My two cents after getting my k3 a week ago, with blue optical switches and rgb. Overall I like it and would recommend. I have a few complaints, but I think it's worth the money and I'm glad I got it. The low profile, optical, blue switches are nice. The click feels relatively subtle and quieter than the kailh low profile blues I used in a havit board. Key caps feel very nice for abs, definitely matte texture and no shining yet... keys are surprisingly stable and feel solid compared to my previous low profile keyboard. I prefer solid color, so I got the extra key cap set and used the dark grey. Looks super nice imo. Build feels good to me- as solid as it needs to be, and not cheap. The layout is great; not missing anything I need. I'm still adjusting to the short right shift, but it hasn't annoyed me enough to be a real issue, and mistakes are getting less and less. Bluetooth works about as well as I'd expect. It can be annoying to have it go to sleep to quickly, and sometimes takes ten seconds to wake, which feels like an eternity. But when it's in use and connected, it works well. Could be better, but it meets my standard. Most of the time I use the bluetooth mode even though I made it easy for myself to plug it in for gaming. I've tried the bluetooth connection for gaming and honestly the lag is acceptable. I cant say I noticed it once I got sucked into the match (Destiny 2). I feel more confident using the cable, but I realize this is partly psychological and I think you would be happy with it in non-competitive settings. It's better than older bluetooth keyboards in my experience. Biggest complaint for me is the rgb- the purple color isn't quite right to match my other LEDs, and I can't fine-tune it. Also, the green light for charging when the cable is connected shines through the key above it and it annoys me. I think they said they would look into addressing this complaint. As someone who prefers low-profile boards to full sized ones, this is very good, 90% of the way there to my ideal keyboard. I'm personally not concerned about the build (it is naturally less hefty than a massive, standard board.) I love how small it is, and for me, the typing experience is nearly perfect. I learned to type on a laptop, and I've never enjoyed full sized boards. If you are like me, then I think it does a great job being a low-profile, compact, stylish keyboard and i can recommend it.
Would you say that the Kailh Blues are almost identical to the optical blues? Im not sure whether to get the optical blues or try some of their optical linears. Currently I have the Kailh blues and would like something lighter as i will be typing a lot. What do you think?
The low-profile vs regular is my main difficult choice (like K3/K1 vs K4v2). I used to ***LOVE*** the Apple Extended II keyboard, which has me nostalgic to get something similar again, as I think I could type faster than on the 'chiclet' type keys I now use (mostly because of the action, or lack of). That said, I've also gotten very used to these chiclet keys (currently an Apple Magic Keyboard) and very low-profile over many years now (and quiet!). Maybe higher-profile with a wrist-rest? I wish I had one of each for a few weeks to help decide. :) Maybe like you, I will want low-profile and mechanical, ultimately. Best of both worlds?
I just started learning about mechanical keyboards yesterday.. And this video is really good! You're easy to understand, nice balance between fun and informative, and between subjective and objective. Thanks for this video!
If you don't drop it and don't need to travel with a laptop much this is perfect then. Seems like most of your critical points were around the flimsiness which won't be an issue if you're not moving it around or intending to switch the keys.
I really like the K3. I don't like flat membrane or scissor style laptop type keyboards like the Apple keyboards, but I definitely don't like full height mechanical keyboards either because whilst they have a satisfying typing action, the higher actuation force and travel distance just becomes tiring over time with alot of typing. The K3 optical white fits the bill perfectly as its half way in between. I don't agree with the comment in the review about it being flimsy or badly built. The key caps are very thin and I'd like to see alternative thicker PBS caps offered but it's only $70, so build is fine for that price.
I am so glad your channel exists!!! I was able to make my keyboard choice because of you. I also appreciate the depth you go into your videos and website. I can't wait for your future content.
Apparently they have improved on the K3 with its version 2 now! Definitely more sturdy/less flimsy now so it kind of fixes the only issue about the K3 that you mentioned. it also comes with new height-adjustable stands and hot swappable optical switches so it's such an improvement. Have you heard about it?
The v2 seems very sturdy - but I also don't try to wring it out as youtubers apparently do all the time. And the sound of the keys compared to what we hear in this video is a lot quiter and lower. The optical red switches might not be for everyone, but I can type much faster with those than with e.g. regular browns. I'd say it's one of the best keyboards I ever used, only topped by my Ergodox, which is of course 3x the price.
The three foot drop test should be standard for any portable type keyboard. If you bring portable electronics with you, they're going to do their level best to fall off stuff.
I've grown used to laptop keyboards and hate the traditional mech key feeling with the huge actuation distance, so I think this keyboard would be perfect for me
Keep in mind that the Keychron warehouse is in Hong Kong. It ships from there, and if you don't like the product, you're responsible for returning it to there. Which means, effectively, there are no returns. Keychron doesn't offer a return label, so you can pony out more money than you spent on the actual keyboard, trying to return it.
