UPDATE: DO NOT BUY KEYCAPS FOR THIS KEYBOARD! Apparently, the keys with stabilizers don't actually line up with the stem itself, so it's not compatible with ANY keycaps. You can still change all the other ones, but that's not a good idea. Sorry that I missed this crucial detail!
Truly a bummer. Keychron does list keyboard that you can interchange keycaps with but they’re all ABS. WTF is up with that? I wonder why none of the big companies are making LP-PBT keycaps.
@@FearlessP4P1 LP is not popular and thus there are less focus in R&D to make them work. Based on my knowledge, the machinery and development process to produce keycaps are expensive (keychron cites them at close to USD100k, Keyreative did mention something similar as well in their recent article) so there needs to be significant demand before a company is willing to make the investment. The community itself is already small and those who would take into interest with LP switch typing experience is even smaller, so as it stands, it does not make any financial sense to make mass market LP keycaps, let alone PBT at the moment. On the plus side, Keychron did also mention that they are looking into developing LP PBT keycaps for K3 sometime in the future but there is no ETA on that as it stands. So for now, you are stuck with what they deliver stock and purchase the ABS keycaps from their store as replacement.
Honestly it seems like they went with cherry stems to make the board more customizable and yet the stabilizers prevent people using different sets. It makes no goddamn sense.
Great review. I ordered mine in late December and it is ABSOLUTELY KILLING ME waiting for it to arrive! It is like being a kid waiting for Christmas day, but Christmas in delayed indefinitely. I keep telling tell myself "it is just a keyboard. You have a roof over my head and food in the fridge. Get a grip!"
Thank you so much for the video. It has helped me pick out a new, quieter keyboard. Just a heads up, the 10% discounted provided in the video's description did not work on the Keychron website when I made my purchase. Regardless, a big thumbs up to you and all your helpful videos! I subscribed!
Great review, I really liked the comparison between the lubed and nonlubed sound. Is there a video where you show how to lube them and with which products?
@@Romsicle could your video show step by step from opening of the switches till installing the switches back into the board. As many of the K3 owners are new to the world of optical switches. Thanks in advance and looking forward to your new video!
I'm gonna order the k3 with gateron blue switches, basically because optical switches don't have THAT satisfying clicky feel and sound that the mechanical ones do so the hotswappable is unfortunately a no for me, I'd definitely get the hotswappable if I wanted to go for the browns or reds. Still, I'd like to see a typing test with the keychron orange optical switches since it's basically blue but more tactile, so I wanna know how it sounds
@@MAGAIVER .__. YES ME TOOO. Small startup, so I can forgive. I'd prefer tho that they tell me that it will take 2 months or how long it will take. That way I don't get disappointed that much.
I just got the k3v2 today. My initial thoughts are. 1. This is nothing like the macbook pro keyboard so why do people say it's similar ?. 2 This keyboard cannot be used with any other key caps so not sure why it's sold as hot-swapable?
Great review! Would like a separate one on the white, black and orange switches, as I can't find much information about them. How do they sound? How do they compare with the other switches? etc.
Your review is so clear and I love it! Thanks also for putting it out clear that normal keycaps won’t work on the stabilisers. For the switches, would you recommend red over brown switch? (I prefer the red sound but prefer the feel of brown) Do you think it’s not that pleasant to have a tactile feeling in low profiles, because you kind of have to bottom out anyway?
Because I don't have the brown switches to compare, it's hard to say for this keyboard. I just imagine using a laptop keyboard and see whether I would enjoy that subtle tactile sensation or have a switch go straight down, and I personally prefer that tactile sensation for a laptop. I think the typing experience becomes more complete.
Yessss! Been waiting for this review! Edit: just finished watching: thanks for the keycap comparison and visuals. Much appreciated. Have heard that the stock ones wobble. Do you find the switches scratchy at all?
Awesome review! So I am coming from a Magic Keyboard and want to buy this keyboard for sure! I Like the low profile Mac Keyboards and the membrane switch so that is my main concern is what color switch buy that best mimics the membrane switch of the magic keyboard. I may end up buying most of the colors anyways to try them all out but figured I would ask here in the comments and get your opinion. Thanks!
