Keychron K3 Review With Red And Brown Switch Test

[@CFU]

RE4 Remake Review Here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJWWkGyampiggpo

[@ethanHat]

Finally a review for normal people! Thanks man!

[@CFU]

Glad it was helpful!

[@WingHugs]

I have extremely similar preferences to you and it's been a lot of years of wishing for this specific thing. I was a kickstarter backer and still waiting for mine to be shipped, but your review makes me feel like I made the right choice.

[@CFU]

Hope you like it!

[@WingHugs]

@@CFU thanks

[@4-Twenty]

A perfect and straightforward informative review from someone with a similar likeness to shorter travel keys with a preference of laptops keyboards like me. Thanks for this review! Definitely helped me choose my first mechanical keyboard.

[@CFU]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rzha9786]

Just wanna say this video really helps and thank you for answering the questions in the comments to make things clearer!

[@CFU]

Happy to help!

[@brianc8148]

I was also shopping for slim and compact keyboards to add to my 13” MacBook. Many of the mech keyboard snobs will scoff at these low profile options but I think these are the perfect in-between for users who are use to the keyboard on the macs. It also helps that keychron seems to focus on mac users by offering Mac keys standard.

[@CFU]

My thoughts exactly! Even most premium Windows laptops like my work laptop are Mac esque.

[@brianc8148]

@@harjotgill6162 optical brown. i still get accidental activation sometimes. so i have to adjust my typing behaviour to avoid it. the key activates even with a very light tap. the battery life is not very good and i got tired of plugging it in so often. i went back to an apple wireless keyboard. if you leave it plugged in 24/7 i guess its not a bad keyboard aesthetically.

[@lighteningwawa]

You are not alone! I love magic keyboard too, and actually left my Filco for Magic keyboard. I liked the fact that it doesn’t need a palm rest. Ordered k3, think it is definitely worth a try!

[@CFU]

Def does not need a palm rest! Also a fan of that.

[@saqlaq96]

Hey, im looking to buy a K3v2, u think I should buy a palm rest or is it low profile enough to go without it?

[@Agent_Crimson]

If this was Reddit i would award you the highest award there is. Loved your vid and I definitely fall into your niche bought mine on your review and couldn’t be happier cheers

[@CFU]

That means so much! Thanks!

[@CDeeez94]

Believe me my friend, you're not the only one with certain tastes in keyboards. I've tried out and changed keyboards like clothes and had different tastes over time. It can get addicting to try new peripherals. Thank you for the review.

[@mohammedsalman3397]

Thanks for the review, i usually dont like reviews but this one is good and it's real.

[@CFU]

I appreciate that!

[@remixisthis]

I also got the K3 Optical Brown switch. I think they need to lube the brown switches a bit because they feel stiff. I wound up using blue switches for now. The owner of the company said they'll start doing that, so it'll make the typing smoother and even quieter than before.

[@SNAFFUcwalk]

Do you know, if they will be lubing the optical switches as well? I've read that only about the mechanical switches, so I'm quite confused. :D

[@remixisthis]

@@SNAFFUcwalk Not sure :-/ I switched to a cheap Eagletec Low-profile brown switch keyboard I used before.The K3 was giving me arthritis.

[@MrYesnadir]

Thanks mate finally the view point i was looking for. I watched many reviews but only yours helped me decide with exactly the information i was looking for, (Brown or Red). Great and engaging video as well. Please make more videos Thanks again

[@CFU]

Glad it helped! Still loving my K3 and rocking browns daily!

[@gertchy]

ah im so glad someone feels the same way i do about the mac chiclet style keys! will be looking into the brown switches, thanks for the help :)

[@CFU]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gertchy]

@@CFU been using them for two weeks and they're working great. Thanks again!

[@B1Happy]

I 💯 PERCENT agree with u! I have your exact same preferences. Keep reviewing amigo

[@CFU]

Thanks! Will do!

[@tams805]

Thank you! I've been stuck down this quagmire for the entire past weekend and getting decent sound comparisons, especially ones that aren't ones where someone is hammering away or even spanking the keyboard has been a chore. Not to mention some of the snobbery out there.

