Hi guys, quick update. My K3 Max arrived yesterday. Thank you so much for the recommendation NOT to buy the K3v2. The Max is so much better. Way heavier, keys (PTB Double shoot), nice tap sound, great look and feel. Even the switches are “better” – the v2’s are also great, but they klick more smoothly. Only disappointment is the LED Backlight – it’s just not necessary and does not work verry well. So just get the K3 Max, epaxially because it’s just a few bucks more. Answer from Homwer on reddit.com
Reddit
reddit.com › r/keychron › keychron k3v2 or k3 max?
r/Keychron on Reddit: Keychron K3v2 or K3 Max?
August 30, 2024 -
Hi,
i need some advice. I’m looking for an office keyboard and got the K3v2 at home for gaming / office with the optical brown switches.
It’s a great keyboard and even survived a full cup of tea spilled over it.
So, I’m thinking about getting the K3v2 for my office job or – would it make sense to take the k3 Max?
I’ve read a lot about switches and keys – and heard some sound-tests on YT (Useless) but I’m wondering if some of you had to make the same discission, what the choose and if they are happy with their choice.
For my use case, office, I don’t need the Backlight, VIA for turning off keys or reconfiguration would be great but it’s not a must have.
1000mhz connection – I don’t care, will use a cable anyway.
Only important thing is the low profile keys :)
Best regards.
Top answer 1 of 4
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Hi guys, quick update. My K3 Max arrived yesterday. Thank you so much for the recommendation NOT to buy the K3v2. The Max is so much better. Way heavier, keys (PTB Double shoot), nice tap sound, great look and feel. Even the switches are “better” – the v2’s are also great, but they klick more smoothly. Only disappointment is the LED Backlight – it’s just not necessary and does not work verry well. So just get the K3 Max, epaxially because it’s just a few bucks more.
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Do NOT buy anything from the old, original non-Pro/non-Max K-series. K Pro, K Max, V, V Max, Q, Q Pro or Q Max are fine (though no low profile models in the V and Q lines).
RTINGS
rtings.com › home › keyboard
Keychron K3 vs K3 (Version 2): Which Keyboard Is Better? - RTINGS.com
January 20, 2020 - The K3 V2 is the upgraded version of the K3, and its main differences are that it now has two incline settings for better ergonomics, and there's an additional aluminum plate in the board that reduces the amount of flex.
Videos
16:13
Honest Review: Keychron K3 V3 Low Profile Mechanical Keyboard - ...
05:46
Keychron K3 Version 3: What's New and What’s Missing? - YouTube
09:22
Keychron K3 Pro vs K3 v2 - Which Keyboard is Best for YOU? - YouTube
Keychron K3 VERSION 2 (K3V2) - better than Version 1?
11:13
KeyChron K3 V2 Keyboard Review - YouTube
13:03
Keychron K3 V2 : Le clavier RGB Bluetooth 5.3 ultra fin ! 💻✨ ...
KeebFinder
keeb-finder.com › keyboards › compare › keychron-k3-hotswap-optical-vs-keychron-k3-max-qmk-via-wireless-custom-mechanical-keyboard
Keychron K3 vs K3 Max Specs
Explore the comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Keychron K3 and Keychron K3 Max and view their biggest differences. The detailed comparison table allows you to see all the essential features, specifications, and benefits of each keyboard at a glance.
KeebFinder
keeb-finder.com › keyboards › compare › keychron-k3-max-qmk-via-wireless-custom-mechanical-keyboard-vs-keychron-k3-non-backlight-ultra-slim-wireless-mechanical-keyboard-version-2
Keychron K3 Max vs K3 NonBacklight UltraSlim Version 2 ...
Explore the comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Keychron K3 Max and Keychron K3 NonBacklight UltraSlim Version 2 and view their biggest differences. The detailed comparison table allows you to see all the essential features, specifications, and benefits of each keyboard at a glance.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/keychron › should i get k3 v2 or k3 v3 or k3 max?
r/Keychron on Reddit: Should i get K3 V2 or K3 V3 or K3 Max?
January 23, 2025 - K3 V3 (AKA K3 QMK) is QMK/VIA while the K3 V2 is not. The latter doesn't even have configuration software. Base K (non QMK/Pro/Max) is also kind of notorious for bad Bluetooth, but I don't use wireless boards so that's not a factor I really ...
Keychron
keychron.com › pages › differences-of-low-profile-keyboards
Differences of Low-Profile Keyboards – Keychron
Keychron V2 Max · 65% Keychron V4 Max · 60% Keychron V8 Max · 65% Alice · K QMK · Keychron K2 Version 3 · 75% Compact · Keychron K4 Version 3 · 96% Compact · Keychron K5 Version 2 · 100% Full Size Slim · Keychron K10 Version 2 · 100% Full Size · Keychron K8 Version 2 · 80% Compact · Keychron K3 Version 3 ·
Reddit
reddit.com › r/keychron › what's the difference between k3 pro and the k3 max
r/Keychron on Reddit: What's the Difference between K3 Pro and the K3 Max
November 21, 2023 -
I have received an email today on the K3 Max and just wondering what's the difference?