@@Romsicle Hey thanks for the reply. I saw that and ordered a few other colors for now just to test them all out. Once the browns are back in stock I will be sure to order those. I did order mine with Reds for now though and we will go from there. Thanks for the feedback!
Great video, you explain very well the k3. I have a question, are the Keychron optical low profile switches compatible with the Gateron mechanical low profile? I mean, if I buy the optical version can I in the future swap them with the Gateron mechanical?
How is the battery life on K3? It's the only thing that's keeping me away from buying this one is because users keep saying that it doesn't last too long even w backlights off. Also, is it possible to mount a bigger battery on this like 4000 mah, like is there enough room for it?
I’m trying to decide between the Keychron K2 or K3 for my first mechanical keyboard. I like the K2 for the ability to customize the keycaps in the future but I like the idea of a low profile K3 keyboard. I’ve only ever used Apple keyboards before (MBP or magic keyboard). Any advice to help me with my purchase?
I personally prefer the K2, but if low profile switches feel better for you, then the K3 would best suit you. Or you can get a little adventurous and choose the K2.
Thanks for the review! I'm currently deciding between Gateron mechanicals vs Keychron opticals for the K3. I also saw your review on Gateron Switches: Mechanical VS Optical, do your conclusions on Gateron opticals also carry over to Keychron low profiles? If I am not going for the hot-swappable feature, would you also recommend the Gateron low profile mechanical switches for the K3?
Since I don't actually have the new Gateron low profile mechanical switches, it's hard to say. But with the low profile switches, I don't see a reason to pick the mechanical switches over the optical ones. The optical switches are more likely to be smoother and you have the option to lube them as well.
@@Romsicle , sorry, but did you have a chance to check all keycaps, like stab keys? I'm one of those people, who actually would like to change the keycaps (like pudding), but from what I have seen, keys like "spacebar", "shift", "backspace" won't fit. Is it true? Some more info on reddit: www.reddit.com/r/Keychron/comments/kn69s2/fyi_normal_stab_keys_dont_fit_for_keychron_k3_but/
@@eZaY47 OH! Yep, it seems like the issues still stand. Can't have other keycaps with the modifier keys because the stabilizers aren't lined up with the stem
Because it scratches the plate and leaves a mark - I have a few marks on my K3 because of it. It's unfortunate because the tool really makes the process of pulling out switches easier, but oh well.
@@Romsicle awesome, thank you for the quick reply. this is the only reason holding me off to buy this keyboard. would you recommend k2 instead, i'm from a magic keyboard user? i highly appreciate your reply! kudos!
@@arnleevizcayno965 With the K3, you'll be more used to it coming from a Magic Keyboard. But with a K2, you get to experience the "true" mechanical keyboard experience. I personally would probably go for the K2, but it's really up to what kind of typing style you wanna experience!
Awesome review. Really thinking of getting this board. I’ve heard of it being really flexible so idk if i feel ready to buy one just yet. I think I’ll get this over the updated GK61.
@@eyang7 the v2 has some feet under it for angle position. if it doesnt have it then it is v1. plus it has reinforced body, i ordered it cant wait for it to come. and reinforced keycaps, they are different underneath look on their page, anyway if u get it it will be one of the best choices everybody says they are good.
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.
Great keyboard, the only downside are the keycaps on these which are such poor quality. After only 1 month, the keys are shiny/glossy and look worn. Need better quality PBS caps in future.
I wouldn't say they're bad quality, but it's just the nature of wear for ABS keycaps. I will say that matte/soft touch plastic coatings are worse for the wear.
dont bother buying this. the pre-order backlogged so much that the initial date of shipping is early January, and they have changed to late January. Now that is late January, they are further postponing the shipping date.
so im typing this using a k2 let me see ahh yeah i like it.... the finger travel on this one kinda makes it so that you have to take you time to type because you have to lift you finger higher before executing on the next key. But I might try the k3 to try out that low profile I guess just to see if its anything like the mac keyboard. Anyways i am done typing... guess this is a good way to test out how a keyboard feels.... going to keyboard youtube channels and just typing a long sentence using a keyboard... well if you read this far I say you need a life.. but the k2 is good even though tis is a video about the k3...
