Keychron K3 Pro vs K3 v2 - Which Keyboard is Best for YOU?

[@revup9973]

Just to note something in your video. Both are using a different using a different kind of switches. The K3 v2 is using the Optical Switch not the gateron. That's why they are sounding very different. Keychron sell both of the two switches on their website. Either the optical switch or the gateron. But to my knowledge if you go for the Keychron k3 v2 with the gateron. You won't have the option for the hot-swap unless you go for the optical switches. Optical switches are somewhat similar to mechanical. But they are not fully mechanical. But feels like mechanical. I own both of this keyboard. The K3 v2 with brown optical switch and the K3 pro with brown low profile gateron switches. The feeling of typing on this 2 keyboard are slightly different. The travel on the optical switch are slightly quicker compared to the gateron switches. Whereas the gateron feels like the traditional mechanical keyboard like the Keychron K2 but travel a little bit more quicker because of the low profile switches. The optical keyboards feels mushy if you are used to a mechanical keyboard. It sounds clicky even though it's using the brown switches. I've grown accustomed to the sound of the optical switch due to the fact that I'm used to type on the macbook air. But since I'm listening to music when I'm typing. The sound doesn't matter and the feeling of typing on the mushy keyboard make the typing experience ruined it for me. But typing on the K3 pro is golden to me. I like the sound of the keyboard. Even though it's louder than the optical switches. But you can really have a sense of travel between your finger when you type even when I'm listening to music and I don't hear the keyboard sound. I used to like taller keyboard. But since I travel to work and working and sometimes working at home. Low profile keyboard are much more lightweight compared to my K2. But the K3 pro gave me a sense of typing on the K2 but in low profile. Not exactly the same feeling, but it's there. I also have finally replace my daily driver keyboard to the K3 Pro. Would I say the optical switch is bad for me. Not really, I'm still enjoying it. If you own the K3 optical switches and didn't really like the feeling of typing on it for the first time because you are used to traditional mechanical keyboard style. It takes sometime to get used to and consider switching the switch. I don't really like any kind of blue switches on any kind of mechanical switches. But I like the typing feeling of the blue optical switches. It's not as noisy as traditional blue switches. I might change my K3 v2 to the linear red or black. Cause I'm probably gonna use it more for gaming and the K3 pro is for work, programming and browsing the web or typing on this long comment.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks for taking the time to post such a comprehensive explanation. It's a really important distinction. I've recently been using the Nuphy Air 96 with the brown low profile gateron switches too (got wisteria on order). Mushy is a good word to describe that optical switch!

[@JeroenWijnands]

I love this style of review, not the shouty American approach, calm and in depth. Works for me

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks mate. I'll keep them coming.

[@JeroenWijnands]

@@ThatMarkGilroy you do that! While I hunt for a local-ish shop that actually has any stock

[@kevinsedwards]

A "shouty" approach has more to do with online marketing and sociology a lot more than residence of country. I bet you often see others as being below you, right?

[@JeroenWijnands]

@@kevinsedwards wrong.

[@RobbieVT]

Excellent comparison. I decided that I will go with the K3 Pro based on the sound test and build quality alone as it seems like the quality and acoustics is really good compared to the K3 Version 2 even though it might be a little louder but I don't mind it that much.

[@fabyao]

Thanks for the in depth comparison. The sound of the K3 Pro would drive me mad. I already have the K3 V2 with optical red switches and it sounds just about right.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

It did drive me mad in the end. I’ve switched to the Nuphy line up. Air 75 comparison coming up on the channel soon!

[@fabyao]

@@ThatMarkGilroy Looking forward to the Nuphy comparison. From what I have seen, its quieter than the K3 pro. No surprise there. Real shame they don't have a UK layout. Talking about layout, I have noticed you switched from the UK layout of the K3 V2 to the US layout of the K3 pro and scored higher on the K3 Pro. Impressive!

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Here it is : kzbin.info/www/bejne/qH7RmYiYi7Wterc

[@izrailmoiseevic2844]

thank you for that simple and good comparision!

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks Izrail. Lots more keyboard vids on the channel if you like your mech keybs. 😁

[@matthewkwong3365]

4:52 Nope. That's the Keychron's own optical brown you have there on the K3 v2. SInce the switches are different, obviously they will sound different. And the battery life differences may also due to that.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks for pointing this out Matthew!

[@aelaan12]

It would be the K3 V2 for me. The more silent the better it is for me personally and my wife. About the missing keystrokes, I use the K1 V2, and after I updated the firmware the keyboard is very good now, not missing any keys any longer.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

I’ve got a review of the new K3 Max coming next week!

[@Soupie62]

Being able to change key functions is nice - but it helps if you can also put labels on the keycaps. Which means custom keycaps, or vinyl stickers.

[@nolan_8]

Keyboards don't need USB-C throughput speeds, and most motherboards still in use today don't have USB-C yet. The ones that do are limited in slots, so it's best to save them for devices that can actually utilize them.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

It’s only because my laptop doesn’t have anything except USB-C ports so I prefer not to have to use a dongle!

[@avapire2359]

Its about universal use. I don't want to have to use adapters.

[@QuackZack]

@@ThatMarkGilroy I'd put that on that laptop makers and not the keyboard manufacturer. USB-X(anything) to USB-A has been the standard for decades. Tons of desktop computers, which actually need a keyboard, will have tons of USB-A ports but little to no USB-C/thunderbolt ports.

