Keychron K3 Mechanical Keyboard Review ~ One Major Flaw?

[@minimalistik]

The first 1000 people to use the link will get a free trial of Skillshare Premium Membership: skl.sh/minimalistik02211 Hey folks! Will you get a Keychron K3 for yourself? Let me know! 😄

[@mkdylt6813]

Thanks for the great review, i liked the details on things that regular reviewers wont cover! Things like a demonstration of sleep time and wake time, stab noise, keycap compatibility, board warp, and ABS shine! All super helpful even though i wasnt in the market for a low profile KB.

[@KurticusZen]

We were on the verge of greatness. We were this close.

[@minimalistik]

Sooooo close 😔

[@bFOURdwZEROlf]

VERY FREAKING CLOSE!

[@everett7903]

I ordered this before watching all the reviews which led me to believe I would be disappointed I wasn't. If you're not deeply into keyboards this will be more than fine. Also, keep in mind the keyboards people are likely comparing this to literally cost anywhere from 100 to 1000 dollars. If you don't include shipping this was around $70. It's also a low profile, light weight keyboard generally meant to be carried with you so obviously this won't seem like it was built like a brick and and come in weighing 20 tons like some of the keyboards I've seen in the aficionado community. I think keyboards are cool and plan to build one in the near future so this isn't a dig at the hobbyist, but if you are someone who needs a keyboard for on the go or are just looking for something with a little more character I'd say go for it and take the comments from hobbyist with a grain of salt.

[@sonysonix]

My biggest concern is the sleep delay how are you affected by that?

[@deejaykutz]

@@sonysonix Initially it caught me off guard but it wakes up quickly upon key press and makes for a long lasting battery life. I've owned mine for months and I have only charged it twice. There's also a wired mode and it works while charging (of course).

[@Oakcitymedia]

I got the V2 version it’s been amazing. I used my iPhone and other devices and it’s responsive for my productivity. I’m not one to change out key caps so I’m good on that. Hopefully this continues to be a great product. Love I can put it in my bag on the go as a Photographer. I’ll buy another keychron for my permanent desk. Have a recommendation? K4?

[@stoneydrey3418]

Keycaps aren’t an issue for me. I love it as is out of the box. Easily the best keyboard I’ve ever purchased. I got the optical blues with white backlight. Perfect for my needs. I didn’t experience any of the flexing either. I recommend it. The shiny keys thing you mentioned definitely made me raise an eyebrow though- if that happens I’ll contact Keychron

[@DipMaster20]

Have you tired k2? Which one seems better? notice shinny caps?

[@johnmercado6138]

If you were to choose the K3 vs a non-mechanical keyboard such as the Logitech MX keys what would you go with?

[@ได้เลยพี่]

MX3 Stand For Master Series i have one and can said MX3 Better than any Keychron Series.

[@mileusna]

I'm glad I went for K1, those keycaps was one of the reason why I have considered K3 although it was on preorder, while K1 was on stock. :)

[@minimalistik]

Yeah the keycap mount is not really a pro in this scenario. The stab design is better than on the K1, but other than that, it's not much better than the K1 :)

[@shiroyukirein3365]

I got my K1 with brown switches, it wobble and stretchy af, but better after some spray lube, and sold it last week.

[@shiroyukirein3365]

I got my K1 with brown switches, it wobble and stretchy af, but better after some spray lube, and sold it last week.

[@alrayson]

Hi do u think the nutype f1 have a better feeling on typing? Trying to decide which one I should buy

[@ArnaudSpuhler]

If you have to choose between the K3 and Nuphy F1, what would you do? I like the 75% over the 60%, but I can be flexible, primarily working and gaming with it. Mac OS and Windows, if I have to choose, build quality and response are the most important criteria. Thanks @minimalistik!

[@Weird_Quests]

How do you find the Sony headphones for video editing? I heard you can adjust the EQ to be more neutral for editing?