Regarding the drop, it's not so bad if the housing simply detaches from the base as it release the force of impact. If it's too rigid, the impact force will be transferred to the house, base, or even PCB, and will be much more likely to crack. It's the same reason you see F1 cars fly into pieces while the driver walks away just fine; they're designed to release the impact force so that it isn't transferred to driver!
i just got the K7 and after gaming for years on a laptop its the best keyboard ive had since switching to a desktop. worth the money and really give that feel im used to.
Since I got this k3 I will never change. I love it. The light Weight is a plus for me, because I use backpack with a 8litres mini itx desktop case inside too.
After watching this I’m sooooooooooooooo glad I swapped my K3 for a K1 v4. Midway through the K3 Kickstarter campaign I was browsing the Keychron site and noticed their K1 v4 also had low profile switches (but not swappable) but more importantly, it came in a 104 key version. I was also stunned it was fully aluminium & in my view looked much better than the K3. I reached out to Keychron & they were absolutely fantastic about letting me swap my pledge to the K1. I definitely made the right decision & glad you just confirmed it! Thank you :-)
Nice review. I have the K3 for about a week now and I'm pretty happy with it. I wanted a lowprofile kb to throw in my laptop backpack and it does the job well.
I've tested Keychron k3 and Nuphy air 75. Now I love all about Nuphy but switches. Keychrone browns are absolutely gorgeous! How can I have this experience on my Nuphy now instead its gateron reds?
That's not how they work, of course they still have electrical contacts that fit into sockets like any other key! It's only the actuation inside that's different.
Won’t be getting it anytime soon. I pre-ordered in the beginning of November, they still haven’t even finished shipping K3s out to their Kickstarter backers and pre-orders won’t be shipped until those are done as far as I can tell. They’re not saying anything about it.
@@martelljhixson chill... How are you to type? The way you're typing now. You really don't know how to live your life while you wait a few weeks? There's always the option of cancelling the order. I backed Durgod Fusion campaign and that has been a disaster, but the board itself is worth the wait, so I chill. There are more important concerns to life, man...
Very informative video! I was so looking forward to this keyboard. I recently got a K1 V4. I love it, but really liked the idea of the cleaner, more compact design. Hearing your explanation of the build quality might be a deal breaker for me. The build quality is so good on the K1. Such a bummer that didn’t carry over!
Hey Betty, can you make a video explaining and comparing the difference between the gateron low profile and optical switch options available for this keyboard. I don’t know how to pick between them, thanks
Just got mine, I like it... I actually like it a lot. I’ve had a K4 for a little while, but the K3 is a massive improvement over a laptop keyboard, and especially over the “magic keyboard” which I didn’t waste. $350 on with my iPad Pro preorder this morning. So my K3 has already saved me a cool $275. Is it better than the K4 or other full size mechanicals? No,. But it’s very very good as an option for productivity with an iPad.
Hi what do you think of the K3 Pro. Or please could you recommend something. My cheapo HP membrane keyboard is breaking down and I want to try something a little better this time, in 75% though. Logitech MX Mechanical Mini perhaps?
As usual very complete review :) K2 vs K3 please. Enjoying K2 right kow, but looking for slimmer and silent version of it to use it at the office and when mobile.
This keyboard is not silent. The keys reverberate horribly with the plastic back case. I tried the Blacks, Oranges (clicky), and Browns other than the click that you expect with a "clicky" switch they are all about the same loudness. They are not as loud as a proper thocky keyboard, but I would rather do some silent variant with a proper mech keyb.
I much prefer the gateron mechanical over the Keychron optical. I didn't think there'd be much difference, but the optical switches seem to be more shallow. It's unfortunate that if you choose the gateron switches you lose the ability to swap. The Nuphy 75 is next up for me to try. I want a low profile board, but I feel like the Keychron might be a tad too much compromise.
can i program the Keychron K1 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (Version 5) with the VIA software for the keytron q1 on linux (pop os) to control the rgb lighting colors ,macros , etc does anyone know if that can work that way i like the spacing between the keys an the key-caps of the k1 but the lack of custom switch an key-cap options is a slight bummer along with not knowing if i can custom the rgb layout on Linux id settle for the q1 despite the cost if i could find some custom low-profile backlit keycaps for the q1 unless you guys know if they do an were to get them
I replaced all of the alphanumeric keys on my K3 with standard MX PBT keycaps, and it works quite well. I left only the stabilized keys, the function keys, and the fn key with the stock keycaps. It looks a little odd, but I enjoy typing on it a lot more now. The Keychron ABS keys are just too slick and thin for my tastes. I’m quite happy they designed these new switches to accommodate MX stems.