I am ready to buy no backlight keyboard, first: the price is cheap, second: the night use must open the room lights, which is responsible for their eyes, so the backlight is just a decoration
why can't they just let you pick any combo... - keyboard layout - optical vs mechanical - low profile or normal profile - switch brand - switch "color" DONE! If the electrical contacts were the same (within optical), then you could hot swap all your regular height optical switches to a different brand's optical switching having different heights/low profile.
0 info about switches, have you asked for blue switch diagram from them? Old style"mushy world tour after the click" like mechanism. The k1 v4 has absolutely trash spacebar. Unusable, Im pretty sure k3 has the same shitty stabs. Absolutely disgusting experience with clicky or tactile variants, especially the fact that gateron and most likely own keychron tactile switches appear to be actually tactile. Again bad spacebar and other keys with stabs. But it's compatible with mac!! Go linear only if you want to buy this or the k1 v4.
UPDATE: DO NOT BUY KEYCAPS FOR THIS KEYBOARD! Apparently, the keys with stabilizers don't actually line up with the stem itself, so it's not compatible with ANY keycaps. You can still change all the other ones, but that's not a good idea. Sorry that I missed this crucial detail!
Truly a bummer. Keychron does list keyboard that you can interchange keycaps with but they’re all ABS. WTF is up with that? I wonder why none of the big companies are making LP-PBT keycaps.
@@FearlessP4P1 LP is not popular and thus there are less focus in R&D to make them work. Based on my knowledge, the machinery and development process to produce keycaps are expensive (keychron cites them at close to USD100k, Keyreative did mention something similar as well in their recent article) so there needs to be significant demand before a company is willing to make the investment. The community itself is already small and those who would take into interest with LP switch typing experience is even smaller, so as it stands, it does not make any financial sense to make mass market LP keycaps, let alone PBT at the moment.
On the plus side, Keychron did also mention that they are looking into developing LP PBT keycaps for K3 sometime in the future but there is no ETA on that as it stands. So for now, you are stuck with what they deliver stock and purchase the ABS keycaps from their store as replacement.
Honestly it seems like they went with cherry stems to make the board more customizable and yet the stabilizers prevent people using different sets. It makes no goddamn sense.
OMG this is helpful. I am so glad to know this in advance.
Someone from keychron user group on facebook remove stab & mod spacebar to make it fit
My favourite keyboard review to date! Did some hard work with this especially for that masking at 0:11! It's not a transition!
Smooth as hell. Great work 👍🏻
Not a lot of people know how much work goes into that few seconds
clean perfect masking good on you man
Any chance you could post a link to the lube you used?
I like that effect. Thanks for you work!
0:11 Just wanted to say that the hand passing over and the keyboard "assembling" was a really cool cut. That made me subscribe
Excellent review - best review of the K3 on UA-cam by a mile!!
Agreed!
Great review. I ordered mine in late December and it is ABSOLUTELY KILLING ME waiting for it to arrive! It is like being a kid waiting for Christmas day, but Christmas in delayed indefinitely. I keep telling tell myself "it is just a keyboard. You have a roof over my head and food in the fridge. Get a grip!"
Thank you so much. I pre-ordered and thought I would have to live with that spacebar rattle. Lubing it working is such a relief.
Thank you so much for the video. It has helped me pick out a new, quieter keyboard. Just a heads up, the 10% discounted provided in the video's description did not work on the Keychron website when I made my purchase. Regardless, a big thumbs up to you and all your helpful videos! I subscribed!
Great review, I really liked the comparison between the lubed and nonlubed sound. Is there a video where you show how to lube them and with which products?
Not yet! That video will be up real soon!
@@Romsicle could your video show step by step from opening of the switches till installing the switches back into the board. As many of the K3 owners are new to the world of optical switches. Thanks in advance and looking forward to your new video!
@@aloysiusfoo5446 Yep! It's coming real soon! Get subbed and you'll know when it's out :)
@@Romsicle subbed!