[@CFU]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@HH-xf9il]

You're right the lower keytravel is awesome to no end. Came from laptops to the Keychron V3... and it's a learning curve

[@BunnyCentauri]

Thank you boss, pretty decent review, all the other reviewers the keyboard sounds way too loud because of the mic

[@nothingiseverperfect]

NO FUCKING WAY I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY 1 WHO LIKED CHICKLET KEYS OMG LMAOOOO THANK YOU FOR THIS

[@Shaded]

oh yeah, frustrated in the search of a new keyboard, I'm in that spot exactly right now. Right now I think I want to make a break and wait of Keychron releases a PRO version of their K1 :) In the meantime I have to decide if I'm a more red or brown type person, but as of now I'm turning more towards reds..

[@SteveW928]

Great review, and thanks for doing the sound test at the end like that! Having that comparison to the MBA keyboard is REALLY helpful as I'm also afraid of being run out of the house by my family if I went for a traditional mechanical (noisy) keyboard. I'm wondering if you've had any issues with keys triggering when slightly pressed? That's one of the widespread complaints about this keyboard I've read so far (which has me hesitating).

[@CFU]

Glad you liked it! Tried to make a review/ sound test answering questions I personally had.

[@Spelljammer1]

Keys triggering when slightly pressed is what I have been wondering about as well. Anyone care to input?

[@SteveW928]

@@Spelljammer1 My understanding is that it is a known manufacturing defect... there is a post about it on their Reddit area, but the resolution/details aren't quite clear. I see they have a v2 version of the K3 coming out, but it is also unclear whether the issue with the switches will be resolved. That said, I ended up getting a K3 with Brown mechanicals (not optical, as they are the ones with the issue). I don't care that much about the swappable at this point anyway. I'm really happy with it (it has me spoiled... I now don't like typing on my Apple Magic Keyboard any more, or on anything else I've had to use). My main complaints (which are few) are that I don't like having the home, end, page up/down on the end of the keyboard, as I keep accidentally hitting them, which sends the cursor elsewhere. I've accidentally deleted things and lost my place, etc. I just don't use/need them, so I wish they weren't there or could be turned off via firmware, etc. I also wish even the Browns had more 'tactile' effect, as they mostly feel linear to me (though I don't have a Red for comparison). I'm interested in the upcoming Banana/Mint switches (which are supposed to be like the Panda ones, with much more initial 'tactile' effect). But, I think they'll be a swap-option for optical if I'm reading it correctly... so I'll have to be sure the optical problem has been resolved before going to that. (As I mentioned, I'm so spoiled that I'm thinking about getting a 2nd anyway, as this one is wired to my desktop, and I'd like a 'travel' one now. I'll probably get a 'Mint' optical Blue or something and then swap the Mint switches in, if they don't offer them on the K3 after they come out.)

[@Spelljammer1]

@@SteveW928 Thanks buddy! Yes, I feel drawn to the mechanical browns myself. Just waiting for the needed ISO version to release. Very helpful to know!

[@SteveW928]

@@Spelljammer1 Just an update... I got involved in a few threads on Reddit, and it seems the consensus among the responses I received is that the issue has been resolved with the opticals. There was a video on KZbin from a guy showing what the problem was, by taking them apart, and he kind of had a 'fix' but was concerned about how long it would last. Apparently he has updated that video after ordering a new set of optical switches and the problem is gone. I'm hoping I can find it again just to verify that for myself, but that's the story in the community at this point. I saw those ISO version are close the other day. Hopefully you'll be able to get one soon. :) All the best.

[@krigarb]

Such beatiful hands. Great review

[@morakano7]

can't wait for mine to arrive!! I knew I wasn't going to "swap" the switches so just ordered a red switch!

[@geoken2]

Another vote for people that prefer this style of keyboard. And this is coming from someone who currently has an MX board with zilentV2s and an FC660C topre (silenced, lubed, etc). I was curious about the feel of the browns. What you can likely tell from my other keyboards above, is that I like tactiles with extremely low to zero pre travel. In other words, the basic feel of a laptop keyboard where the tactile bump starts immediately. Most MX style switches that that have brown in their name emulate the force curve of cherry browns - which I hate. I hate the excessive amount of pre travel before hitting the tactile bump. do these feel like standard browns, or are they closer to laptop or typical slim membrane keyboards where the tactile bump starts immediately.

[@CFU]

Feel like a laptop keyboard with more travel after the bump imo.

[@zachswindlefieldthe3rd806]

IM GLAD OTHER PEOPLE LIKE SLIM KEYBOARDS. makes programming so much cleaner

[@CFU]

And I am a programmer haha

[@beckyb9215]

Yas, we are your niche! This video is all me!