Reddit
reddit.com › r/keychron › how’s the keychron k3 v2?
r/Keychron on Reddit: How’s the keychron K3 v2?
May 11, 2024 -
Hey guys I’m trying to figure what’s the best keychron keyboard between k3 v2 or the k3 max
Top answer 1 of 4
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If you want the keys to be exceedingly responsive then go with the K3 V2 with Keychron Low-Profile Optical switches. You barely have to touch a key for it to register. This can be problematic for those who rest their fingers somewhat heavily on the keys when not typing or for those used to normal profile keyboards. If phantom keystrokes are a worry for you then the Gateron Low-Profile Mechanical switches require a little more force and travel to register. You can change switches at your convenience should you purchase the Hot-Swappable version of either keyboard. The keycaps are also made of different materials. The K3 V2 keycaps are made of ABS which are cheaper and therefore wear more easily over time. They also allow more light through from the backlight resulting in more legible symbols and vibrant colors. The K3 Max has keycaps made of PBT which cost more to manufacture and are more durable. However they have a more bland, dull and matte finish while also not allowing as much light through resulting in softer tones. I work in low light and prefer the backlight to shine through and enjoy the colors. I also have yet to notice any degradation or shine on the keycaps in normal lighting but it’s only been in use for less than a year. If the backlight is white or otherwise not as important and you work under normal lighting then you may prefer the PBT keycaps of the K3 Max. Of course you can always change the keycaps for those of your choosing just as long as you realize that those choices are much more limited. This will likely remain the case given the popularity of normal profile keyboards and the Keychron specific stabilizers on the larger keys (aka Space Bar, Left Shift, Backspace and Enter / Return). The K3 Max also has QMK / VIA support should you want access to macros and shortcuts but at the expense of losing optical switch compatibility. If you plan on mainly using the keyboard for working in normal light, aren’t excited about the backlight, or don’t plan on gaming as much then the K3 Max might be preferable. I tend to work in low light and game occasionally so the backlight colors and key responsiveness convinced me to stick with the K3 V2…. for now. Hope this helps.
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Some differences (far from exhaustive): K3 V2 Pros Less expensive (25%) than the K3 Max Cons Not QMK / Via -capble, thus extremely limited customisation (this association is only true in the Keychron universe, not in general). For example, except for very few configuration options, key can't be remapped. It may be possible to do host (computer) side, but it comes with its own complications. It may also be possible to get QMK anyway by going exotic , but it may require a lot of work and complications. The Prt Sc button only works in Windows mode(?). If it wasn't crippled, the Num Lock button would only work in Windows mode (?). No per-key RGB lighting The Bluetooth connection is not very reliable and has (inherently) high latency, measured as 30 ms. High latency in wired mode, measured as 16 ms K3 Max Pros QMK-capable, thus fully programmable (much better than any other mainstream commercial offering). The difficulty varies, from very easy keymapping with Via to very involved coding in C . '2.4 GHz ' wireless option. It is far more reliable than Bluetooth and has lower latency, close to the wired mode ( measured as 4 ms). Low latency in wired mode, measured as 3 ms Cons Per-key RGB lighting is possible, but it (practically) requires (simple) coding in C and is not dynamic (compiling and flashing is required for every change). There have been many attempts to make it more dynamic and easier, but there isn't a mainstream solution (it may take years, if ever). 25% more expensive than the K3 V2 (though not so bad in absolute terms). Both Pros As Keychron low-profile keyboards, both have RGB north-facing lighting, thus no unwanted light bleed . Cons The selection of keycaps is limited. Most users have trouble with the Bluetooth connection. It is far from seamless. Notes The RTINGS.com measurements should be cross checked with other sources. Latency may not matter, depending on what the keyboard is going to be used for. References K3 V2 product page . A 75% wired and wireless (Bluetooth only) slim mechanical keyboard. K3 Max product page . A 75% wired and wireless (both Bluetooth and '2.4 GHz ') low-profile QMK/Via-capable mechanical keyboard
Keychron
keychron.com › home › keychron k3 max qmk/via wireless custom mechanical keyboard
Keychron K3 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron K3 Max is an ultra-slim wireless custom mechanical keyboard. It supports 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, and a wired connection. It allows anyone to master any keys or macro commands on its 75% compact layout through Keychron Launcher web app. Besides, it has included LSA (low profile spherical-angl...
Reddit
reddit.com › r › Keychron › comments › 1en05dk › keychron_ultraslim_k3_v2_vs_keychron_k3_max
Keychron Ultra-slim k3 v2 vs Keychron k3 max
September 30, 2023 - I struck a deal on Amazon prime day and got a (once returned) Keychron Ultra-slim k3 v2 red switches, which I used for few weeks before I returned it. I loved the look and feel, but it had few squeaky keys (arrow keys) that I couldn't unhear them. Now, I ordered a new keychron k3 max and after it arrived yesterday it does not look and feel like the previous k3 v2.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/keychron › difference between k3v3 and k3 max
r/Keychron on Reddit: Difference between K3V3 and K3 Max
November 22, 2024 -
Other than the colours, seriously, what is the difference between the K3V3 and K3 Max???