Just ordered one!
solid review, my man!
I'm gonna order the k3 with gateron blue switches, basically because optical switches don't have THAT satisfying clicky feel and sound that the mechanical ones do so the hotswappable is unfortunately a no for me, I'd definitely get the hotswappable if I wanted to go for the browns or reds. Still, I'd like to see a typing test with the keychron orange optical switches since it's basically blue but more tactile, so I wanna know how it sounds
love your video editing and graphics!
The red switch model for the keychron k3 are super sensitive, which are prone to typing mistakes. That's a major issue with red switch model.
I should've picked banana or brown instead :/
The pre-order ship date has been pushed back again for the K3 - some time in February. It's also impossible to pre-order with brown optical switches.
last time they told me end of January....
I managed to preorder a brown optical version but I did it late december. Bummed it's been pushed back though.
@@MAGAIVER .__. YES ME TOOO. Small startup, so I can forgive. I'd prefer tho that they tell me that it will take 2 months or how long it will take. That way I don't get disappointed that much.
I ordered mine from their website in mid December and it arrived yesterday
@@adambuzzeo I haven’t got any shipping confirmation yet.
i wish they make them with 96% numpad soon. i will definitely buy it with no hesitation.
Isn't that basically what the K1 is?
I just got the k3v2 today. My initial thoughts are. 1. This is nothing like the macbook pro keyboard so why do people say it's similar ?. 2 This keyboard cannot be used with any other key caps so not sure why it's sold as hot-swapable?
Just ordered my to replace my K2 v1, I like the aesthetics of the low profile, I hope that it is an improvement.
Great review! Would like a separate one on the white, black and orange switches, as I can't find much information about them. How do they sound? How do they compare with the other switches? etc.
Your review is so clear and I love it! Thanks also for putting it out clear that normal keycaps won’t work on the stabilisers. For the switches, would you recommend red over brown switch? (I prefer the red sound but prefer the feel of brown) Do you think it’s not that pleasant to have a tactile feeling in low profiles, because you kind of have to bottom out anyway?
Because I don't have the brown switches to compare, it's hard to say for this keyboard. I just imagine using a laptop keyboard and see whether I would enjoy that subtle tactile sensation or have a switch go straight down, and I personally prefer that tactile sensation for a laptop. I think the typing experience becomes more complete.
@@Romsicle Thank you very much for introducing a great way to imagine... I will have a good think over a hot bath!
on their site the travel distance for optical is shorter maybe they changed it, now, on the new versions
This is an awesome channel! Keep it up :)
Yessss! Been waiting for this review! Edit: just finished watching: thanks for the keycap comparison and visuals. Much appreciated. Have heard that the stock ones wobble.
Do you find the switches scratchy at all?
I don't it any more scratchy than a regular switch, but there are a few switches that squeak LOL
Could you make a video on how to lube this keyboard please~~~~?
Awesome review, glad I ordered it back in November but man am I just itching to get my hands on it… (brown optical rgb)
Hello Nice video. is there a eurropean keyboard with acents for keychron K3 pro low profiel?
love the information!
Great video man! I have one question though. Is there any way to check out the battery level of K3 (version with a white backlight)?
Nice review man! Noobie question... What lube would you recommend for the optical switches/stabilizers? Got a brown switch keyboard on order!
Krytox 205g0
Awesome review! So I am coming from a Magic Keyboard and want to buy this keyboard for sure! I Like the low profile Mac Keyboards and the membrane switch so that is my main concern is what color switch buy that best mimics the membrane switch of the magic keyboard. I may end up buying most of the colors anyways to try them all out but figured I would ask here in the comments and get your opinion. Thanks!
The closest feeling would probably be the brown tactile switches. But it seems like they're all sold out.
@@Romsicle Hey thanks for the reply. I saw that and ordered a few other colors for now just to test them all out. Once the browns are back in stock I will be sure to order those. I did order mine with Reds for now though and we will go from there. Thanks for the feedback!
do you think this would be a better choice than the k2?
Hi, good video. Do you know if I can change the key : ; next to the enter key; and change it for the spanish character ñ ?