[@STANISŁAW-01]

thanks. I was waiting for this video.

[@minimalistik]

🙌

[@McRyach]

2:05 I love when my keyboard has a reflection of use just like old pair of jeans or a leather bag. I was using my K7 only for a week now. But the keyboard can't stay new forever, the trick is to design keycaps so that it gets only better with time. However I hope Keychron will add more low-profile keycaps to their inventory. Otherwise I'm gonna have to make my own 😈 P.S. misaligned stabilizers make perfect sense. It is too bad that the industry is following the aligned stabilizers. But I'm totally on board with Keychron with misaligned stabilizers. It is objectively better design, preventing the wobble at horizontal axis. Physics 🤓

[@AI3Dorinte]

i don;t understand why you would buy a low profile board and stick normal keycaps on it...

[@edzjiang06]

I know right

[@joshizposh1995]

Because you just wanted a low body

[@AI3Dorinte]

@@joshizposh1995 you can save yourself some cash and just get a wrist rest man...

[@JFinns]

Yea it's a bizarre complaint. They already improved the keeb with the v2.

[@dominow2121]

@@AI3Dorinte nah, you can just use the pcb only, just get rid of the middle man, the case, ez fix

[@simonbarras3361]

Is it possible to put some classic switches?

[@accentontheoff]

What do you think of the logic tech MX mechanical mini?

[@RajeshSingh-nu1iz]

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.

[@peterhan1988]

Couldn’t agree more!

[@christianpedersen3237]

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.

[@roldanjeremylozano5596]

What would you recommend the k3 or the k1v4? If not of the two then what 75% low profile could you recommend?

[@lingth]

K1 V4 isnt 75%, there is only TKL (87 keys) and 104 keys full sized. Keychron's 75% has only K2 V2 (non low profile) and K3 (low profile).. i hope the K3 will be upgraded with K3 V2 in future.

[@maswisnu7]

Which switch is the quietest? Considering to buy one

[@samcolvin8294]

Could you swap out the stabilisers on the k3 or are they entirely proprietary?

[@ГригорийПлахута]

is it the same problem with not hot swappable version?

[@jjpark98]

yeah, it would still be the same. The alignment issue is with the stabilizers, not the key switches themselves. No matter how many times you change out the key switches, the stabilizers will always be JUST out of alignment in order to fit regular MX keycaps. It's really stupid how they designed it. WE WERE SO CLOSE TO GREATNESS

[@TheGlobeTr0tter]

Do you suggest getting this or the k1v4?

[@caminstol2473]

i wouuld suggest the k3 because the keychron low profile switches are better than gateron

[@shiroyukirein3365]

As the owner of K1v4, I will not recommend you to get it. the gateron switch is shit.

[@sk4tec]

The latest iteration of this v2 and the firmware this keyboard ships with v1.01. Allows you to set the auto sleep time from 10m, 20m to 30m. I set mine to 30m and I encounter the slow wake up less often (only over lunch).

[@Joanqui_]

Thank you for the review, very interesting the issue you described with the keycap compatibility for future buyers

[@Winterschant]

I have the v2 version of this keyboard, and one (well two things) i'm not particularly satisfied with is the occasional delays (connectivity issues?) when typing with Bluetooth mode and the lack of alternatives for the ABS keycaps. It's a shame because i'm really liking the low profile frame. Overall great keyboard for productivity though

[@muckeyn]

Keychron is working on alternative PBT caps. Bluetooth is fairly flawless on my v2 other than slow wake times. But battery life is so weak I may end up just using it wired.

[@seangray166]

This is an optical version and it don't work with cherry stab keycaps. But there is another one version with gateron mechanical switches. Is there the same problem?

