The New Budget King? Keychron C3 Pro: Review, Teardown, Sound Test - $35 Gasket Mounted QMK TKL

[@robindevoh]

Had it for a week, glass of coke goes over it. This video helped me figure out how to get into it and clean it and I'm typing on it again! It's a great little keyboard, and there's a strict 'no drinks' rule on my desk now.

[@MechKeyboards]

Glad to hear it survived, Keep Calm and Keyboard On (without drinks on the desk)!

[@americanandpinay]

I think Keychron is one of the best box companies these days. Quality is always there. Design is standard. Good range of products for the price and quality. I have had a K-8 brick wiith 3 weeks on the warranty and had a hard time getting them to honor it vs Drop who usually will work with you once and just give you a new product within 3 years of purchase. Probably my only Keychron complaint.

[@leftyfourguns]

Just got the brown key hot-swappable version for $30 in the Amazon Prime sale. Very excited to try out my first mechanical keyboard once it gets here

[@shrey1517]

it now has rgb and hot swap models available for like $10 more!

[@MechKeyboards]

I saw, I'll be reviewing the new variant soon, cheers!

[@shrey1517]

would you say it’s worth the extra $10?

[@MechKeyboards]

@@shrey1517 very likely yes, I've not yet had a chance to review it yet.

[@michaelthomashamilton]

I recently bought this keyboard with the brown switches. It was on sale on Amazon for $27 when I bought it, thought it was a good price. This keyboard replaced a Logitech K845 w/ blue switches that I had been using for a few years. What's crazy is that I swear this Keychron C3 Pro provides a much better typing experience than the Logitech one I had been using, despite the Logitech K845 costing over twice as much. I do wish the backlight was white, but otherwise I'm pretty pleased with it.

[@MechKeyboards]

Very likely you are feeling that gasket mounted difference, glad you like, enjoy, cheers!

[@coyotex850]

its nice for being so cheap but imo i would've rather they use white led instead of red and make it hotswap even if it raised the price by $10

[@MechKeyboards]

If this sells well, I'm guessing they will release more variants.

[@JakeB564]

then get a keychron c1

[@shewbell2176]

They released a version with rgb and hotswap for $49.99

[@ryana6494]

On sale right now for $40! Non hot swap for $27

[@DaveAlkema]

Wow, definitely an exciting board! It's crazy how much things have changed in the short time I've been part of this hobby. QMK/VIA, but it also sounds pretty good stock, which is not something that can be said even for Keychron's more expensive K series. Hope you've been doing well. I'm going through a rough patch at work which is consuming my time during work, and my mind outside of work. What free time I do have I've been sinking into the mouse hobby lately. Mice are going through a similar growth period as keyboards, with some really solid full featured mice coming out of China with sub $50 price tags. It's a good time to be into peripherals!

[@MechKeyboards]

It is crazy how the market has turned, certainly a plus for us hobbyists, but not for our wallet! I do hope that work issues calm down, I certainly know how that can go. If you ever need to unload, you know how to get a hold of me. I've always got an ear to spare ;)

[@Inn0IWNL]

I got my fully featured wireless mouse for $30. It is a good time to buy peripherals

[@baddestmofoalive]

These are on sale for $29 right now!

[@MechKeyboards]

Nice!

[@symmetry_is_key]

Great video! This was super informational. I learned a lot. I've had this keyboard for a few months and I had no idea how to open it. I did a tape mod for the first time and it's seriously night and day. It already sounded pretty good and it got even better. Thanks.

[@MechKeyboards]

Awesome thanks, glad to hear, cheers!

[@williamp6800]

Really thorough review. Thank you.

