Realforce GX1 vs Realforce R3

The Realforce GX1 and the Realforce R3 are close alternatives. The main differences: the Realforce R3 is the cheaper of the two at $259 versus $299; the Realforce R3 runs wireless where the Realforce GX1 is wired-only; the Realforce GX1 is a TKL layout and the Realforce R3 is a full.

Realforce GX1 TKL · $299
Realforce R3 full · $259

Choose the Realforce GX1 if

  • you mainly want it for gaming.

Choose the Realforce R3 if

  • you mainly want it for programming.
  • you mainly want it for office.
  • you want to spend less ($259).
  • you need wireless.

Realforce GX1 vs Realforce R3, spec by spec

Realforce GX1Realforce R3
Layout TKL full
Height Standard Standard
Connectivity Wired Wired, Bluetooth (stronger spec)
Hot-swap No No
Keycaps PBT PBT dye-sublimated
Case ABS plastic ABS plastic
Mount Tray Tray
Backlight RGB White / none
QMK / VIA No No
Battery n/a n/a
Typical price $299 $259 (stronger spec)
Sound (stock) thocky, muted Topre bump thocky, muted Topre bump
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 Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.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

Price cheapest priciest
Realforce GX1 $299
Realforce R3 $259

92% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Realforce GX1; 90% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Realforce R3.

Where to buy the Realforce GX1

No verified retailer link right now. Check the maker or your usual keyboard retailers.

Where to buy the Realforce R3

No verified retailer link right now. Check the maker or your usual keyboard retailers.

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