[@caminstol2473]

yeah, no matter what switch, it'll probably be the same pcb

[@kiachiaki]

I saw some of your videos and I was torn between the K3 and Nuphy Nutype f1, glad that I went for Nuphy. Thanks for the useful information! Well the build quality may not be as great as Keychron (my keys in f1 is not perfectly aligned and it makes sounds when I shake) but the bluetooth switching is good and as you say, it never loses the first key. Also great compatibility with Mac and most importantly it is so compact! I would definitely go for Keychron if they do the 65% low profile with MX STYLE KEYCAP COMPATIBILITY...!

[@mtsa_lekod]

This is the best review by far, thanks!

[@stoodgain]

theres a KEYCHRON k3 v2 out bro. try to review it

[@mr.ssj3847]

Does it work with the normal keycaps atleast on the letters??

[@minimalistik]

Yup! But not super useful if only non-stabilized keys work 😒

[@mr.ssj3847]

@@minimalistik damn i was looking forward to buying this.. :I

[@Mr.C0ffee]

Hey bro! Any chance you will review the new budget Keychron C1 and C2? Hotswappable and under 70 usd might be a great deal if done correctly,

[@minimalistik]

They haven't sent me one yet, maybe eventually but likely not soon 🤔

[@Donbros]

That is pretty unclever suggestion by company 4:03 - we f* this up others will fix it

[@minimalistik]

😆

[@1Kieve]

I wonder if you can replaces those stabilizers.

[@MikeKosim]

Thanks! saved me a purchase and return. I can't believe you can't use aftermarket keycaps. It seems like a no-brainer for them to test. Maybe they made the mistake early in development and it was too much to redo the tooling.

[@minimalistik]

Yeah it’s so weird that they decided to make their switches and stabilizers MX compatible but not have them work together 🤔 I would give them the benefit of the doubt as that might be a physical restriction, but I’m pretty sure the Streak65 has it figured out with Kailh Choc V2s... so yeah

[@MikeKosim]

@@minimalistik Which switches would you recommend for silent switches to generate that nice "thocc" but doesn't require lube? Either pre-lubed, or has some kinda magic inside that doesnt' require lubing. I'm too dang busy to lube switches.

[@SteS]

Doesn't seem there's a caps lock indicator. Does it light up when enabled?

[@SteS]

@Alfred The Alpha thanks. I bought the keyboard and it's great. Only thing I wanted was locking the RGB mode. But found out there's a keyboard shortcut for that. Fn+L+light key for 6 seconds to toggle the lock for anyone wondering. Needs v1.6 of the firmware to work though.

[@pete23soccer]

What usb c cord is that?

[@chippy5582]

Hello sir im having a hard time choosing keychron k2v2 or the kemovesnowfox :( What do you tihink s hould i choose?

[@cryptosecuritytools]

I own a K2 V1, and a Kemove Snowfox. Clearly they are two different sized boards and layouts. If you need arrow keys, get the K2. The snowfox has a much nicer feel to type on and is more compact. You can use the software to turn the bottom right four keys into arrow keys if you wish, or you can set up a quasi tap function so you can use them for both arrows and their original functions. If you're on a mac I'd say the Keychrion is the way to go, since it comes with the mac command key, and also has the top row for mac use. If you're on Linux or Windows I'd say the snowfox is probably the better bet if you aren't fussed on having dedicated arrow keys.

[@chippy5582]

@@cryptosecuritytools Bought the snowfox today! Thank you so much sir!

[@cryptosecuritytools]

@@chippy5582 youre welcome. Hope you enjoy it as much as i do

[@aidenocallaghan819]

We’re do you get your pc backgrounds

[@theharesbreath]

Just getting into keyboards. Desperately want this but seems to be out of stock, and shipping to NZ is expensive af

[@eryan9250]

The battery on this K3 is horrible. The connection issues are horrendous and it misses keystrokes all the time its a pain to type with this thing. When its works its great but I can not get this to work consistently.

[@nabs6458]

I was so excited for this and damn this sucks so much!

