottom |
| Mount | Tray | Tray |
| Backlight | RGB | RGB |
| QMK / VIA | No | No |
| Battery | 1550 mAh | 4000 mAh (stronger spec) |
| Typical price | $85 | $75 (stronger spec) |
| Sound (stock) | light clack | light clack |
| Released | 2021 | 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 Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.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 K3 (V2); 14% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Keychron K5.
4% of the 172 wireless boards tracked here carry a smaller battery than the Keychron K3 (V2); 34% of the 172 wireless boards tracked here carry a smaller battery than the Keychron K5.
Where to buy the Keychron K3 (V2)
Where to buy the Keychron K5
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