[@strightfide6076]

One more reason to use USB-C - e.g. I can't use Bluetooth on my work laptop because it's disabled for security reasons. Ig it's quite common standard in certain industries that it's not at least recommendable to connect anything via bluetooth to work laptop.

[@ZZulan]

Nice review! Thank you. Myself is a bit torn between the K3 Pro and the Q1 pro. I am mostly typing on my macbook pro these days so I'm thinking the low profile will be something I'm more used to. Then again, maybe the q1 is just plain better.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks Zulan! Yes I did try the K2 before the K3 and found it was too much of a jolt moving from MacBook/Apple keys over to those. And I think your estimate is about right - the Q1 is better all round but you’ll probably find it easier to use the K3 Pro if you’re used to MBP keys. I’m looking at the Nuphy Air 96 really soon (review will be ready as soon as arrives!) so that might also be worth you checking out too?

[@ZZulan]

@@ThatMarkGilroy absolutely, looking forward too it.

[@phlpp-ry5gg]

I really love your channel. I wish you to get millions followers. Thx for the content u make

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@phlpp-ry5gg Thanks buddy.

[@xybersurfer]

that's awesome. only thing i don't like about the Keychron K3 Pro is the floating keys and the lack of shine-through

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Yep, the floating keys do attract lots of dirt- although not quite as visible as the K3 v2. And I believe there are some shine through caps now available.

[@xybersurfer]

@@ThatMarkGilroy ah. i was referring to the aesthetic of floating keys. although it immediately reminded me of the NuPhy Air series. looks like there indeed are some shine through caps on their site. although i guess i was being to wishful in thinking they might be PBT instead of ABS, which i've heard is never done for low profile caps

[@t0dd000]

The opaque keys are definitely a regression. Pro-fessionals expect that feature.

[@akhileshshivade562]

The difference in battery life could be because the pro version you are reviewing uses the mechanical switches where as the k3 has optical switches which tend to use more battery as the laser has to be on all the time.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Ah! Thanks Akhilesh 👍🏻

[@akhileshshivade562]

@@ThatMarkGilroy you're welcome ! Do you mind checking out the video I just uploaded? I have a keychron k7 mechanical with with the gateron reds which I have lubed. Sounds creamy !

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@akhileshshivade562 It sounds great! Out of interest how long did it take to lube them?

[@akhileshshivade562]

@@ThatMarkGilroy It was my first time lubing the switches and I used a 33 switch plate from amazon to make my life easier. It still took me 6 hours with a lunch break in between. The low profile switches are difficult to work with and I broke 2 switches's metal contacts while closing them ! In the end it was totally worth it, I can send you comparison of the switch sound before and after, without the keycap. But tbh, I dont see myself doing this again hahah...maybe after a year once I recover from this experience xD

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@akhileshshivade562 Oh my goodness 6 hours?!?! Full marks for effort!

[@cqueirozbr]

I usually work (home-office) with lights off. So I appreciate a shine trough keyboard; that`s why I chose K3 V2. I really don`t know why keychron didn`t use these keycaps at PRO version, unfortunatelly.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@cqueirozbr Funnily enough, there is a shine through version available, but only in the ISO version. You’ll need to dig around on the site to find it.

[@igavinwood]

I was liking the K3 Pro, right up to the typing demo. One of the best features of a home office is the peace and quiet it provides. This sounds like someone banging on the front door. Listening to that racket all day long, week in, week out, would drive me nuts. I'd like to see a comparison of the K3 and K5 SE using the optical brown switch. I like my number pad, so the K5 is an interest. When it's in stock (genuinely in stock, as their website doesn't keep up-to-date and will take your money before being informed, via email, that they don't have it and don't know when they will)

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Yep. I was so surprised when I started using it that I thought it was important to highlight in the review. I’ve been testing the Nuphy Air96 lately and the sound profile is much better, plus it has a numpad. Review likely coming next week for that one. 👍🏻

[@zaraizara2794]

Another difference is the keycap is not shine-through anymore on the pro version. This will make you can't see keycaps legends in the dark.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks for sharing Zara. A important point of difference.

[@TheYoungGamerDude]

Thank you Mark! I've been looking for this exact compare 👏👏

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

You’re welcome!

[@edmoore]

comparison

[@klaymoon1]

Great review. I like v2 sounds for my ears. Any chance you can do a comparison review to Logitech MX Mechanical Mini? Thanks.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thank you! Stay tuned - got a three way comparison coming up with this, the Nuphy Air75 and the MX Mech Mini. Should be out in August.

[@klaymoon1]

@@ThatMarkGilroy Great to hear! Looking forward for it.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Here it is kzbin.info/www/bejne/qH7RmYiYi7Wterc

[@eprohoda]

really super vlog, all the best- =))

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thank you! You too!

[@rollingstone7160]

The non shine through key caps are a deal breaker. Returning the k3 pro for the k3 v2

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Worth looking at the Nuphy 75 too. I’ll be doing a comparison against the K3 Pro soon.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Here it is kzbin.info/www/bejne/qH7RmYiYi7Wterc

[@Poketnemesis]

Very useful video!! Thanks

[@knotsable]

I was wondering why no reviews appeared for this interesting new board

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Me too! I was lucky to have early access as a Kickstarter backer so no doubt more reviews will start appearing soon.

