Keychron K3 Review: The Perfect Portable Keyboard for On-the-Go Typing
The Keychron K3 offers a unique combination of portability, low-profile switches, and wireless functionality. With its compact design and versatile compatibility, it caters to professionals and gamers who value mobility and excellent typing experience.
Welcome to my review of the Keychron K3, a compact and versatile keyboard that has been making waves in the tech world. As someone with years of experience reviewing various tech products, I am excited to share my thoughts on this particular keyboard and provide you with valuable insights. Whether you're a student, a professional, or a gaming enthusiast, finding the perfect keyboard can greatly enhance your productivity and overall experience.
In this comprehensive review, I will walk you through the different aspects of the Keychron K3, including its design, build quality, connectivity options, typing experience, and more. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of the keyboard's strengths and weaknesses, enabling you to make an informed decision.
So, if you're ready to dive into the world of the Keychron K3, let's get started!
The Keychron K3 is designed for individuals who prioritize portability without compromising on typing experience and versatility. It caters to users who prefer a low-profile, compact keyboard suitable for both professional work and gaming.
- Compact and lightweight design
- Good build quality
- Low-profile switches with tactile feedback
- Option for white or RGB backlighting
- Hot-swappable switch options
- Mac/Windows compatibility
- Useful function keys
- Compromises due to slim design
- Limited support for third-party keycaps
- Difficulty in removing switches
- Inconsistent stabilizers
- Lack of adjustable feet
- No dedicated software for customization
- Potential key wobble
The Keychron K3 is recommended for users seeking a portable keyboard with a low-profile design and wireless connectivity. It suits professionals and gamers looking for a compact keyboard with good build quality and multi-device pairing capabilities. However, individuals who prioritize sturdiness, extensive customization options, or prefer regular mechanical switches may find the K3's compromises and unique features less appealing.
Test Results
Design
The design of the Keychron K3 is a balance between portability and functionality. Let's explore its key design aspects.
The dimensions of the Keychron K3 make it a compact and portable keyboard. It is smaller in size compared to standard keyboards, measuring a little over 22mm at its thickest point. This slim form factor is suitable for those who want a keyboard that won't take up much space on their desk or in their bag.
With a reinforced aluminium chassis, the Keychron K3 showcases a robust build quality with minimal flex. However, the keyboard utilizes thin ABS plastic keycaps, which might not offer the same durability as PBT or thicker ABS counterparts. Some users may observe a slight wobble in keys and the double shot keycaps might be prone to oil shine over time. Despite these trade-offs, the overall build quality remains solid and reliable.
The Keychron K3 offers a comfortable typing angle and convenient placement of the power port. However, it lacks incline settings and a wrist rest, which may limit customization and ergonomic support. The 75 percent layout of the keyboard includes arrow keys, a function row, and five out of the six keys normally placed above the arrow key cluster. It also offers Mac- and Windows-compatible media keys on the function row.
The Keychron K3 offers different options for backlighting. It is available with either a white backlight or an RGB backlight option. The keyboard features thin ABS plastic keycaps with crisp legends that allow the backlighting to shine through. Some reviewers mention that the full RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys is a standout feature, although the brightness may not be sufficient in well-lit environments.
The Keychron K3 offers multiple connectivity options. It can be connected wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.1 or through a wired connection using the included USB-C cable. The Bluetooth connection allows pairing with up to three devices, offering convenience for those who switch between multiple devices.
The Keychron K3 offers some additional features that enhance its functionality. It has hot-swappable switch options, allowing users to change the switches without soldering. The keyboard also includes a small switch for layout customization and comes with Mac-specific and Windows-specific keycaps. Additionally, it includes a plastic dust cover, keycap puller, switch puller, USB-C cable, and extra rubber feet.
Typing Experience
The typing experience is crucial when considering a keyboard. Here's a breakdown of the Keychron K3's typing performance.
The Keychron K3's keystrokes are influenced by its low-profile optical switches. These switches have a shorter travel distance compared to regular switches, measuring 10.77mm in height. This design choice contributes to the keyboard's slim form factor.
The typing quality of the Keychron K3 is subjective and dependent on personal preferences. The K3 utilizes low-profile switches, which provide a different typing experience compared to regular mechanical switches. The typing quality is satisfying, especially with the Gateron Low Profile Brown switches, which offer a tactile feel and low pre-travel distance. However, the overall typing experience may be less enjoyable for users accustomed to traditional switches.
The typing noise of the K3 depends on the switches chosen. Brown and orange switches, for instance, produce different sounds. While the blue Gateron switches are clicky and louder, brown switches offer a quieter typing experience. This versatility in noise levels allows users to choose based on their preference for auditory feedback.
The K3 shows decent latency, suitable for casual gaming or daily tasks. It supports a 1,000Hz polling rate in wired mode, providing a fast response. However, while its Bluetooth functionality offers wireless convenience, it might not perform as well for gaming, making the keyboard less ideal for competitive or fast-paced gaming environments.
Software
The software aspect of a keyboard affects its customization and compatibility. Let's dive into the Keychron K3's software capabilities.
The programming aspect presents a mixed bag. With Keychron K3, native key remapping is not supported, limiting reconfigurations and additions to OS-level programming. This lack of support extends to macro-programmable keys, with no companion software available.