[@AndreasPinkert]

I have ordered the brown optical switches and received my board today. My major issue with it is that the keys trigger way on the top of the travel. I merely need to touch them and the key will trigger. So what is the point getting a tactile switch if it triggers way before I feel any resistance? I am really disapointed with this issue.

[@stoneydrey3418]

I think choosing browns was the mistake in this case. I chose the blue optical and do not experience this issue since with the blues you have to push down like a typewriter

[@AndreasPinkert]

@@stoneydrey3418 I also have the optical whites. They have the same issue. They trigger way too early. I am thinking about shortening the stem, which would Increase necessary travel before activating. I am just not sure how i would come to precise same length on all of them.

[@AndreasPinkert]

@Alfred The Alpha actually, I chose optical to be able to easily swap switches. In other sources there is a hack described involving removing some springs inside the switch. This did it for me. I am now happy with my setup and have not thought about the issue in months.

[@faridadli5984]

@@AndreasPinkert hey may i know the link to the sources?

[@AndreasPinkert]

@@faridadli5984 i ordered as part of the original kickstarter campaign. I do not know if /where to order them now. I guess at the keychron site?

[@choondoichai]

K3 v2 came before i know what keychron is. Now i m a happy k3 owner.

[@JFinns]

For my K1 v4 I just used permatex dielectric grease on the keys with metal stabs, made them totally silent.

[@marixi4172]

Are you kidding me, I loved it. It’s pretty much depends with the person using it I guess. Typing it with my k3. 🙋🏻‍♀️❤️

[@minimalistik]

If you like yours, that's all that matters! 🙂 I criticized the misleading statements regarding keycaps compatibility, but if you don't plan on replacing keycaps, then it's no big deal.

[@marixi4172]

Ofcourse! Great review though. Enjoyed watching your review. 😊 Keep it up!

[@johnnyong9958]

how did you get ur hands on one I cant seem to find any k3 anywhere it seems to be out of stock

[@alpachino468]

I was thinking of getting one, but there seems to be too many flaws with it... My search continues...

[@notramiras]

To me, it could've been _the_ perfect keyboard. But then I discovered that the lightbulb key on the top right does not have a scan code...... :(

[@TasteofTaboo]

somehow every low profile keyboard fails at one point. It is absurd, it seams that they don't want low profile. Low profile is so much nicer for fast typing. Why is every maker failing in such da dumb way. ... typing this on my logitech g815 low profile with some already shiny abs keycaps after 4 weaks

[@ThatDereKid]

I'm not sure PBT keycaps (take less time to show shine, and easier to wash) exist for low-profile keyboards. Until they do, I would recommend the G915 or Nuphy NuType F1. Why? Because they both come in white - white keycaps never really show shine as much as many other colors will. Fortunately I like white keyboards, I guess this isn't really helpful if you don't. I also think the Kailh low-profiles are the best low-profiles switches that have been made so far, though I haven't used these new Keychron optical ones.

[@deejaykutz]

This is an awesome keybaord ifyou're looking for something great to type on and it works with Win + Mac. This is the best choice. If you're more concerned with customizing. This isn't the keyboard for you. Hands down the best kbd I've owned thus far (or tried, and I tried several mechanical kbds before finding this one.

[@officialdarko1985]

Major flaw is the space between "S" and "W"...There is a struggle to reach "W" since there is big height difference...They forget to mention that for "Low profile" keyboard. Returned it immediately. Hexgears X1 is on the way.

[@007Babush]

I backed this keyboard on Kickstarter and while it is a decent keyboard I'm not really satisfied with it The wake up time after a disconnect as mentioned is really annoying and the battery life (on low brightness, and a breathing pattern) is quite bad too You could disable the RGB completely but what's the point of an RGB keyboard then? It also disconnects randomly sometimes Lack of software means you can't really customise the power management other than what they offer either

[@muckeyn]

I don't have any bluetooth issues other than the slow wake but I can't imagine using it wirelessly with backlight due to the battery life. It's not so great with the backlight turned off either. Backlight is also noticeably brighter when wired (I believe there might be a firmware update for this in the future).

