Keychron K3 Review: The slimmest of the slim

Keychron is a big name in mechanical keyboards and perhaps the biggest in low profile mechanical keyboards. In this video, we'll be reviewing the Keychron K3, a 75% layout keyboard, but Keychron also makes low profile models in 65%, 80%, and 100% layouts. This keyboard is perfect for those who want a small and slim mechanical keyboard without sacrificing quality and features.
K3 (75%): amzn.to/3WiAZjA
K1 (80%): amzn.to/3ZIdfs2
K5 (100%): amzn.to/3Xv7Xyi
K7 (65%): amzn.to/3H70XT0
The aluminum and ABS plastic case is very thin, and the keyboard has 3 height settings: base, 6, and 9 degrees. It can be used wired via USB-C or Bluetooth (no USB dongle provided) and the USB port is in the middle rather than one of the sides. The keyboard is compatible with both Mac and Windows and comes with ABS keycaps that include shine-through.
The switches available are Gateron Low Profile switches (non-hot swappable) or Keychron Optical Switches (hot swappable). The keyboard also has backlighting options: RGB, White backlighting, or no backlight. The battery is a 1550 mAh battery which is smaller than that of competitors and died quicker than most in testing. The keyboard is currently priced at just under $100 including shipping from Hong Kong.
The K3 is unique as it is one of the thinnest keyboards around and has a very small footprint. The orange accent key is a nice touch, and the smaller keys meant fewer misclicks in testing. The sound is quiet and pleasant, though it is a bit clickier than most other brown switches. The keyboard offers lots of options: backlighting, switch type (mechanical or optical), and switch type (brown, red, blue) which means you can get the exact setup that you want, and at one of the lowest prices around.
There are a few problems, though, such as the backwards slant of the keys which feels less natural and ergonomic. The backlight controls are hidden behind function commands, and the backlight mode button is where delete is on most other 75% keyboards tested. Pricing varies, and availability can be challenging as different combinations are often sold out. Finally, reconnection delay is the last and perhaps worst issue as it takes multiple seconds for the K3 to reconnect to your computer after it goes inactive.
Overall, the Keychron K3 is a great option for someone looking for a cheap, slim mechanical keyboard that doesn’t want to sacrifice quality build and features. It's perfect for someone who wants the absolute smallest mechanical keyboard around and who either wants to use the keyboard wired or who is okay with a little bit of reconnection delay.
CONTENTS
0:00 Introduction
0:40 Fundamentals
7:00 Unique Features
9:10 Sound Test
14:15 Problems
21:33 Who is this for?
Note: The product links above are Affiliate links. I receive a small commission on purchases made through these links.

[@techietam]

Your review is spot on with the issues. I wish I would've known about them before I bought mine.

[@CameronDoughertyTech]

Thanks for the compliment but sorry for the struggles.

[@heribertogarzac.1385]

Excellent Cameron, great review, thanks for sharing!

[@CameronDoughertyTech]

Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed.

[@edbrumbaugh9202]

Good video, thanks. The K3 is a great keyboard overall. For me, your first two concerns are a moot point … overall one of the best low profile keyboards on the market. Love the Keychron variety of keyboard choices, both in terms of keyboard models and the options available for each keyboard. Thanks again for the video.

[@vasyld]

Hi! Thanks for the review! Can I ask a suggest, what is the better competitor if I looking for smth as slim and silence as this one, but with better quality?

[@antoniofilipe70]

Hello did you find some translucent key-caps compatible to this keyboard? If Yes, where can I buy it? Thank you very

[@SiegmundCG]

I actually decided on the Logitech K380s over this solely because of the battery efficiency. Excited to try it in a couple days.

[@vixvaporub]

How did you like it?

[@SiegmundCG]

@@vixvaporub works great, really like the rounded keys and not worrying about battery ever. Only issue is the half sized arrow keys.

[@chunkplunk]

​@@SiegmundCG I'd get it too but I need backlighting so azio cascade slim looks like my best option

[@AM-tu1rc]

MX Mechanical in-depth review coming soon?

[@rich2823]

The thing you fail to mention that would be helpful to potential K3 owners is the K3 Pro showcased in this video features QMK. If you do not like the layout of the keys or what they do, you can change it, at the firmware level -- and never deal with the "rgb key" or its placement ever again.

[@superviewer]

Nice demo. One thing: Why are so many keyboard reviewers not touch typing?

[@user-yj3mf1dk7b]

k3 pro has mechanical hot-swappable. was not it already released 2 months ago?

[@heribertogarzac.1385]

Yes, and keycaps are PBT not Abs…

[@Thekop_9871]

I have been using this keyboard and K5 for the past 5 months. IMO, Yes! the angle of the keys are awkward for me too and the keycap surfaces are too large causing many many typos. I really want to love them but not yet successfully. Will be going to Logitech Mx series instead soon.

[@Ken_Jones]

Look at the Nuphy Air 75. Sounds a lot better and has better keycaps than the Logi and Keychron.

[@chunkplunk]

​@@Ken_Jones nah look at the azio cascade slim

[@Ken_Jones]

@@chunkplunk Ty bro. I will

[@damzelfly]

Can you remap the keys with the VIA software?

[@NJ-wb1cz]

Only on K3 pro, which also changes the keycaps to better rounded pbt ones

[@engimo5253]

is this V1 or V2?

[@CameronDoughertyTech]

I’ve got V2.

[@adriendenoye]

You've convinced me not to buy this one! Thanks it was a very instructive video

[@davidpringuer3553]

Sounds like a fail in terms of ergonomics to m. Incredible. The most important thing.

[@pleasuredunes]

I wouldn't trust this company, my K4 died after just two years. Their customer support is awful too.

[@denysaleksieiev8234]

I am typing this from the keychrone k3. Don't believe. It is not good. It is not slim. You won't use it normally without palm rest.; Keycaps are poor and with sharp angles not good to touch. Bluetooth delays are too big, battery is too small. I am using it wired since it is hard to use wireless. In general it is just Chinese low quality overpriced keyboard.

[@denysaleksieiev8234]

and I am gonna sell it and get back to Logitech mx keys which is a way better than this garbage.

[@guillermoeveliofengzhang9720]

I can't believe this, I just bought this keyboard...

[@denysaleksieiev8234]

Well if you just bought it, you will realize all these issues yourself))@@guillermoeveliofengzhang9720