[@MechKeyboards]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@jairojared1]

Wow I love this keyboard. I am not too into the hobby. But I love the size. I don’t want a numpad on a keyboard it’s too much space for me and I bought this for work and with the red switches it’s not annoying at all to my coworkers! My previous keyboard was some corsair gaming one for over 135$ when I bought it and this literally feels better at 100$ less! Crazy lol. I wanna get another keychron for my home pc. The k3 ultra slim looks real nice 😍 Great video by the way, I can tell you put a lot of effort into this and you have good experience/knowledge with custom keyboards

[@anthony7400]

Perfect for me needed a nice TKL keyboard for taking to work the 2 to 3 days a week I have to go on sight versus WFH. Really nice feel on the brown switches. I argue its pretty close to my Hyper Alloy Origins Full keyboard on my desk I use when I home.

[@TestSpaceMonkey]

Thanks for the teardown. It helped when I figured out the stubborn way that the switches are not hot swap. 🙄 Anyway, all fixed now. Any tips for just dampening the larger keys? I don't think stuffing foam or whatever behind the steel plate is going to do much. All that mass stops the keys pretty dead when pressing down. The remaining noise is coming from the "ringing" of the plastic caps when they hit the top of their travel.

[@MechKeyboards]

You're welcome. This is what I do for the spacebar: kzbin.infoTKkWvuYe6tM

[@TestSpaceMonkey]

@@MechKeyboardsThanks for the reply! Can't seem to pull up that video though as it's marked as "private".

[@MechKeyboards]

@@TestSpaceMonkey not sure why it was private, but it should work now, cheers!

[@TestSpaceMonkey]

@@MechKeyboards link works now. I even have some of that double-sided tape somewhere so it'll be easy to have a go!

[@MechKeyboards]

@@TestSpaceMonkey right on, good luck!

[@user-rd6gj5gw6c]

Thank you for the time and vid on this board. I found the link to your blog and I'll be checking the the mod a cheap board. But I must say, that I just got the C3 (typing on it now) and my GOD is this an improvement over the gaming keyboard I was working on previously, which was an improvement over the dome office keyboards of yester-year. So happy that this quality is so afforable now. I'm also happy that it's focused on the features that I actually care about. I don't need Wi-Fi, multi color RGB or hotswap switches. Those are really awesome nice to haves, and some day I'll jump on those features I'm sure. BUT I can really appreciate the typing experince of such a budget king. Anyway, all that to say thank you, I love the honesty and enthusiasm you have, instant fan and instant subscription.

[@MechKeyboards]

Thank you for your kind words, it's truly appreciated! I have much pricier boards, but still cycle this one into the mix, and am still surprised at how good it feels and sounds for the price. Cheers!

[@Inn0IWNL]

I hope they would release something smaller than a TKL for these. I have a smol table and I play games on low DPI so I need all the real estate on my table

[@MechKeyboards]

Fully agree, and if I had to guess, they are dipping their toes in too see how much bite they can get for this. I would not be surprised to see other layouts coming out behind this.

[@theXAVIER69420]

I am newer to the hobby, I got into it when my work keyboard started to go out. It was a Corsair K55 membrane gaming keyboard, and I previously have had Corsair mechanical keyboards since the mid 2000s when mechanical keyboards started to hit the mainstream consumer market. I do extensive research on everything before I make purchases, my first build was a Keychron V6 because I need that num pad for work! Paired with some Gateron milky yellow pros and an Akko keycap set, this thing is amazing for my daily work grind. My second build for home was a Keycrhon Q1 Pro, I got my first taste of a gasket mount from that, and I loved it. Of course I moded them both with some PE foam and tape mod, they both sound and feel great. Going from my work build to my personal one at home gives me different typing experiences. I have Gateron Quinn switches in them both at the moment. the gasket mount feels so soft and that tactile experience is wonderful on my Q1 pro, and the V6 feels much more "solid" and stiff (not in a bad way), you definitely feel the difference between the two using the same switches. I am very excited to see Keycrhon making gasket mounting options on a cheaper chassis. It would literally be perfect if they made the V series with gasket mounts, V pro or the "X" as you mentioned! Though I love the Q1 pro, I feel it would give other consumers a gateway into their more expensive Q and Q pro boards that offer a gasket mount, if they offered a "budget" board with that same Keychron quality. I would absolutely upgrade my work board to a Keychron V6 or V5 that had a gasket mount, and number pad. forking out over 200$ for a complete build of a pro version is a little stiff for me. I guess I am not that deep into the hobby yet, where spending $300 - $500 (or possibly much more) on a keyboard build is something would consider hahaha