[@RobertDemery]

I was disappointed with mine. It was set aside on day 2.

[@CJ-ly8wg]

same, i got the brown switches. shits stiff af, Lmao

[@robertpearson8546]

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?

[@robbo580]

I got the brown switch one, optical, its teribnle. With the jlowsprofile jjjjjjjswitchk es it activates thhe switch before you even depress the keycap. jaJust the weight of your finger on the fkey triggers the switch.

[@Juos10kustu]

6:11 it Djents !

[@JaegerDives]

Shiny keys are street cred! Get over it. Custom keys are for people who care more about how their keyboard looks than getting actual work done. Get over it. Flexing keyboard? Don't bend it. Seriously, the misalignment problem is strange. It is almost like they did it intentionally. In any case, the K3 suites my needs very well.

[@sam-8254]

you are french canadian right?

[@minimalistik]

Ouiiii

[@cryptosecuritytools]

why would anyone want to install Cherry profile caps on a low profile board? makes no sense to me. It was designed to use the keycaps it comes with

[@minimalistik]

Cherry profile keycaps are quite low profile, I think it would look great and feel better than theirs with a uniform profile. They added MX compatibility to their switches, so it does sound like they wanted this keyboard to be compatible with standard keycaps?

[@cryptosecuritytools]

@@minimalistik I think the choice of the cherry mx platform is so that potential new compatible keycap designs won't require re-tooling in the manufacturing process. They made no assertions that you could put anything on these switches other than their own keycaps. Personally, I was looking for the shortest travel, best stability and lowest height so that a mechanical board without a wrist rest would be an option. Putting taller profile keycaps on it defeats that purpose, but I can see why you might want to if that is not your goal.

[@raytoro8423]

It's 2021 and I'm glad that you have improved a lot by not showing your face talking with your eyebrows squeezing your forehead. Keep up the good work mate, cheers!

[@minimalistik]

That’s a very specific remark lol, I do plan to show my face again in the future though!

[@asthmaticrhino]

At this point it's probably better to buy a keyboard with Choc v1s and grab MBK keycaps

[@minimalistik]

Yeah 😒

[@allencedano3532]

I have the V2 and its much better 👌🏽

[@alpacamale2909]

they keep pushing a dedicated light button. WHY?

[@kamuffo7719]

Seriously?! Standard keycap on low profile keyboard?!

[@fz7694]

Can anyone kindly tell me what the kind of beast USB cable it is used at the 1 min 27 sec mark? It looks really robust and I've gone through many USB cables that keep dying on me. @minimalistik , hopefully you'll see this and answer.

[@robertthomson1994]

so regular sized keycaps wont fit on a low profile keyboard. what a shock. im not trying to be a dick (i know redundant of what i said and how i said it, apologies for that) but i think they more meant that reqular cherry mx low profile as well as their own caps and gateron caps (all low profile) will be compatible. even on my current low profile (k70 mk 2) it says compatible with but those full size keycaps dont work.

[@idagonchannel5681]

if i want to be nitpick about what i dont like about this keyboard then. The keyboard build quality. its plasticky and im a remote guy, so its really dangerous if shit happens.

[@visualcortex7500]

The major flow is that it is impossible to get this keyboard.

[@ytoteay]

Disappointed, I wanted to order it but now I won't.

[@yoursleepparalysisdemon1828]

One Major Flaw??? Please tell me! You didn't? Oh, so I'll assume there isn't one.

[@bleckxx]

Just buy the metal one… Does have much more quality

[@ThorsShadow]

So your "major flaw" is, that you cannot swap out they keycaps? That's awesome, so the keyboard doesn't have any actual major flaws, that actually impact the keyboard's performance and/or the actual out-of-the-box typing experience, right? If not being able to swap out the keycaps is the "worst" thing you found about this keyboard, I think I can handle it. Although I am also currently eyeing the K1. Would need either keyboard with German ISO layout, though and they don't offer those, yet. =( Thank you for the video, though. Was really informative! :)

[@minimalistik]

When a company advertises MX compatibility and it ends up not working, yes that’s something people should be made aware of! Sure if you don’t plan on replacing keycaps then it’s not an issue. I’ve heard that the brown optical switches were a bit weird though, as they supposedly actuate before the tactile bump.