Try to review the new KEYCHRON K3 V2 .
LOL my K6 battery died and never turned back on, only had it for a week, shits crazy, others have had the same problem with that keyboard on reddit
how long did the shipping take for your K3?
week n half
Questions - does yours take a while to connect after sleep? seems my most frustrating part about the keyboard. also how do you adjust the brightness?
Can the RGB lighting be set to static all white?
Hey! Nice video review! I'd like to ask you if the IQUNIX key caps can fit into this keyboard. Tanks very much!!
Read the pinned comment!!
Great video, you explain very well the k3.
I have a question, are the Keychron optical low profile switches compatible with the Gateron mechanical low profile? I mean, if I buy the optical version can I in the future swap them with the Gateron mechanical?
Optical and Mechanical are exclusive to their own. No mixing.
How is the battery life on K3? It's the only thing that's keeping me away from buying this one is because users keep saying that it doesn't last too long even w backlights off. Also, is it possible to mount a bigger battery on this like 4000 mah, like is there enough room for it?
You need way more followers my dude!
He needs to blink, that's what he needs 😅
Quick question! How to turn off the backlight, it's kinda annoying.
I’m trying to decide between the Keychron K2 or K3 for my first mechanical keyboard. I like the K2 for the ability to customize the keycaps in the future but I like the idea of a low profile K3 keyboard. I’ve only ever used Apple keyboards before (MBP or magic keyboard). Any advice to help me with my purchase?
I personally prefer the K2, but if low profile switches feel better for you, then the K3 would best suit you. Or you can get a little adventurous and choose the K2.
Thanks for the review! I'm currently deciding between Gateron mechanicals vs Keychron opticals for the K3. I also saw your review on Gateron Switches: Mechanical VS Optical, do your conclusions on Gateron opticals also carry over to Keychron low profiles? If I am not going for the hot-swappable feature, would you also recommend the Gateron low profile mechanical switches for the K3?
Since I don't actually have the new Gateron low profile mechanical switches, it's hard to say. But with the low profile switches, I don't see a reason to pick the mechanical switches over the optical ones. The optical switches are more likely to be smoother and you have the option to lube them as well.
@@Romsicle Thank you!
Nice review. In ordered optical red. I was between red and black 40af bs 50af. Is it noticable this difference when typing?
Regardless of the switch weight, your hands will get used to it after a few days. There's not really a difference.
Wow this is the best review on any Keychron keyboard I've seen! Question tho: do you think spray lubing is possible with these optical switches?
🙏 I'm sure it's possible as long as you know what you're doing.
What's the lube that you used?
Can you change the keycaps to standard ones to see how it looks? maybe razer keycaps set pls
It'll look like any 75% keyboard with a low profile case.
@@Romsicle , sorry, but did you have a chance to check all keycaps, like stab keys? I'm one of those people, who actually would like to change the keycaps (like pudding), but from what I have seen, keys like "spacebar", "shift", "backspace" won't fit. Is it true?
Some more info on reddit: www.reddit.com/r/Keychron/comments/kn69s2/fyi_normal_stab_keys_dont_fit_for_keychron_k3_but/
@@eZaY47 OH! Yep, it seems like the issues still stand. Can't have other keycaps with the modifier keys because the stabilizers aren't lined up with the stem
great content! any reason your referral link to purchase doesn't work anymore?
Thanks! I was not aware of that and am currently asking Keychron as to what happened to the entire system.
Fantastic review, thank you!
what about gaming with this? obviously wired? can I be competitive with this keyboard? CSGO, VALORANT? help me out
is there noticeable lag while gaming in bluetooth?
Not too much lag detected - but as usual, wouldn't recommend competitive on BT
Doesn’t keychron recommend not using the gateron switch puller on the K3? I wonder why that is?
Because it scratches the plate and leaves a mark - I have a few marks on my K3 because of it. It's unfortunate because the tool really makes the process of pulling out switches easier, but oh well.
how do you often charge the keyboard for regular day to day use?
2 to 3 times a week depending on how long you use it and if you use RGB
@@Romsicle awesome, thank you for the quick reply. this is the only reason holding me off to buy this keyboard. would you recommend k2 instead, i'm from a magic keyboard user?
i highly appreciate your reply! kudos!