[@MechKeyboards]

I'm with you, spending North of $250 on a single build tends to feel like a kick to the gut; the amount of keyboard one can get for

[@theXAVIER69420]

​@@MechKeyboards I got an Akko 5070S VIA over on their website during the "prime day" sales for like $45!! It was a build for my wife, I paired it with some WS Quartz switches, and a random set of amazon keycaps for a nice feeling build that she loves. I absolutely agree with you that getting a good board for sub $100 is just getting better, and better. Even at full price of $59.99 (barebones) it would definitely be a good purchase.

[@americanandpinay]

@@MechKeyboards I have the Lincoln Continental of Keyboards. I love the hobby. Regret the winning that auction.

[@bonka_mann]

Very interesting product, gasket flex at $35. Gonna order one, says October on Amazon now. If I could change one thing it would be that steel plate.

[@MechKeyboards]

First I'd pick hot swap, second the plate, though I do plan on 3D scanning it and making a plate since I doubt Keychron will release the plate files for this model.

[@americanandpinay]

I wish it had the option to buy a white light.

[@singletona082]

Literally the only thing i see wrong with this as an entry point is it not being hot swap. If this were hot swap? This would rule the low end price point especially given the relative lack of TKL boards compared to 60% from what I've seen. Heck a lot of times depending on the keycaps the end user won't even SEE the LED color. Man if this were hot swap I'd be all over it.

[@MechKeyboards]

I'm hoping that Keychron will see that and release a hot swap variant for ~$5-$10 more. Fingers crossed!

[@singletona082]

@@MechKeyboards I've got fifty bucks i won't feel guilty spending on things. This, the K12 to swap between devices, or a GK61, keycaps, and space bar foam. I am very VERY conflicted and literally if this thing were hot swap there would be only one right choice. As is the k12 is in the running because bluetooth in spite of not hot swappable layout on the model i can afford. Literally been stressing all weekend over this.

[@MechKeyboards]

@@singletona082 if you don't yet have a GMK67 it can be found for ~$25 barebone on AliExpress from the 'Super Deals' page. On Amazon, the E-YOOSO Z-87 is only $25 and can sound decent with some elbow grease. The Aula F87 is an amazing OOTB keyboard but runs closer to $80.

[@al-du6lb]

2:30 they just released 2 boards in the v-series max line with exactly what you say here. I had just got a v-series on amazon and I like it, but I'm returning it and ordering a new max straight from keychron instead.

[@MechKeyboards]

I was going to pick up the V1 Max but it's been out of stock. I've got it on my list of keyboards to review this year.

[@al-du6lb]

nice, looking forward to the video. Keep up the great work! Luckily I wanted the num pad, so i was able to get the v5 which was still in stock. I can't wait to get it, I feel like a kid at christmas. I'm still very new to the hobby and I'm starting to understand the appeal. @@MechKeyboards

[@MechKeyboards]

@@al-du6lb yes, it's a fun and interesting hobby, but the rabbit hole is deep! Feel free to jump on over to r/BudgetKeebs on Reddit if you'd like to share your build once you receive it, cheers.

[@CasualXCars]

Unfortunately after few months of use, the price of this keyboard has shown the true "value" - switches became little loose (depending on use, but if you are gaming a little bit, it will wear switches out to rattle a lot). Another thing that goes is space bar as well... it does not seem these switches come in prelubed, so do expect bit rattling louder sound from them, nothing bad, bud over time they will become loud and rattly... biggest downside is that you cannot swap switches, but that is what you get for $30. One thing I would recommend is - use this keyboard as is and do not overinvest (if at all invest) into modding it because it is not a long term feasable keyboard of choice. Example: If you want to mod a keyboard, considering taping, sorbothane foam insulation padding, keycaps, etc. - just find whatever you like in $100 range and get a great quality, because that is close to an amount you will spend to mod this keyboard and make it something that it is not ;) Dfeinitely go for CNC Aluminium casing keyboard over plastic.