[@alpacamale2909]

grab a machine nail polisher with a cotton tip and polish the unpolished keycaps with mouth wash combined with toothpaste. this way you can get even keycaps. be very careful not to polish them too much and screw with the printed legends

[@minimalistik]

Sounds like I would mess things up! 😆

[@Mr.C0ffee]

It’s too flimsy for my use imo

[@minimalistik]

Yeah it flexes quite a bit! 😞

[@davdez2704]

What do you use it for? Construction?

[@jillting1852]

@@minimalistik what u mean

[@flyfalfly]

They fix this issue by adding metal plate inside of it as of v2

[@Tripokaridos22]

Cooler master SK622 nothing else.

[@Tripokaridos22]

@Alfred The Alpha Lets speak about facts... Sk622 and SK621 use low profile switches the sk621 use cherry mx low profile red. The housing is plastic bottom and aluminium up , Yeah its not thinner than some other low profile keybords gk915tkl or some keycron thats true ... But again a Keybord that use low profile switches and its thinner than most we Call it low profile. Other than that the sound of the keyboard is way better compare to thinner housing and is easy to use foam inside... Even without foam vert thin low profile keyboards sound very bad ( and thats expected its not there fault) . For example Varmilo ducky vs Ducky SF the housing is way different and even with the shame switches it sound better on Vamrilo Maya. So yeah there are thinner keyboards than sk621 but like i said it use.low profile switches its thinner than 80% so Yeah its for sure Low profile keyboard.

[@Tripokaridos22]

@Alfred The Alpha Oh and i am not even talking about quality problems with other switches ... For example cherry mx low profile 3.2 total talravel will last forever. And honestly 1.2 is more than enough actuation point. If we wanted even more then i think we lose the point of mechanical switch. If we want lower than 1.2 then scissor switches are for u and ultra slim keyboard like Satechi x1

[@Ruerty]

Красавчик.

[@bFOURdwZEROlf]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Bad keychron

[@henrickcamacho4543]

This fool buys a low profile keyboard then complains why he can’t fit the tall keys 🤣

[@ukrainianguy9204]

SOY-BOY !!!

[@jeppy9450]

Bruh

[@minimalistik]

Jeppy!!! 👋

[@jeppy9450]

@@minimalistik hehehe.. Minimal stuff btw😂

[@sharmajika99percentagewall34]

wooh came second!!!

[@minimalistik]

Woohoo! You'll be first next time! haha!

[@MrGarkin]

*BAD* *REVIEW* I'm not sure why anyone sane would want full size caps on low profile board. And this was your main point. On their site www.keychron.com/products/keychron-k3-wireless-mechanical-keyboard They write about Caps compatilibity with *CHERRY* *LOW* *PROFILE* and Roccat Vulcan. Example compatible keycaps: Roccat Vulcan 120 Aimo, Cooler Master SK630/SK631/SK650/SK651, Corsair K70 RGB MK.2, Alienware AW510K I dont believe there are any stabilizers issues with those. You could configure BT-sleep mode with fn-key combination. My only problem with the board is top right button being not Delete. I hope their future software update will allow to swap those.

[@minimalistik]

Oh wow! You own the keyboard and watch reviews to confirm whether you should be happy with your purchase or not, and when reviewers highlight things that don't matter to you, then it's a bad review? The keycaps compatibility section was added by Keychron AFTER reviewers like me highlighted the confusion. It doesn't matter what you think about normal keycaps on a low profile board, if they say it's compatible but it's not; I need to talk about it.