[@knotsable]

@@ThatMarkGilroy i do have to say, the regular k3 does sound better. For a "pro" keyboard, the sound is ... unfortunate

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@knotsable Yep, to me it sounds better too. And as my numerous other keyboard reviews will show, I LOVE the K3 V2. Could be the brown switches combined with the PBT key caps but to me these K3 Pro ones sound more like blues.

[@Bunnyisms]

@@ThatMarkGilroy I think it has everything to do with the keycaps because I had a very similar Keychron doubleshot PBT keycap set on my K3V2 and the sound was very similar. I swapped my keycaps for something else because the K3 Pro is actually compatible with regular keycap sets unlike the K3 because of the new stabiliser arrangement. I'm using the EnjoyPBT pbt caps which are Cherry profile. I haven't tried any other profiles, but I suspect that OEM profile will also work. They don't hit the tops of the switches or the top of the plate, and I much prefer the sound

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@Bunnyisms Thank you for that! How have you found the cherry caps?

[@emadeddineibo1842]

I highly suggest to step away a bit from the camera, especially at the start! 😅 Good video btw

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Ha! Noted!

[@YoloVib3s]

I've been using the v2 for a while ... I've found a nice keycap set to mostly make the board completely black. However I notice I often times accidentally hit the RGB button & it's highly annoying trying to get back to the color I like. Having a way to lock that particular key would be great. However I'm not sure it's worth the cost of repurchasing the board.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

I’ve got some good news for you. If you want to keep a certain light pattern, hold Fn1+L+Light for 5 seconds. 👍🏻 It’ll lock the key. Repeat the combination if you want to unlock and switch the pattern.

[@YoloVib3s]

@@ThatMarkGilroy bro you are a freaking rockstar

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

🤘🏼

[@Ak_1373]

do you have a link for the keycap set?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

​@@Ak_1373 It's completely buried: www.keychron.com/collections/keychron-low-profile-keycaps/products/low-profile-abs-full-set-keycap-set?variant=40332974948441

[@izitorg]

Good review, I have both myself (wwll different sizes but same comparison exactly) and I prefer the sound / feel of hte v2 over the pro but I can't live without the programabilty that via/qmk gives me..

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Yep. It’s a tough one. I ended up getting rid of both and have switched to the Nuphy air 75 - just reviewed their v2 of that board and it’s almost perfect (for me anyway). kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5iqiniXictmkKs

[@USAToken]

great review. However im pretty sure the V2 switches that you showed are Keychron Optical and not Gateron

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks mate. And yep, you're absolutely right, they're optical!

[@Weird_Quests]

As kit is hot-swappable, this pretty much makes the keyboard have insane longevity right? I could go a number of years and switch the keys out to say... Low-profile MX browns with different PBT keycaps (as long as they are also low-profile?) and then I can maintain the keyboard for many years, right?

[@santicanog_]

As you say, if it supports hot-swappable and the keycaps are low profile, you're good to go.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

That’s very true Danyal. Maybe that’s what the ‘Pro’ part is about - someone who knows how to mod/maintain their board and is willing to invest in a product that allows them much more control than an off the shelf version.

[@Weird_Quests]

@@ThatMarkGilroy I've got the K3 V2 at the moment - so wondering if it's worth getting the K3 Pro as I have noticed annoying errors pop up on the K3 V2 for some reason - tried troubleshooting it with the seller and they suggested updating it etc... but seems like odd errors.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Errors as in mishits?

[@Weird_Quests]

@@ThatMarkGilroy yeah - I find it really annoying.

[@chiyok7383]

Thank u for this review video 🙏🏼

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

No problem Chiyo - are you thinking of getting one?

[@bootao1671]

exactly the video I need!!

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Enjoy!

[@roebicholler]

quality content!

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@hobbes3]

So right now the K3 Pro and K3 v2 is basically the same price, so why would anyone go with K3 v2 unless they really like the color scheme?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Both very different typing experiences. The K3 v2 is much more bouncy and cushioned while the K3 Pro is sharper, more direct. You can tell the difference in sound in this video too.

[@domantlen6231]

I really wonder how big is the difference between key caps feeling. Which of those two shapes you prefer more - "blocky" from K3 or "angled" from K3 Pro?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Honestly - I prefer the feel and sound of the K3 v2, but I would trade it for the responsiveness of the K3 Pro. Too many mishits with the K3 v2.

[@Ax4400]

I prefer the sound of the non-pro model. While I love the size and look of these keyboards, I'm concerned about the unintentional actuation keys, this drives me crazy with laptop keyboards. Also the build quality for the money is not speaking to me😂 and yes I need a keyboard. I do prefer 3 mode connection and white or blue back lit through key caps. RGB is over done in most keyboards to the point of distraction, imho.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

TBH mate I have had the opposite problem with the non-pro model- pressing keys that randomly/ occasionally don’t actuate is maddening.

[@TheEchelon]

Keychron are one of the best value keyboards, idk what you're on about.

[@albrin]

good review. I am wondering if the K3 pro will come in spanish layout!

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks Al! I don't have any information about this but I hope so - hoping for a UK layout at some point too.