[@CFU]

Glad I could help!

[@_stc_1600]

Omg! I had the same keyboard! I have used deathsstalker for about 8 years. And now have changed it to keychron k3 too) just fun facts

[@CFU]

We are twins! :P

[@samuelbird4587]

Ahh i feel torn. I think I like the slimmer profile (having also come from macbook keyboards, and quite liking them). But i actually prefer the soft, slightly louder sound of the brown switches on the more traditional fatter models like the K2. I also like that this is hot-swappable which the K2 isn’t. Hmmm.

[@03e-210a]

Brilliant review. Exquisite. A question. I am also used to laptop keyboards, so should I go with the browns? I am asking because I have never used mechanical switches for long periods.

[@CFU]

I'd go browns.

[@zaidkidwai7831]

Great video man!

[@CFU]

Appreciate it!

[@gobbles2704]

Same preferences, got my chops on the old style Mac keyboards and it just feels right when I use the 2011 MacBook that now lives in the workshop. I just got the K3 4 days ago and I really like it, still at a fairly high error rate, but getting there. I do find the arrow keys hard to find, dream scenario would be tenkeyless, but with these switches. I have the K1 and 2 as well and if I could have the switches and height of the K3 with the layout and build quality of the K2, oh boy, would be great.

[@richburmond6761]

It's the key puller! I had the same on my custom keyboard, the key puller claws are always too thick. Gotta buy a specific one on ali

[@CFU]

Thanks for the info!

[@DustyFingersRC]

Now I just need to decide.between red and brown.

[@CFU]

If you are new to keyboard I'd say browns will be most familiar to laptops/membrane keyboards.

[@DustyFingersRC]

@@CFU Thanks for confirming my thoughts. Just need to find it in stock lol

[@opteron1983]

I've been trying to wrap my head around a replacement keyboard as well. I don't like high profile keyboards I'm not comfortable on them.

[@CFU]

Enjoying this one so far!

[@opteron1983]

@@CFU Ended up going with the logitech MX Keys, i love it

[@d.a.e.9423]

Great review! I bought a k3 v2 with brown switches, does switching (daily) between the k3 and a macbook air keyboard require a lot of adjustment time?

[@CFU]

took me about a week to always be at full speed.

[@oliviasmit6533]

best review!!

[@alexandrucovaliov8989]

The sound with browns looks interesting. I felt reds to be little bit loose. How did you find the difference typing on MacBook then switch to browns immediately? Did you feel lot of resistance or not that much to hurt your fingers? :D

[@Emily-eb6gp]

i thought there was a fly on my screen because of your icon

[@CFU]

:D

[@CFU]

Browns have about +%50 the travel and and similar resistance. You can swap between them easily IMO.

[@dikarafianto8851]

which feels more like a laptop keyboard when you press it? the red or brown switches? thanks for the video by the way! I have the exact preference as you.

[@bigweeweehaver]

Probably reds since they don't have click feeling.

[@CFU]

Laptop keys are usually tactile - I would say brown.

[@svlagonda7417]

I've got the K3 with the white optical switches. I really like it! My only gripe is the blue tooth power saving facility that turns off after about 10mins of no use. You can turn off the power saving feature but I would like to be able to set it to say 30 mins, or 60 mins, rather than 10 mins or off completely.

[@joaomarcuspm]

I think you can set it to 20 and 30mim

[@ussassu]

I don't get it, someone explain to me. Shouldn't Low Profile literally be the default keyboards for typing? What's the point with long travel time when typing, it's more bothersome, and psychically slower, since you have to click for longer. I had to install 2 O-rings on my 4mm keyboard, because it's just so much better to not have to press all the way (or stop in the middle).

[@ShaferHart]

I got mine with optical reds but I'm thinking of getting non optical browns. With the small travel of the keys the reds really don't give you that much feedback when you press it (yeah, I know many will say that the reds don't give you any feedback but they do actually, for most standard profile keyboards). For typing it's fine, what you write acts as your feedback, but when you are typing a password for example you're essentially flying blind. As far as silent goes they're very silent, I had the Logitech K360 and that one is WAY more loud than this one. That logitech is very loud though so maybe it's not a fair comparison.

[@CFU]

I prefer browns!

[@jillting1852]

Can demo how optical red sounded?

[@TobiasDomhan]

I'm exactly in the same boat so this video is very useful. I'm only wondering whether I should get both brown and banana switches to compare them.