So are low profile white switches objectively faster for gaming than like Cherry MX Silvers ? Im considering a Razer Deathstalker V2 pro TKL and buying the aftermarket Keychron Low Profile Optical White Switches to put into it to use for gaming
Damn! I should wait for your review before I pre-ordered the k3! Because I also ordered 3rd party xda keycaps to replace the stock keycaps. The fact that keys with stabilizers are not compatible means I spent about $55 for nothing. 😭😫
Would the build quality be perfectly fine if it mostly sat on my desk and only sparingly traveled with it? The layout and low profile ergonomics is perfect for me who's looking for the most desk space
It felt like you had already made up your mind about the keyboard; Like i was able to deduce that from your attitude towards it in the beginning regarding it being flimsy. i know you said stuff in the disclaimer which is nice but it kinda defeats my ability to make my own choice about the keyboard because i have to ride with your opinions from the very beginning since you are the reviewer and I'm just a video consumer. I dont like the flimsy build either but the negative feelings about that seeped into the entire keyboard which I didn't like too much coming out of the video
I guess that happens if you have a lot of things to compare with. Every mech keyboard above 50$ should work good enough to get done what it's made for (typing stuff), so the things left to compare are the finer details like build quality and other features. Personally I have the Keychron K4 and was looking for the K3 only for a smaller remote keyboard that isn't used stationary and because of this video I guess that it isn't really suited for that.
A few YT tips. Add a CTA at the beginning of the vid to like and subscribe. Also, don't tease your conclusions at the beginning of the video because it may decrease watch time. Otherwise, a great and very informative video with plenty of detail!
I just got the K2 v2. The one thing I see about the K3 that I like is kind of minor: The printing under the switches. For some reason, Keychron decided not to put any printing below the switches, and I find the legends at the bottom extremely hard to read since they're black on black.
Between k1 and k2 what you recommend to a person who has never used a mechanical keyboard? In my country k1 104 key and k2 aluminum frame keyboards cost the same. And k1 84 key and k2 non aluminum keyboard cost the same. Plz suggest me. I am going to order tomorrow.
This is my current keybaord. But I'm looking for something with the same layout as this that is also wireless and with RGB lighting but has the same look and feel as the Ducky Varmilo Miya Pro. Though preferably hotswapple. Any suggestions? Thank you!
To answer your question from 8:22, because I have a vertical mouse on the left side and a tablet on the right side of the keyboard. So I want a compact board and K1 is too wide. To each his own right. So my question is: which 75% low profile mechanical board DO you recommend?
Loved my K7 optical mint switches, however, after long periods of time, my hand got pretty fatigued. Unfortunate as I love heavy switches (my previous MKB utilizes green MX switches which I still use to this day. I just got he K3 with the banana switches and it is a night and day difference. Typing on the mints are sublime. However, any other tasks such as gaming proved to be too difficult and heavy for long periods of gaming on the mints. Banana switches FTW. I prefer it over the brown optical switchers which has a lower tactile bunp.
UPDATE: The K3 is now available in a version 2 which addresses many of the issues highlighted in this video. The v2 now has two-level adjustable feet (6 and 9 degrees), new and better keycaps, a reinforced galvanised steel plate attached to the plastic bottom frame as well as an aircraft-grade aluminium enclosure to improve structural integrity and give it a more premium feel. I'm typing this on my new v2 (K3-E2) with Keychron low-profile blue clicky switches and it is a satisfying low-profile mechanical keyboard at a good price-point.
Thank you for the video. Appreciate you are not a fan of low profile boards but... is there a 65/75 board you would recommend over the Keychron K3? The K3 is £84 in the UK currently. The Fnatic Streak65 LP is £109 but is not yet available with UK caps. (" and @ are flipped)
You just saved me some $ cash, thank you! :) I’ll keep using my K1 v4 which I really like. The key actuation pressure on the browns are a bit heavier than my preferred number but I’ve gotten used to it and compared to the Logitech TKL it’s absolutely fine and a heck of a lot less money. I hope they make a few updates in a v5 edition that address some of the things you hit on in your review of this board but overal as an everyday keyboard for coding I like it.
mine arrived a few days ago and I've already given it a five star review on their website. For me, its absoliutely killer. Flimsy? I prefer to see it as ultralight. I treat my geat with care and I can't see it being damaged. I also ordered a second one in a different switch. I hope you enjoy yours when it arrives :)
@@orivaa ordered mine in late November. I know the pandemic has slowed the shipping date but I get frustrated seeing everyone get there's way before mine🤷🏾♂️
It looks like the NuType F1 is a better choice over this one in my needs. Which I finally received. I'm very pleased with it and finally understand what's the thing with mechanical keyboards. A very hard to isolate, define and describe satisfaction feeling when we typebb. I remember you talking about the right "shift". I've realised that I finally use it. But my muscle memory adapted in a week or so.
I think the general consensus is that you can’t really go wrong with tactile switches, since they’re kind of in the middle of the switch types. Good luck!
I made the mistake of buying a Keychron K7. What I received was NOT wireless (no dongle included) and, when connected by USB cable, many keys did not work. Keychron ignored all my requests for an RMA and a refund. Before buying anything from Keychron, think! Do you want to give your money to a company that treats its customers this way?
Keychron K3 or Nuphy F1? I want a wireless, low profile, 75% or below keyboard and I’m really torn. I dislike the flat keycaps, so I preordered the K3. I also thought it’d be a K1 with a 75% layout but this (excellent) video has shown otherwise. Help!
Great video. Question for you, is it normal for pre-built keyboards to have some case ping? I've experienced it on the drop alt, durogod hades, and on my favorite, ducy x varmilo maya pro? Thanks!