[@synergypiano]

Sound on the K3 Pro makes me think the keycaps are touching the baseplate. It's unfortunate though that reviewers never EVER mention that in keyboard reviews, and it's HUGE deal on keyboard sound.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Yes I have wondered that too. I’m doing a refreshed review this week comparing against the Logitech MX Mechanical and Nuphy Air 75, so I’ll make sure I mention it.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Here’s the video : kzbin.info/www/bejne/qH7RmYiYi7Wterc

[@MKitson]

Thank you for the review Mark, the pro looks amazing and (to me) better than the K3, both asthetics and the typing speed. However, no UK layout yet, do you find this an issue? Also, the keycaps do not seem to shine through which seems pretty pointless having any lighting at all, do you have any thoughts / concerns with that?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

It would be great to have a UK layout like I have with my K3V2 but it’s not been a problem so far. And yep, you’re absolutely right the key caps don’t really shine through too much - I rarely have the lights on so it’s not a concern either. I’d far rather have the trade off of not seeing all the dust between keys (even though I cleaned my K3V2 before filming the b-roll for this it was still pretty obvious in some of the shots!

[@MKitson]

@@ThatMarkGilroy thank you for the reply, I am super tempted to just but the non-UK version then! However on their official video they did say that a UK version is coming in the future, so not sure whether to wait or not - first world problems of course!

[@alp4info]

My observations too on UK-ISO model hence I did not back the 'Kick starter' project. I am awaiting a reply/info from Keychron UK eagerly... 🧐🤔🤑

[@christopheralder4433]

@@alp4info heard anything yet from keychron about the ISO-UK release?

[@alp4info]

Hello All I heard from Keychron and now they are saying that there are no plans for an ISO variant... RIDICULOUS! Their move? Thanks X

[@deangelosingh772]

Does it come with a key switch puller?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Both of these keyboards come with a switch puller, yes.

[@ladonz38]

Hi Mark, Thx for the review ! I just bought the K3 PRO but I really prefer the look of the keycaps of the K3 V2 I know they implemented some differences but I wonder it only concern large keycaps (like space bar, shift button etc) or all of the keycaps ? Thanks

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Hi Lucas - I checked this out and the differences ARE only for large keycaps. You should be able to swap out for the K3V2 caps.

[@ladonz38]

@@ThatMarkGilroy amazing ! Thansk a ton for the quick answer :) And do you think that with a bit of a mod, we could adapt the larges keys too ?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

I'm sure you could! That might even be what's intended by calling it 'pro' - mods are par for the course.

[@ladonz38]

@@ThatMarkGilroy awesome ! Thanks for all of that

[@helgenordman303]

I was using both and as a result, switched to NuPhy. Much better than Keychron.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

I have recently switched to the Air96 from Nuphy and I absolutely love it. Fully agree. Which model do you have?

[@helgenordman303]

@@ThatMarkGilroy Air75 and Halo75 with a bunch of different keycaps/ switches not to get bored

[@nantes9807]

K3 Pro/K3v2 + Red/Brown. What option is better and more quiet sir ?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Better is subjective and depends on your use case (see my recent low profile keyboard showdown for more). Of those two the quieter would be K3 v2 with browns. If you like the sound of that you might also want to check out the MX Mechanical Mini kzbin.info/www/bejne/qH7RmYiYi7Wtercsi=UiLZfegnenMjG9f0

[@j0seant]

On the PRO the keycaps are not translucent? they look opaque, it is the first time I see a backlit keyboard with opaque keycaps, it's strange for a PRO product..

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

I agree it is strange! On the version shown in the video they are not shine through but if you go for any of the ISO versions of the K3 Pro you get shine through caps as standard. 🤷🏻‍♂️ You can also buy a set but it’s buried in the Keychron website.

[@mhDuke]

hi mark thank you for the review, it helped me take the decision between the two. I went with the pro. however, I really miss the shine through, but this is my first mechanical keyboard and this business is overwhelming, i need to buy good shine-through keycaps, can you help me decide?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

You’re right it’s completely overwhelming!! Keychron sell a full set of shine through keycaps that’ll fit the K3 Pro in two different colour options. www.keychron.com/collections/add-on-for-k3-pro/products/low-profile-abs-full-set-keycap-set?variant=40332974948441

[@michaelmonstar4276]

I don't even pay much attention to the word "Pro" in the name. That kind of stuff often gets filtered out with my experience in products. - The reason I'm after this keyboard is because I simply ended up on it because of its features. - That is, its layout, its low profile or compact size in general, the programability, the fact that it has swapable switches, and it's can also be used wireless unlike some of Keychrons other similar keyboards. - If there's extra quality-assurance that it's good for "professional" use, that's just a bonus. But even if this keyboard was called "Dumb Piece of E-Waste for Amateurs", I'd have chosen it. - So while I don't care, I WOULD say, however, that calling a PlayStation "pro" is the dumbest thing ever (and I have one). Because it's not for professional use, even professional gamers would use PCs, and it's nothing but a marketing-thing to make it sound "cool". Just so dumb...

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

I have another video out today on the same theme (what’s the point of calling something Pro?)- being super cynical, I think it usually just means add 25% to the price.