[@CFU]

I ordered direct from K3 and shipping was a flat 20 dollars for me so it made sense to throw the extra set of switches in if you weren't sure.

[@cryptosecuritytools]

If you like the chicklet style keyboards but not the butterfly style, maybe look at buying one of the Apple Magic bluetooth boards on the used market.

[@cryptosecuritytools]

@Sero Suit the new one is not at all like the old one. At least the one that came with a new imac. This thing is flat, not angled, and the keys have no travel. Not a nice board in my opinion

[@CFU]

Second this. K3 has USB-C, full RGB, swappable switches, more switch options and more travel for those looking for a quick compare.

[@arildc7615]

Does it feel nice to use without a palm rest? I'm interested in getting one

[@CFU]

I have no issues without a palm rest.

[@ShaferHart]

Use a palm rest, don't be a savage. They're a good investment even without having a huge keyboard. Not sure how people can get by without one to be honest.

[@babyboy1971]

I’ve never used one of these before. I wanna get one for my iMac/iPad, do you recommend the blue switch to start out with? And also does the RGB allow for just white light?

[@CFU]

There is a white setting for the color keyboard (there is also just a white light one for $10 less). Blue will be the loudest. Their page has a good writeup on your options.

[@johanneshortstories]

great video but please do a realy type / sound test. You were typing so incredibly light and slow I couldnt really get a real feel for a real life use case. That cant be how you type normally?

[@CFU]

My girlfriend did the type test :P I can say the browns are slightly louder than a laptop keyboard.

[@ahmadrezaashrafi4774]

Which one do you prefer, Logitech mx keys or k3? Maybe you considered MX keys before buying this one?

[@CFU]

Never used MX. Just looking at specs these would have more travel, the option for full RGB and a smaller layout.

[@ipoitm6180]

Looking forward to buy the red switch as well, still wandering about the latency comparison using bkuetooth or wired for gaming? Was it acceptable? Great video btw

[@CFU]

Haven't used it wireless for gaming yet!

[@dezdem4]

Wired mode - Design time 13ms Wireless mode - Design time 30ms ARM based controller According to Keychron support :)

[@Rastabuoy25]

Great video. Did you order from Kickstarter or pre-order?

[@CFU]

Thanks! Ordered directly off their website.

[@Rastabuoy25]

@@CFU oh ok I am waiting for mine I ordered since December 12th.

[@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.

[@echo021]

In your opinion, are the brown switches still pretty quiet? They don't seem that much louder compared to the reds but I've heard that the reds are so delicate to press you can run into typos so thinking of going brown but I much prefer quiet switches

[@CFU]

Sorry for the late response. I think they are pretty quiet all things considered. Much more quiet than full travel brown switches on a more traditional keyboard.

[@krishsharma1422]

I still can't believe that I paid 20 dollar shipping, and ended up getting a keyboard that had a broken switch. The shipping was a third of the keyboard, and it still came broken🤦‍♂️

[@CFU]

That really sucks :(

[@jameslyndon2049]

The included switch puller isn't good which is probably why you had issues. Still significantly easier than soldering which is the appeal.

[@CFU]

Agreed on both notes. Puller isn't great. I do wish there was a super small grove in the switches the puller would lock into though.

[@CFU]

If you want to learn more about how I make videos/learn more about KZbin check out my 5 year anniversary video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2XMkGd-mtxparM

[@MrBestofGaming]

Can anyone explain to me the main/key differences between the low profile Gateron mechanical and low profile Keychron optical?

[@CFU]

Can't speak for a direct comparison but only the Keychron optical are hot swappable.

[@joan715]

Hi which game were you playing in this video? Looks so great

[@CFU]

Cyberpunk - there is a review on the channel!

[@cebuch.]

Res swiches are way to light for me. I like simple general laptop keyboard stiffness. Which key swich is most close to that?

[@CFU]

brown

[@nonoyz4048]

Excuse me if it was said in the video, I don't understand English well. Are the reds or browns that make the least noise? Apart from the noise, they are pleasant in the same way? I read everywhere that the reds were the least noisy, but all the tests I listened to contradict it, I always have the impression that the browns are less noisy.

[@CFU]

I think Reds are less noisy but not by much. Browns are not too loud though especially compared to a traditional mechanical keyboard.

[@nonoyz4048]

Great, thanks, I ordered it.