Keychron
keychron.com › blogs › news › difference-among-keychron-keyboards
Difference among Keychron keyboards
Keychron V2 Max · 65% Keychron V4 Max · 60% Keychron V8 Max · 65% Alice · K QMK · Keychron K2 Version 3 · 75% Compact · Keychron K4 Version 3 · 96% Compact · Keychron K5 Version 2 · 100% Full Size Slim · Keychron K10 Version 2 · 100% Full Size · Keychron K8 Version 2 · 80% Compact · Keychron K3 Version 3 ·
Keychron
keychron.com › pages › keyboards-comparison
Keyboards Comparison – Keychron
Keychron V2 Max · 65% Keychron V4 Max · 60% Keychron V8 Max · 65% Alice · K QMK · Keychron K2 Version 3 · 75% Compact · Keychron K4 Version 3 · 96% Compact · Keychron K5 Version 2 · 100% Full Size Slim · Keychron K10 Version 2 · 100% Full Size · Keychron K8 Version 2 · 80% Compact · Keychron K3 Version 3 ·
Reddit
reddit.com › r/keychron › which k3 version is the best?
r/Keychron on Reddit: Which K3 version is the best?
December 30, 2024 -
Hi! I’m considering getting a Keychron K3 and am interested in three versions:
K3 Max: Comes with Gateron low-profile brown switches
K3 v2: Comes with either optical brown or Gateron low-profile brown switches
K3 v3: Comes with Keychron low-profile 2.0 brown switches
I don’t plan to use Bluetooth, care about the backlight or QMK—I’m solely focused on achieving the best typing experience. Some people say the optical browns are the best, while others aren’t impressed.
Which version of the keyboard would you recommend?
Top answer 1 of 4
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Don't get optical, there's no standard for them so you won't be able to get third-party switches anyway, that goes double for low profile. Don't get a soldered board, future you will thank you when you eventually need to replace a switch. If it's not hot-swappable with mechanical switches that should be a hard absolute blocker. So that leaves the K3 Max RGB Backlight (Hot-swappable), of which only the red switch option is available. At that point I would go for the Nuphy Air75 v2, it's not that much more and they have a much greater variety of options.
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I still have my old K3 V1 with me, it comes with the basic optical red-switches that I hate due to it's too light for my taste, and now it has the optical banana-switches and it feels great to type on. The optical switches become very less popular as the time goes by, and some people hate the optical switches due to the limited cross-compatibility. I don’t plan to use Bluetooth, care about the backlight or QMK—I’m solely focused on achieving the best typing experience. Some people say the optical browns are the best, while others aren’t impressed. As you've stated above, if you're on a budget and just want to have the best typing experience, I'm sure you will be happy with the V2 brown (even buying the banana one if you want to go beyond the brown), V3 has latest bluetooth version but the bluetooth version is not a deal breaker IMHO. The Max version is a better option for gaming perspective with the higher polling rates. Other than that, you may get the higher version when it suits your budget range. Hope it helps!
Reddit
reddit.com › r/keychron › k2 vs k3: choose which should i keep?
r/Keychron on Reddit: K2 vs K3: Choose which should I keep?
September 27, 2021 - Probably not until forever given the reputation of Keychron (software promise issue) TLDR; I can’t choose between the two cause both of them are perfect for me with some minor issues. I can’t keep both because the wife says so. If I am keeping the K3, I will still need another keyboard for my studies in Japan except if Keychron have replacement PBT keycaps with Japanese letters.
SemiPro Tech+Gear
semiprotechgear.com › home › keychron k3 max review – enter the dongle
Keychron K3 Max Review - Enter the Dongle - SemiPro Tech+Gear
August 6, 2024 - Keychron also added some sound dampening material to alter the overall sound profile and adjusted the color theme of the keycaps with the K3 Max. ... Best For: If you prefer Keychron’s design over the NuPhy Air75 V2 and you don’t mind the ...
KeebFinder
keeb-finder.com › keyboards › compare › keychron-k3-max-qmk-via-wireless-custom-mechanical-keyboard-vs-keychron-k3-ultra-slim-wireless-mechanical-keyboard-german-iso-de-layout-version-2
Keychron K3 Max vs K3 V2 Specs
Explore the comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Keychron K3 Max and Keychron K3 V2 and view their biggest differences. The detailed comparison table allows you to see all the essential features, specifications, and benefits of each keyboard at a glance.
Keychron
keychron.com › blogs › news › what-s-new-on-the-k3-version-2
What’s new on the K3 version 2
November 22, 2023 - That is why we took the innovation of the K3 low-profile wireless mechanical keyboard to the next level. Thanks to the help and feedback from our Keychron customers, we created the K3 V2 by upgrading 3 main components of its predecessor: Added a two-level adjustable rubber feet.