The process of programming the keyboard can be intricate, involving multiple steps before the tool recognises the board. However, after this initial setup, adjusting the layout becomes a much simpler task. The keyboard can be programmed with tools such as QMK or VIA, widely adopted in the mechanical keyboard community. This process requires wired mode and utilises a web tool with a JSON file from Keychron's website. Alternatively, Keychron suggests using software like Karabiner for Mac or SharpKeys on Windows for remapping.
The Keychron K3 series exhibits a broad compatibility, working smoothly with both Windows and Mac systems. Notably, it includes a switch to toggle between Mac/iOS and Windows/Android layouts. It ensures most keys operate seamlessly with macOS, with the exception of screen brightness hotkeys. The keyboard also runs with Linux when set to Mac/iOS, again excluding screen brightness hotkeys. Android compatibility is offered too, with the exception of the F3 hotkey. Full iOS and iPadOS compatibility is present, barring the F3 and F4 hotkeys.
Beyond operating systems, the keyboard is compatible with all standard devices and can be recharged using the same USB-C cable that powers full-sized tablets.
Customer Reviews
Customer reviews provide valuable insights into the Keychron K3, highlighting both the benefits and complaints expressed by users. Let's take a closer look at what customers have to say about this keyboard.
Benefits
Many customers appreciate the low-profile design of the Keychron K3, which offers a compact and minimalist look that fits well in any setup. The low-profile switches, such as the Gateron Low Profile Brown or blue optical switches, provide a satisfying typing experience with tactile feedback. Users find the keys to be responsive and enjoy the audible click of the switches.
The wireless connectivity options, including Bluetooth 5.1, allow for convenient use and easy switching between devices. The K3's battery life is generally considered good, lasting up to a week or more on a single charge for moderate usage. Charging is quick, taking only a few hours to reach full capacity.
Customers also appreciate the RGB backlighting of the K3, which offers various lighting options to choose from. The backlighting enhances the aesthetics of the keyboard and can be customized to match different setups. The keyboard's compatibility with different operating systems, including Windows and macOS, is another benefit mentioned by users.
Complaints
Some customers have reported issues with the battery of the Keychron K3. In a few cases, the battery no longer holds a charge after a few months of use. This has led to difficulties in finding replacement batteries. Additionally, a few users have experienced connectivity issues with Bluetooth, including unstable connections and difficulties switching between devices. On certain devices, re-pairing may be required.
Another complaint mentioned by some users is the lack of certain keycap options or difficulties in finding specific keycap sets that are compatible with the K3. Some customers have also encountered problems with specific key functions, such as the function keys not working as expected or media operations not functioning correctly.
Customer Conclusion
Overall, the Keychron K3 receives positive feedback for its low-profile design, tactile switches, wireless connectivity, and customizable RGB backlighting. It is favored by those seeking a compact and feature-rich keyboard. However, the reported issues with battery performance and Bluetooth connectivity should be taken into consideration. Additionally, the availability of specific keycap sets and occasional key function problems may affect the overall user experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Keychron K3 is a compact and versatile keyboard that offers a range of features suitable for various users. Its slim design and lightweight build make it portable and convenient for on-the-go use. The low-profile switches provide a unique typing experience, although it may take some time to adjust if you're accustomed to traditional mechanical switches.
While the build quality could be improved, the K3 offers decent durability for everyday use. The keyboard's compatibility with both Windows and macOS systems, along with its wireless connectivity options, adds to its versatility.
One notable drawback is the lack of dedicated software for customization, but third-party options are available for key remapping. Additionally, the keyboard's typing experience and layout may not be suitable for everyone, especially those who prefer larger and more traditional keyboards.
Overall, the Keychron K3 is a solid choice for those seeking a compact and portable keyboard with a unique typing experience. Its versatility, compatibility, and range of features make it a viable option for students, professionals, and gamers alike.
Thank you for joining me in this review. I hope this article has provided you with valuable insights and helped you in your decision-making process. If you have any questions or thoughts, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy typing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Keychron K3 worth it?
Yes, the Keychron K3 is definitely worth it. It offers a unique combination of portability, wireless connectivity, and low-profile switches, making it an ideal choice for professionals and gamers on the go. The compact and lightweight design ensures easy transportation, while the wireless functionality allows for convenient use across multiple devices. The low-profile switches provide a tactile typing experience, and the versatile compatibility with both Windows and macOS enhances its appeal. Overall, the Keychron K3 delivers excellent value for its features and is highly recommended.
How long does the Keychron K3 last?
The lifespan of the Keychron K3 largely depends on usage patterns and maintenance. However, Keychron keyboards are known for their durability and longevity. With proper care and regular cleaning, the Keychron K3 can last for many years. The build quality, including the aluminum frame and sturdy construction, contributes to its longevity. Additionally, the absence of complex mechanisms, such as hot-swappable switches, minimizes the risk of wear and tear. Overall, investing in the Keychron K3 ensures a reliable keyboard that can withstand prolonged use.
Is Keychron still worth it?
Absolutely, Keychron keyboards, including the Keychron K3, continue to be worth it. Keychron is known for producing high-quality keyboards that strike a balance between functionality, design, and affordability. The Keychron K3, with its compact and lightweight form factor, wireless connectivity, and low-profile switches, offers a compelling package for users who value portability and typing experience. Whether you're a professional seeking a versatile keyboard for work or a gamer in need of a reliable companion, the Keychron K3 delivers on its promises and remains a worthwhile investment.