5

out of

5

Computers

True Score Methodology v2.0

Keychron K3 (Version 2) Review

Name: Keychron K3 (Version 2)
Brand: Keychron

Updated Feb 20, 2024 4:52 PM

True Score

70

Mixed Reviews

70

1

Experts

74

0

Consumers

Product Awards

Top 5

Expert Rankings

(

1

)

Experts were amazed by the Keychron K3 (Version 2) and recommended it for most uses, including office, gaming, programming, and mobile situations. They were delighted with its incline adjustable design, low-profile mechanical switches, and multi-device Bluetooth technology. However, they were disappointed by its high latency.

$83.99

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Table of Contents

Product Snapshot

Overview

The Keychron K3 (Version 2) is a compact (75% size) mid-range wireless mechanical keyboard released in 2019, offering a low profile design and enhanced two-level incline adjustment to office users. It differs from most of the best keyboards because it has low-profile switches, giving users the choice between Gateron Blue, Brown, and Red switches. This device has three-position inclining feet and boasts RGB backlighting with per-key illumination.

Consensus

our Verdict

Top testers were delighted with the Keychron K3 (Version 2), and they endorsed it for gaming, office, programming, and mobile use. Analysts from RTINGS hailed its excellent build quality with an aluminum top plate. Reviewers from Tom’s Hardware praised its 2.5°, 4°, and 6.5° incline settings, although it lacks a wrist rest. It has an ergonomic low-profile design.

They praised its RGB backlighting with individually lit keys. This model uses Bluetooth, connecting to up to three different devices at the same time. It has a rechargeable battery, and the manufacturer promises a runtime of about 34 hours.

A variant with Keychron Low Profile Optical Brown switches required a 57 gf operating force and 1.1 mm pre-travel distance. Reviewers reported a good typing experience and low typing noise. However, testers were disappointed with its 14.3 ms wired latency and 22.2 ms Bluetooth latency.

ReasonS to Buy

Wireless Bluetooth tech and multi-device pairing
Ergonomic low-profile design
Available with a variety of mechanical switches
RGB backlighting with per-key illumination
Three-position inclining design

Reason to Avoid

Very high wired and Bluetooth latency
Lacks a wrist rest

Keychron K3 (Version 2) Review Specs

	Battery Life	34 hrs
	Foldable	No
	Form Factor	Compact (75%)
	Keyboard Technology	Optical
	Numeric Keypad	n/a
	Palm Rest	n/a
	Plug & Play	Yes
	Spill Resistant	n/a
	Touchpad	n/a
	Wireless	Yes
	Wireless Connectivity	Bluetooth
	Wireless Range	10 m

All Specs

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Product Comparison

	Keychron K3 (Version 2) Review	Keychron K7 Review	Logitech MX Mechanical Review	Nuphy Air75 Review
True Score	70	75	82	84
Ranking	# 5 / 5	# 15 / 8	# 7 / 8	# 4 / 8
Market Context	The Keychron K3 (Version 2) is a compact (75% size) mid-range wireless mechanical keyboard released in 2019, offering a low profile design and enhanced two-level… The Keychron K3 (Version 2) is a compact (75% size) mid-range wireless mechanical keyboard released in 2019, offering a low profile design and enhanced two-level incline adjustment to office users. It differs from most of the best keyboards because it has low-profile switches, giving users the choice between Gateron Blue, Brown, and Red switches. This device has three-position inclining feet and boasts RGB backlighting with per-key illumination.	Both the Keychron K7 and the Keychron K3 (Version 2) feature low-profile mechanical switches, so they are similar in that regard. However, the K7 is… Both the Keychron K7 and the Keychron K3 (Version 2) feature low-profile mechanical switches, so they are similar in that regard. However, the K7 is a much smaller, compact (65% size) keyboard, which doesn’t have function keys like the ones on the K3 (Version 2).	Some users want to know how the Keychron K3 (Version 2) compares with its competitor, the Logitech MX Mechanical, considering that both are low-profile wireless… Some users want to know how the Keychron K3 (Version 2) compares with its competitor, the Logitech MX Mechanical, considering that both are low-profile wireless mechanical keyboards. While the Keychron K3 (Version 2) is compact, the Logitech MX Mechanical is a full-size keyboard. Some keys on the Logitech device won’t work with macOS, but the Keychron K3 (Version 2) is fully compatible with both Windows and macOS.	Featuring low-profile mechanical switches, the NuPhy Air75 is similar to the Keychron K3 (Version 2). However, the NuPhy keyboard is better for fast-paced games because… Featuring low-profile mechanical switches, the NuPhy Air75 is similar to the Keychron K3 (Version 2). However, the NuPhy keyboard is better for fast-paced games because of its snappier 6.3 ms wired latency, which dwarfs the 14.3 ms latency of the Keychron K3 (Version 2). The NuPhy keyboard also has customization software and macro-programmable keys, unlike the Keychron K3 (Version 2).
Battery Life	34 hrs	34 hrs	15 days	48 hrs
Foldable	No	No	No	No
Form Factor	Compact (75%)	Compact (65%)	Full size	Compact (75%)
Keyboard Technology	Optical	Mechanical	Mechanical	Mechanical
Numeric Keypad	n/a	n/a	Yes	n/a
Palm Rest	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
Plug & Play	Yes	Yes	Yes	n/a
Spill Resistant	n/a	Yes	n/a	n/a
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