[@domantlen6231]

You didnt mention that k3 has ABS caps with shine-through letters and PBT caps in K3Pro are not shine-through. Its not that obvious to spot in your video. I already had kboard with this type of backlight and im with those people who think this solution has 0 sense. Either you have backlight with shine-through letters or not at all. And because of this ive just pulled my finger back from BUY button on K3Pro site. Im the person who often works/plays at night, all my previous kboards had backlighted letters and i cant accept any compromise here. Now the choice is WAY harder - VIA vs backlight

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

That’s right. I barely use backlights so didn’t think to mention it- if you check the other comments I’m 99% sure there is a shine through PBT set that will fit K3 Pro that you can pick up to give you best of both worlds.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

I mention it in my latest video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qH7RmYiYi7Wterc

[@AllIlIIl]

no optical version for the K3 Pro Model :( i'm regular office user but optical keyboard sounds nore pleasant

[@darylwong4403]

Hi may I ask what is the first website that you used for the typing test?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Typing test.com

[@djordan7979]

No shine through keycaps on pro version?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Not as standard but you can pick up a set from Keychron: www.keychron.com/collections/keychron-low-profile-keycaps

[@Vinicius-mn8gi]

Does the keyboard keychron k3 pro take a while to reconnect after sleeping?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Yes, by default. You can switch this off by holding fn+S+O for 3 seconds, but it will affect battery life.

[@TheKali88]

hallo, is it possible to switch the keycaps from K3 to k3 pro?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

I’m afraid not. The K3 Pro can take lots of different types of keycaps but the K3 v2 (and v1) are a non standard size and won’t fit correctly.

[@toleeteam]

Pro keycaps are not shine through. However, the Pro ISO version is shine through.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Yeah. Odd, that.

[@Shise-]

I got a K3 Pro, do you know any idea how to change some keyboard layout mapping like '3-$' back to UK '3-£' in VIA software?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Hi Phillip - mine was mapped out this way out of the box (SHIFT-3 = £) but you should be able to change this in VIA if you need to. There's a bunch of info here on how to change the mapping: www.keychron.com/blogs/archived/how-to-use-via-to-program-your-keyboard You'll need the K3 Pro map which can be downloaded from cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0059/0630/1017/files/k3_pro_us_white_v1.1.json.zip?v=1672732907

[@Shise-]

@@ThatMarkGilroy Yeah the £ sound is missing in VIA software, ah well. I fixed it by changing windows to keyboard layout to UK. But I want to use the US keyboard but have the dollar sign as a £ sign when I use the shift+4 until they sell UK keycaps as there is a few other buttons in the US layout

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@Shise- Ah - so I see, you're right. It might be because the board is so new it's not officially approved by Github yet. Hopefully it'll be sorted soon.

[@Shise-]

@@ThatMarkGilroy For now I created a Macro to use the £ sign. Do you know how we can find out the battery level of the keyboard?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@Shise- I use an app on my Mac toolbar to check battery status of Bluetooth devices. I don’t think the keyboard has any built-in commands to tell you except when the red LED next to the charging port starts flashing to say it’s low.

[@typingcat]

You didn't mention the big difference of keyboard backlight. The pro version seems better for me EXCEPT that it has non-transparent letters so the backlight will not light the letters, unlike the non-pro version. This sucks, because I have to choose between the key customisability and the backlighting.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Yep. Since making this video however Keychron have brought out an ISO version which does have a shine through keycaps accessory set. It’s buried in their website but it does exist if you want the best of both worlds.

[@apondo100]

Hi there, great video! Where did you buy your slim wrist wrest/what is it called?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thank you! It's Keychron's own. If you check the accessories section you should be able to find one to match the right board. They have resin and wooden ones available.

[@BleepingWorld]

The k3 is an optical keyboard

[@eye.of.thestorm]

4:05 Does the mapping saved on the keyboard itself? Do I have to do these changes again on a new machine?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Hi- yes, once you’ve configured the board with VIA it’ll stay the same across different machines.

[@eye.of.thestorm]

@@ThatMarkGilroy Thanks for the reply!

[@jarosawmarkiewicz2647]

Thanks for the review! Do you know if it would be possible to remap the fn key with right control key? That’s my biggest issue with MX keys.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Hi mate, yes you can remap any key with any key!

[@kozas0]

The spacebar on Pro was so much louder. And annoying cause you hear it on every word.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Yep. It’s very loud. Got a review coming this weekend of the latest version of the K3 and we’ll see if it’s been fixed.

[@OpenDeepLearning]

Like the content!

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@ahmetcansever712]

For k3 pro, Hello, is there a delay in the Bluetooth connection compared to the 2.4ghz connection? And the keyboard that was previously connected to the computer automatically connects and works when the computer is turned on for the first time?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

There's still the slight delay on waking but the bluetooth stability on the Pro is night/day difference compared to the regular K3. I'd started using the K3v2 in wired mode constantly as I was getting tired of the lags and mistypes due to bluetooth issues.

[@andikaputra4761]

Sorry my english hearing is bad..but what concern me is the spacebar's stab now using universal design like other keyboards on market. This is the question regarding the c7stomization capabilities

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Hi Andika. That’s right. On the pro you can swap about the space bar but not on the original K3V2.

[@andikaputra4761]

@@ThatMarkGilroy ow thats nice I own k3 v2 and 2 thing that makes me down is the stab and no 2.4 hz dongle the bluetooth connection often interfere my wifi connetion while playing online games. At those time nuphy is better on that aspects but still k3 style much better for my preference

[@markallisonparamotor]

Nice, I was thinking of getting the K3 Pro, but can't seem to find a UK layout. Do you use a US layout?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

I do Mark - haven't found it too much of a problem, particularly as the key mapping software has helped sort out any anomalies with certain keys being in the 'wrong' place 😁

[@antoniofilipe70]

Hello Nice video. is there a eurropean keyboard with acents for keychron K3 pro low profiel?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Yes! You have to hunt for it but it exists www.keychron.com/products/keychron-k3-pro-qmk-via-wireless-mechanical-keyboard-iso-layout-collection?variant=40428506349657

[@antoniofilipe70]

@@ThatMarkGilroy Thank so much Mark. There is some caps that have transparent letters for RGB? Thank you

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@antoniofilipe70 Not stock Keychron ones, but you can buy third party ones.