[@MechKeyboards]

Odd, I cannot report the same. I along with my son have been using this keyboard since it's release, it has given us zero issues. I am planning to desolder the switches, replace the LEDs with white ones, and MillMax socket it in the near future, but if yours is defective, you should reach out to Keychron and ask for a warranty replacement. I have over a dozen Keychron keyboards, not a single one has died on me yet (knock on wood).

[@CasualXCars]

@@MechKeyboards I would definitely agree with you - in all my research I did over the past year or so before getting into custom keyboards, Keychrone was never reported to sort of break, or not work as intended - maybe I caught a weird unit - but it definitely won't turn me away from the brand and getting something nicer and fancier in the near future :)

[@legendarystuff6971]

I don't like that they have the mac signs on the keys, they make it look dirty, I wish I could choose beforehand between mac and pc

[@MechKeyboards]

I cannot disagree.

[@nehemoth]

Can you make a video on how to use the Via software to create key combinations for ascii codes? This it's my first ever ''mechanical'' & TKL keyboard and I can do spanish accents ascii codes combinations. Obviously I don't know how to create a macro or modify a layer to do so. And I don't want to use a software if the keyboard can do it. Regards

[@MechKeyboards]

I've been planning to make a VIA video and do hope to finish it soon. Please, there is no need to ask the same question on multiple videos. I get a notification for each,

[@JosePto]

Looks nice, except for the red bl. I would still go for a Gmk87 instead (yes, a bit more expensive).

[@MechKeyboards]

I picked up a GMK67 for $19! Head over to our Discord (discord.budgetkeebs.com) folks are always posting SuperSaver deals for the GMK series in #budgetkeeb-deal channel!

[@JosePto]

@@MechKeyboards I'm in now, waiting for another deal on the 87.

[@MechKeyboards]

@@JosePto good luck! Do be aware that the Chinese New Year is coming and many shops and factories will be closed during the celebrations.

[@JosePto]

@@MechKeyboards ☹️

[@josephramondetta2064]

Should I get red switches or brown switches? This would be used for mainly gaming

[@MechKeyboards]

Red switches are more often suggested for gaming.

[@rchrd3353]

i already got a brown switch tkl but had to pick up a red switch of this one to match the red theme. what's your opinion on the keychron switches? they hold their own against the bigger names ?

[@MechKeyboards]

Personally I'd rather an Outemu.

[@Cpmnk]

Ayy my boi badmatk coming in clutch with a review. Ive been curious for buying it and customising it as a gift for a mate.

[@Cpmnk]

Ah its a shame its not hotswap

[@MechKeyboards]

It truly is.

[@GraceChen-clay-charms-rock]

how does this compare to ducky one 2?

[@MechKeyboards]

Honestly I would skip both of them I am seeing a lot of issues recently with Keychron and Ducky is overpriced for what one gets. I'd recommend looking at brands like Akko, Ajazz, Monsgeek, Redragon and others.

[@TheBrothersCompound]

Did you manage to key the Via configuration to work? i've dragged the JSON files as instructed online but I cant get my custom keybinds to actually work.

[@MechKeyboards]

Yes. If you are using Windows mode, layer 2 is really your first layer, and layer 3 is the layer activated by hitting function. If you are in Mac mode it's layer 0 and 1.

[@TheBrothersCompound]

Thank you so much, I thought my board was defective. You're a king!@@MechKeyboards

[@MechKeyboards]

Glad to help, cheers!

[@Chokealot]

Keychron C3 Pro vs Tecware Phantom+ vs RD K552? Theyre all in the same price range with the tecware being a bit more pricey

[@MechKeyboards]

Tecware > Keychron > K552

[@Chokealot]

​@@MechKeyboardsThanks, I thought the C3 Pro were so good that they were better than the Tecware Phantom+

[@MechKeyboards]

@@Chokealot if it was hot swap, it would be much closer.