@@arnleevizcayno965 With the K3, you'll be more used to it coming from a Magic Keyboard. But with a K2, you get to experience the "true" mechanical keyboard experience. I personally would probably go for the K2, but it's really up to what kind of typing style you wanna experience!
@@Romsicle awesome! thank you for your input.
Hi, Romsicle. This keyboard charges when on wired connection even when used, correct?
Yeup you are correct. Any wireless keyboard will charge if you plug it in nowadays.
compatible in ubuntu linux??
damn this is a well made video thanks man
Does your referral code not work on the k3?
Apparently not at the moment
@@Romsicle Got it, thank you for the review!
Wait I can't use my gazzew u4 switches with this keyboard? :(((
Because this keyboard is Optical so it's only compatible with Optical switches.
Does this board work with software like asus aura sync?
No, that software only works with Asus products I believe.
thanks this made my decision
keep going with these UA-cam videos I love them :)
Awesome review, thanks! I just got mine and I couldn't be happier with it. Best keyboard I've ever owned.
What switch did you get?
Nice Video!
thanks so much!
Awesome review. Really thinking of getting this board. I’ve heard of it being really flexible so idk if i feel ready to buy one just yet. I think I’ll get this over the updated GK61.
is this the v1 or the v2 version ?
I'm curious too. What's the difference with tthe different version?
@@eyang7 the v2 has some feet under it for angle position. if it doesnt have it then it is v1. plus it has reinforced body, i ordered it cant wait for it to come. and reinforced keycaps, they are different underneath look on their page, anyway if u get it it will be one of the best choices everybody says they are good.
battery life tho?
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.
cool videofx!
Looking forward to the future vids on the k3.
Red Optical Switches w/ White Backlight is already out of stock
If only they didn't charge so much for shipping I would buy but $20 is a bit steep.
Great keyboard, the only downside are the keycaps on these which are such poor quality. After only 1 month, the keys are shiny/glossy and look worn. Need better quality PBS caps in future.
I wouldn't say they're bad quality, but it's just the nature of wear for ABS keycaps. I will say that matte/soft touch plastic coatings are worse for the wear.
dont bother buying this. the pre-order backlogged so much that the initial date of shipping is early January, and they have changed to late January. Now that is late January, they are further postponing the shipping date.
Mine arrive when promised, orderd mid December from the website it arrived yesterday and im overall very happy with it
so im typing this using a k2 let me see ahh yeah i like it.... the finger travel on this one kinda makes it so that you have to take you time to type because you have to lift you finger higher before executing on the next key. But I might try the k3 to try out that low profile I guess just to see if its anything like the mac keyboard. Anyways i am done typing... guess this is a good way to test out how a keyboard feels.... going to keyboard youtube channels and just typing a long sentence using a keyboard... well if you read this far I say you need a life.. but the k2 is good even though tis is a video about the k3...
I am ready to buy no backlight keyboard, first: the price is cheap, second: the night use must open the room lights, which is responsible for their eyes, so the backlight is just a decoration
perfect
why can't they just let you pick any combo...
- keyboard layout
- optical vs mechanical
- low profile or normal profile
- switch brand
- switch "color"
DONE!
If the electrical contacts were the same (within optical), then you could hot swap all your regular height optical switches to a different brand's optical switching having different heights/low profile.
0 info about switches, have you asked for blue switch diagram from them? Old style"mushy world tour after the click" like mechanism. The k1 v4 has absolutely trash spacebar. Unusable, Im pretty sure k3 has the same shitty stabs. Absolutely disgusting experience with clicky or tactile variants, especially the fact that gateron and most likely own keychron tactile switches appear to be actually tactile. Again bad spacebar and other keys with stabs. But it's compatible with mac!! Go linear only if you want to buy this or the k1 v4.
This is out of stock!!
22 ms 🤦♂️
i wanted to see the keyboard but 90% of the video is your face :)
literally a keyboard for small asians with small fingers
Me 🥺
low profile 🤮🤮🤮🤮