[@antoniofilipe70]

@@ThatMarkGilroy Thank you again my friend. Can You recomend one good brand from Aliexpress?

[@antoniofilipe70]

@@JimmyTulip1 It's true for the K3 not for the my K3 Pro. it's white and opac

[@alp4info]

Bravo!

[@bidirectional3619]

Can you suggest which one to pick ? K2 hotswappable vs k2 pro ? Please guide me

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

I’ve grown to prefer the K3 Pro for the reasons I show in this video. Only downside is the sound profile- if you are OK with that, get the Pro.

[@MnemonicCarrier]

Are the keycaps shine-through? I've never understood backlit keyboards without shine-through keycaps.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Sadly not! But unlike the K3 v2 you can use other keycaps on the K3 Pro.

[@MnemonicCarrier]

@@ThatMarkGilroy I've heard that the ISO versions have shine-through keycaps?!?!?!? I have the UK ISO version of the K8 Pro, and that comes with shine-through keycaps. The US version of the K8 Pro (for whatever reason) doesn't have shine-through keycaps. It's very odd...

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Aaah! I’ll look into that.

[@MnemonicCarrier]

@@ThatMarkGilroy I found out the reason why the US doesn't have shine-through keycaps, but Europe does (from one of the guys who works at the distribution center): it's because in the US they buy double-shot PBT keycaps in bulk so it's economically viable, whereas in Europe they don't have the tooling to make it cost effective, hence the reason why in Europe they use ABS (shine-through) keycaps.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@MnemonicCarrier great insight - thank you!!

[@storbank7]

Is the K3 v2 USB-C to USB-C cable or USB-A to USB-C ?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

All of Keychron’s supplied cables are usb c to usb a.

[@GetsOne]

Is there a delay in connection, like in the previous version? Just curious.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

When the keyboard is awake and connected wirelessly, the delay isn't noticeable. When waking, there may be a few seconds before it's recognised - again a big improvement over the previous version.And you can turn off the sleep/wake functionality by holding fn+S+O for 3 seconds.

[@surajarora1739]

What is the max typing speed we can get on keychron k3 pro on Bluetooth mode?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

I’m not sure I understand the question- I don’t think there’s a maximum speed unless you can type faster than 1000 words per second?

[@surajarora1739]

@@ThatMarkGilroy thanks

[@TheRCNetwork]

What a scam company!! Bought K3 Pro directly from them for $119 on 3/21/23 - it won't stay charged longer than 2 days. No warning or anything and shuts off. The RGB lights have stopped working now too. I contact them and they say "Oh, you must ship back to Hong Kong, it will be expensive, plus you lose initial shipping". They didn't want to deal with it. They wanted to send me a battery - sorry, no..this is a brand new keyboard. Now, they say to ship it to this scam place in Portland, OR and they'll refund me. Yeah, just ship it to ChenYaoQiang...Seriously? Do NOT buy from this scam company. There's no warranty or after purchase support. They're scammers!

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

That really sucks - sounds like you got a dodgy unit. Just to be clear- I have no affiliate or other business relationship with Keychron, but I haven’t had any issues with reporting faults/after purchase support with any of their other keyboards I’ve owned (5 and counting). Presumably if you did ship to the Portland contact via an insured courier can still track the shipment and it’ll be insured if it were to go missing?

[@TheRCNetwork]

@@ThatMarkGilroy Thanks for the reply - but you are influencing customers - they should also know the bad stuff about Keychron. Their after purchase support is a joke. And it's one email a day max....I'm on nearly a week and a half trying to get this resolved

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@TheRCNetwork That’s definitely not good enough for a brand as big as this (or any brand really). Thanks for sharing so that others can see what you’ve experienced.

[@biancasouza_mg]

Which do you think has the better typing experience… nuphy 75 or k3 pro?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

I haven't tried the Nuphy 75 but I am currently testing the Nuphy Air 96 and have been really impressed. To be perfectly honest I think they're about on a par so far! The Nuphy is SLIGHTLY quieter than the K3 Pro.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

I have tried both now: here are my thoughts! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qH7RmYiYi7Wterc

[@captainkilos]

This keyboard does not work wireless on my M1 MacBook. Where as the V2 hooked up no problem. Any idea why this is?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Hmm- very strange. I’ve been using it with an M1 MacBook Pro (home) and an Intel MacBook Pro (work) since I picked it up without any issues. Has it ever worked or did it start and then stop?

[@captainkilos]

@@ThatMarkGilroy nope never worked. Also got a replacement because I thought it was a defect and still nothing

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@captainkilos have you tried pairing it on all three wireless channels? Wondering if there’s another device connected to your MacBook that’s somehow blocking it…?

[@captainkilos]

@@ThatMarkGilroy nope. Doesn’t even connect to my iPhone. & yes I’ve tried all pairing options

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@captainkilos and it works wired? How bizarre. I know Keychron’s after sales support isn’t exactly first class- have they been any help?