[@Chokealot]

@@MechKeyboards if it was hotswap, would you pick keychron over tecware? Or better yet, if hotswap was not an issue (no plans on hot swapping yet) being a newcomer to this hobby.

[@Chokealot]

@@MechKeyboards honestly, I was deadset on buying a Tecware Phantom + Orange Switch as my first Mech KB but then I suddenly saw the Keychron C3 Pro and now I'm torn. Thanks for the help though

[@silver33]

Can you do a tape mod on this keyboard?

[@MechKeyboards]

When I come back to mod it, I plan to. Right now I have a few keyboard reviews in the queue.

[@silver33]

@@MechKeyboards Cool. I would love to see a video of you doing the mod. Thank you

[@jetscapo9737]

I see they have the Aluminum K8 TKL for Special Prime Price of $40.00 right now. Im not sure its VIA, might only be able to remap with Karabiner or Sharpkeys. Its got battery/wireless & is hotswappable but not backlit or QMK/VIA so its really just preference on what's important for the user & whats a dealbreaker & what you can live without. Esp when looking for something budget theres gonna be things you have to consider. Just kinda shows the state of the market where Keychron is doing what they need to try and stay competitive in their pricing with so many affordable boards being released. Its made Keychron be kinda an afterthough where they once where one of the main options for an entry level premium board. Its a much different game nowadays.

[@MechKeyboards]

It really is, the market is much more competitive giving us many affordable options.

[@bositirana1239]

cant find it on amazon

[@MechKeyboards]

Here you go: go.be2x.com/keychronc3prored

[@sombimcjunior4451]

how can i disassemble it? idk how you took it apart so easily

[@MechKeyboards]

I mean, I do it on video, I use a spudger to unlatch all of the clips around the perimeter of the case.

[@strategossm]

What do you recommend for my first mech keyboard this on brown 57 euros or tecware phantom first gen with outemu brown sale with 45 euros? My main consern is that C3 don't have hotswap, macros and numpad while phantom is with numpad, has macros, is rgb but isn't prelubed as C3.

[@MechKeyboards]

If you need a numpad I'd recommend taking a look at the Keychron V5/Q5.

[@strategossm]

@@MechKeyboards despite the numpad for low cost? Is C3 better build that phantom 2021 brown?

[@MechKeyboards]

@@strategossm in my opinion the C3 is better even though it lacks hot swap, the hot swap on the Phantom uses Outemu hot swap so is very limited to certain switches, the Keychron sounds and feels much better out of the box.

[@strategossm]

@@MechKeyboards thank you, so seems C3 is better even if overpaid to 57 euros (with shipping). And if you want to try banana switches you can with some more effort.

[@MechKeyboards]

@@strategossm better construction, PC plate that's gasket mounted, and with a little time and patience the switches can be desoldered and replaced, which I plan to do with this one at some point.

[@theanswerisfortytwo8481]

Today it's just a real quick one, video is 20 minutes. Enjoyed the video though, lol.

[@MechKeyboards]

And I edited out about 10 minutes worth! 🤣 Thanks for watching, cheers!

[@silver33]

Will this be better than the Hyper X Core Origins?

[@MechKeyboards]

I'd certainly get this over the HyperX, primarily for the fact it's gasket mounted and is loaded with open source software.

[@silver33]

@@MechKeyboards Thank you.

[@MadmanLink]

I have the Hyper X tkl I love how it looks, but the stab's really suck and my spacebar rattles like a pop can with penny's in it.

[@silver33]

I just bought this keyboard and am waiting for it to arrive. I should be able to replace the key caps if I want to correct?

[@MechKeyboards]

@@silver33 yes, as long as they are Cherry MX compatible keys, as most are. Feel free to share your build on BudgetKeebs when finished, cheers! budgetkeebs.com