[@noteventrollin9581]

Hey, im planning to buy this keyboard, I guess im in the niche too, i just want to know whats the difference between the gateron mechanical and the keychron optical? I mean what should i get if the main use will be FPS games. Thanks

[@CFU]

I'd go keychron because you can swap em.

[@metatronblack]

I don't do keyboards bruh. But nice Vid Cuh

[@CFU]

Thanks for checking out the video anyways!

[@shanknasty8531]

I’ve never used. Mechanical keyboard and used to the old Mac Keys… I want to try the K3 but only Blue and Brown are in stock. Is the blue worth considering for typing and gaming?

[@troltroltroltrolguy]

Not sure if I would recommend Blue for gaming. Would suggest picking brown instead, so you're a bit more in between.

[@CFU]

Blue will be loud with clicks.

[@januszmirowski779]

Same here buddy!

[@CFU]

Nier Replicant Review dropped! Proud of this one! Please enjoy! kzbin.info/www/bejne/foXdln-fetNppqc

[@BL00DRAINE]

How did you end up getting your brown switch RGB backlight model? I ordered the same model, and still have yet to hear back from Keychron :/

[@CFU]

I ordered red with a set of brown keys. Not sure if that matters.

[@slivrasays4343]

Hey! If your still using the keyboard, how does it hold up?

[@CFU]

I daily drive it for work and recreation and I love it!

[@jameslatief1]

How's battery life? I have the K2 and it has the same keyboard layout as the K3, but the battery capacity is 2.58x of K3.

[@CFU]

Mostly using wired. Never had it fully drain wirelessly.

[@DarkPa1adin]

My favourite keyboard was IBM ThinkPad

[@razorcartalyst]

Did u recommend this keyboard for gaming?

[@CFU]

I use it for gaming!

[@itayadler8565]

which keycaps profile needed for this keyboard? hope it cherry profile

[@CFU]

Check out my Rollerdrome Review featuring the Rollerball movie! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHqumnSVrLRjqZY

[@Blue-Scorpion]

Switch test: 9:00

[@gabrielcalderon9572]

Are the brown switches "mushy" at all? Or inconsistent?

[@CFU]

Seem great to me so far!

[@allenm7]

Have you tried lubing them yet?

[@CFU]

Don't plan to.

[@silvergem8397]

Did you find the keycaps already on amazon?

[@doug_eek]

I bought the red one

[@daquma]

What game are you playing?

[@CFU]

Cyberpunk 2077

[@CFU]

Check out my Metroid Prime Remastered Review! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZCuXmqBqJ2radU

[@James-uz9se]

how many days did the shipping take for you?

[@CFU]

~2.5 weeks from when I ordered to my door

[@dalejail]

which switch is quieter?

[@CFU]

Red but brown is quiet also

[@CFU]

Check out my Elden Ring Review! kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4WWk55mnbOcZ6s

[@CFU]

Resident Evil Village Review Just Dropped! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKiZp4h3d7t2qNk

[@Team_Daniel_Eva_Belle]

What is the FPS game at 1:00?

[@CFU]

Cyberpunk 2077

[@catistix]

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.

[@CFU]

New review just dropped! Inside! kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6uTlWdsia6Sp7s

[@CFU]

Like retro gaming? Check out my Odin Lite review! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKmuq4ydjMqmi6s

[@johnmercado6138]

K3 VS MX KEYS?

[@CFU]

I use the hot swap ones... pretty sure those are K3 and the others you can't swap.

[@CFU]

Check Out My Stray Review! kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJmcm2qeqZqJeq8

[@tylerpuszkar]

I thought I was crazy for enjoying laptop keyboards.

[@yarekvico2439]

What is has to be impreved is the Cyberpunk game JAJJAJAJA

[@CFU]

Preach!

[@ALEX336X]

Lol upgrading from the same keyboard.

[@eyang7]

Is this v2 or v1?

[@CFU]

Pretty positive V1 because it had literally just come out.

[@muckeyn]

@@CFU V2 has adjustable feet, a reinforced plate (not visible) and the first 10k units had orange bottom housings.

[@CFU]

new fire emblem engage review! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGnWl5J8fZZrgdk

[@CFU]

I took my Steam Deck to Japan! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnW6l6Wcj7Cdpas

[@CFU]

Bloodborne Review just dropped! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIKZmJykedJsaqs

[@aeiouy6725]

same opinions lol

[@dpos5406]

뭔 잡담을 이리 많이하노

[@JayzBeerz]

piece of junk keyboard