[@avknud]

Keychon k3 pro red

[@adityachandrasekar]

Do you have any comments about the K2 V2 and the K2 Pro? I was thinking of getting one, but not sure which one to go for 🙈

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

I’m sorry Aditya I never tried the K2 pro as I never really got on with the K2V2.

[@adityachandrasekar]

@@ThatMarkGilroy Makes sense, but similar to the K3, the main differences seem to the difference in keycap material, south facing RGBs on the Pro (no shine through) and the customisation and key mapping features in the Pro. Do you think any of these differences could affect my choice? Because the K2 pro recently launched, the price is very similar to the K2 V2, which is why I’m confused. Would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks a ton!

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

No probs. Based purely on my experience testing the K3 Pro Vs K3V2, I’d go with the Pro model if you can stretch to the price difference: - Battery life better - Longer life keycaps that won’t get shiny - Customisable layout with VIA - Better wireless performance with fewer dropouts

[@adityachandrasekar]

@@ThatMarkGilroy Got it. Thanks again :))

[@ggandalff]

Do the k3 Pro keycaps work on the K3 v2?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Unfortunately not! The K3 v2 has a specifically designed set which isn’t as user-upgradeable. You’ll find better luck using the K3 pro with different key caps as it’s a more standardised size/space between keys.

[@sayednab]

would you suggest red or brown switches?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

I prefer brown- would suggest trying both as it’s really hard to convey the differences in feel over video!

[@sayednab]

@@ThatMarkGilroy i only tried brown on mx mechanical mini. But never tried on keychron.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

I would say you can expect the browns to feel/sound very similar on the K3V2 as you would the MX Mechanical. The K3 Pro has a different type of keycap so you can probably expect a similar difference in sound profile as I show in this video.

[@avapire2359]

I just want a 60% version for plugged in use...

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

The K7 Pro is 67% size. Close enough?

[@sayednab]

is keychron k3 pro better than logitech mx mini mechanical ?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Feel/keys wise, yes. Connection wise, no - the MX Mini is more consistent with wireless connectivity.

[@sayednab]

@@ThatMarkGilroy ah, so MX Mini' is a better choice compare to keychron k3 pro?

[@JJHaz]

@@sayednab no, keychron k3 pro feels more suitable and equilibrate, Mx Mini is better in connectivity with USB Dongle is stupid fast response,, if you are gamer the Mx Mini is for you, if you are a daily worker and/or not plays, the Keychron fits better

[@TheNightfall94]

And can the keycaps from the k3pro be placed in the k3 v2?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Afraid not. The Pro uses standard keycaps whereas the 'regular'/v2 K3 uses a different kind.

[@TheNightfall94]

@@ThatMarkGilroy oh good to know, thank you

[@MrSinnerBOFH]

@@ThatMarkGilroy nice review! I have the K3v2, but I’m getting low typing accuracy with the standard keycaps. I tried switching with low(er) profile keycaps, that look like the Pro keycaps, and accuracy improved (well, I must use the original enter, space, backspace and shift keycaps due to no-standard stabilizers). Does the Pro have standard or non-standard stabilizers? I like a tad more whimsical color on my keyboard (I really like Nuphy’s color scheme, for example). So before I order one, I have to know. And very nice production, this video is excellent.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks mate. Yes other than the ‘big key’ stabilisers the rest are all standard so you could swap them out with another low profile set compatible with Gateron. And if you were set on a particular colour option for space/caps/shift etc you could always pop in a different switch instead. I have a Nuphy Air 96 on preorder so look out for a review + comparison coming between that and the K3 Pro.

[@triramadhanu538]

Is the k3 pro keycaps can be use in k3v2?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Unfortunately not! The K3 v2 has a specifically designed set which isn’t as user upgradeable. You’ll find better luck using the K3 pro with different key caps as it’s a more standardised size/space between keys.

[@triramadhanu538]

Ah thx for the information.. I'll sub to your KZbin ;)

[@ceekaychow]

I'm really not a fan of Keychron's OSA keycaps, and they have those on the Pro. Ugh.

[@Bunnyisms]

Because the Pro allows you to use standard keycaps (unlike the classic K3), I'm using Cherry profile keycaps on mine. I haven't tested any others, but the Cherry profile EnjoyPBT caps work and they don't hit the tops of the switches or the top of the plate. I took out the extra wire on the capslock and right shift key.

[@ceekaychow]

@@Bunnyisms thanks!

[@Bunnyisms]

@@ceekaychow Just be sure to get the hotswap version if you want to use other keycaps because it makes it easier to remove the wire. Also get some plastic triangle iFixit opening picks. It will make it easier to pop open the bottom without damaging it. A spudger will help to unclip the stabilizers so that you can take them out to remove the extra wire on the capslock and right shift key

[@ceekaychow]

@@Bunnyisms thanks, will definitely go with the hotswap one. I currently have a K8 Pro and one of the first things I did was change the keycaps to cherry profile. OSA was a typo magnet lol but with this low profile K3 Pro, probably less options with the keycaps

[@Bunnyisms]

@@ceekaychow I always buy the barebones Keychron keyboards if I can because I'm very picky about my keycaps and switches. Now that I know that the K3 Pro can take standard Cherry profile caps, I'm seriously considering getting another one. I just tried some thick OEM profile PBT caps on my K3 Pro, and they work, but the caps touch the top of the plate if you bottom the switches out. The Cherry profile caps do not touch the plate when you bottom out the switches, and are as perfect as it gets for me. I can't even tell that it's a low profile keyboard when I'm typing on it, but it's much easier to pack in my bag when I'm going somewhere because the case is so thin. One other interesting thing is that the optical switch K3 has really limited keycap compatibility. With any caps other than the Keychron low profile caps, I've had trouble with the insides of the caps hitting the tops of the optical switches. The Gateron low profile switches on the K3 Pro don't have this problem at all because the top housing is shaped differently and made to accommodate different kinds of caps.

[@mixenne]

the k3 v2 sounds kinda bad IMO. I don't really enjoy the scratchy sound of it at all.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Check out my Lofree Flow video. It's something else. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fau4aK2CrpmYnNU

[@mixenne]

@@ThatMarkGilroy Thank you! I like the sound of that one, but can't really find it in online shops around here. K3 pro sounds better than K3 V2 IMO, but watching your other video with K3 Max, I think that one sounds the most like I'd expect a brown switch keyboard to sound like? Do you know if all of K, K Pro, and K Max series from Keychron support QMK/VIA? Looking at their website, I get the impression that only Pros do? Also, do you know if it would be possible to remap FN+arrows to left=home, right=end, up=page up, down=page down? I'm so used to keyboards that do this and find it much easier to not have to jump around to the dedicated keys.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@mixenne K3 Max & K3 Pro both support QMK/VIA.

[@mixenne]

@@ThatMarkGilroy Thanks so much! 🙏 That's good to know.

[@Hans_Ham]

The loud sound of the Pro is a big design flaw!! A better keyboard should be more silent, not louder.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

It’s a real shame as I love the keyboard in all other ways. Your mileage may very with different switches.

[@jackwong64]

So the Pro is not with black lit or see through key cap? Thanks for answering.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Hi Jack - the Pro doesn't have see-through key caps but it has got backlights (white or RGB) - more at kzbin.info/www/bejne/rai8emxqr6ugpqc

[@jackwong64]

@@ThatMarkGilroy Thanks for the video, so its like another NuPHY, I have returned that and decided to go with k3 v2 because no see through light for the key cap. Moreover, the new key cap for nuphy is see through key cap, I would like to buy it and install for the K3 v2 if it works.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

I’ve just ordered the Nuphy Air 96 which looks awesome.

[@kimtae858]

@@ThatMarkGilroy When you review that, please put some heat on Nuphy for their horrible firmware/software and overall disappointing MacOS support. The hardware is lovely but trying to remap anything and all the wireless issues combined with their dismissive community support on their official discord is just disappointing for the price point.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@kimtae858 And I thought I was getting away from wireless issues..... of course - I generally don't do sponsored vids for keyboards so expect 100% honesty!

[@labileslama9848]

the esc and enter are not magenta

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Red? Pink?

[@labileslama9848]

@@ThatMarkGilroyI'd say red, great video tho :)

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@labileslama9848 Thanks! I'll go with red!

[@LabMonkey-k2j]

trying out or testing. prob not "testing out" ?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Both work interchangeably for me!

[@anatoliigrynchuk3325]

Both keyboards do not work well through Bluetooth.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

K3V2 yes, the Bluetooth connection was very unreliable. But I never had an issue with the K3 Pro.

[@noob1que]

11 minutes after video was posted comment :D

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Gold star for you mate!

[@hman2875]

Its funny how you said “programmers, coders…”

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

totato, tomarto? 😁

[@t0dd000]

The Pro removes the purpose of the backlighting by making the keys non-illuminated. Which is such an odd feature regression. I suppose the battery lasts longer with the Pro since there is no point in turning on the backlighting.

[@Gustavo-gk2bu]

K3 v2 battery life really sucks. I basically use my keyboard wired.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Yep, had that too. The Pro is better. But still needs more charging than my Nuphy Air 96.

[@applesforakbar]

Are reds even quieter than the browns?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Yes they will be! Reds are quieter but not as tactile as browns.

[@applesforakbar]

@@ThatMarkGilroy thanks!

[@applesforakbar]

@@ThatMarkGilroy Sorry follow up question, did you have a preference or find one stood out when comparing to the Nuphy air 75? Also what wooden palm rest did you use with it in this vid? Thanks!

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@applesforakbar The wooden palm rest is the one that Keychron sell on their website - it’s cut to fit the K3. I haven’t tried the Air 75 but I recently reviewed the Air96. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4KXaoKVrNp7epY This is a GREAT keyboard but too big to fit in a bag so it stays on my desk while the K3 Pro travels with me to my office or when I’m out and about.

[@applesforakbar]

@@ThatMarkGilroy Thanks again!

[@welnyr]

2:27 IT'S ORANGE, IT'S NOT MAGENTA

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Usually Keychron have orange splash but this model it’s definitely magenta. Almost pink!

[@hunter19884]

Don't film seating this close to the camera. Looks funny. Seat back next time.

[@bojack3827]

Lofree Flow with linear switches provided a typing experience that is lightyears better than this cheap rattly nonsense....

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

👀kzbin.info/www/bejne/fau4aK2CrpmYnNUsi=MIGLxwM2G8X0ba8Q (TL;DR - I agree)

[@JasonBourne-xv7ok]

This is what I want, Thanks!

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

You’re welcome ☺️