Our Analysis
The Keychron K3 version 2 is a compact and lightweight mechanical keyboard that has managed to impress with its overall performance and versatility. What we found most notable is the keyboard's comfortable typing experience, attributed to its Low Profile 2.0 Mechanical switches, which were consistently praised across multiple expert reviews. The simultaneous connection to three devices over Bluetooth and the swappable switches for customization are additional strengths, providing users with the flexibility to tailor the keyboard to their preferences. Moreover, the 75% layout is a thoughtful inclusion, combining compactness with functionality, as it retains arrow keys and a function row without adding unnecessary bulk. Despite these positives, some reservations have been expressed regarding the low-profile switches, which may not be to everyone's liking, and concerns about reduced battery life compared to its predecessor.
View Review Insights Hide Review Insights
Key Points
What Reviewers Love
- +
Simultaneous connection to three devices over Bluetooth
Cited by 4 sources
- +
Comfortable typing experience with Low Profile 2.0 Mechanical switches
Cited by 4 sources
- +
Swappable switches for customization
Cited by 3 sources
- +
75% layout includes arrow keys and function row
Cited by 3 sources
What To Consider
- −
Low-profile switches may be an acquired taste
Cited by 2 sources
- −
Reduced battery life compared to previous model
Cited by 2 sources
- −
Flimsy build quality and structural integrity issues
Cited by 2 sources
- −
Slim shell means short battery life
Cited by 1 sources
check_circle Best For
- Portable keyboard enthusiasts
- Mac and Windows users
- Users seeking customizable keyboards
warning Consider Carefully
- Individuals needing heavy-duty build quality
- Those requiring long battery life
Specifications
Features
- Batteries
- 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included)
Physical
- Item weight
- 1.1 pounds
- Product dimensions
- 12.05 x 4.57 x 0.87 inches
Source Analysis
This review synthesizes insights from 48 independent sources to provide a comprehensive, unbiased assessment.
Expert Reviews (11)
Professional testing labs & tech publications
The Keychron K3 version 2 is a slim, lightweight mechanical keyboard with a compact 75% layout, featuring Low Profile Gateron Mechanical switches and a choice between white or RGB backlighting. It offers hot-swappable optical switches and wireless Bluetooth connectivity, supporting Macs, iOS, Windows, and Android. The keyboard's low profile design provides a tactile feel with less key travel, making it comfortable for typing.
Pros
- Slim and lightweight aluminum body
- Compact 75% layout with Low Profile caps
- Hot-swappable (Optical only)
- Wireless Bluetooth connectivity with cross-platform support
Cons
- Hard to find replacement keycaps
- Hot-swap only for Optical switches
- Low Profile is not for everyone
The Keychron K3 version 2 impresses with its slim design, variety of mechanical and optical switches, and compatibility with both Mac and Windows devices. Its swappable switches allow for customization without needing a new device. However, the slim profile results in a short battery life, and the exposed key design necessitates a protective pouch for travel, which is an additional cost.
Pros
- Attractive slim design
- Swappable switches for customization
- Mac and Windows-centric keycaps included
- Pretty backlighting
Cons
- Slim shell means short battery life
- Exposed key design is not ideal for travel
The Keychron K3 version 2 is a compact, mid-range wireless mechanical keyboard with a low profile design and enhanced two-level incline adjustment. Released in 2019, it offers a choice between Gateron Blue, Brown, and Red switches and is fully compatible with both Windows and macOS. It features three-position inclining feet and RGB backlighting with per-key illumination.
Pros
- Compact 75% size keyboard
- Offers choice of Gateron Blue, Brown, and Red switches
- Enhanced two-level incline adjustment
- RGB backlighting with per-key illumination
Video Reviews (4)
Hands-on demonstrations & setup guides
- Ideal for those preferring slim, low travel keyboards
- Suitable for users seeking a compact, 70% keyboard
- Good option for those who type for long hours
- Ideal for Mac users with default Mac layout
- Suitable for those who want a compact mechanical keyboard
- Great for wireless use with multi-device support
- Ideal for users seeking a customizable mechanical keyboard
- Offers a typing experience with firmer switches
- Suitable for multi-device users with Bluetooth and wired connectivity
Community Discussions (4)
Real owners sharing experiences
u/leadshot747
ComparisonThe Keychron K3 version 2 is recommended for users accustomed to the MAC keyboard layout who desire a mechanical keyboard without needing to relearn their typing. It offers the exact same layout as a MacBook, making it a seamless transition for high WPM typists.
- Ideal for users with high WPM looking for a mechanical keyboard that mirrors the MAC keyboard layout
- No need to relearn typing, maintaining typing speed and accuracy
u/TipsyBlueWhale
Comparison- The Keychron K3 version 2 is an excellent choice for those looking for a low profile keyboard with Mac keycaps.
- The keyboard is seen as a solid entry point into the mechanical keyboard market.
- Users can expect to be satisfied with the K3 for its natural lifetime, without needing to upgrade frequently.
u/LipsLikeCrispyBacon
Setup Showcase- The board's unique stabilizer design locks in keycap sets, which may be a pro or con depending on user preference
- Quality control issues with stripped screws are a common concern
- Custom solutions like 3D printed stabilizers are being sought to overcome keycap limitations
Customer Reviews Amazon
What buyers are saying
1,391 reviews
Recently Added Reviews
Excellent keyboard
Excellent slim keyboard with great features
Great for a first mechanical keyboard! Easy typing.
Excellent compact keyboard, very well made, especially for the price.
Recommend
The media could not be loaded.
Excellent keyboard. The size, build quality, and key quality are all very good. I don’t really need all the RGB lighting modes, but there are plenty of them. It connects to devices very quickly, and I’ve had no issues with connection stability or quality.This is my first mechanical keyboard, so it felt unusual for the first couple of months, and I still occasionally hit the wrong keys — mostly because of the compact size. Overall, though, everything is great.Personally, I would choose slightly heavier switches to avoid accidental key presses. The battery lasts about 2–3 days with constant backlighting. I usually keep the backlight at 50%, and in that case the keyboard lasts much longer — about a week for me. I don’t game; I use it for work about 7–9 hours a day.Final thoughts: I recommend it. The size can be both a plus and a minus — it takes some getting used to — but the quality is impressive. I would choose heavier keyboard switches; mine are red switches.
Reviews shown are from Amazon customers and do not reflect our editorial assessment.
The Verdict
The Keychron K3 version 2 is a genuinely impressive compact mechanical keyboard, delivering multi-device Bluetooth connectivity, hot-swappable switches, and a comfortable low-profile typing experience in a slim 75% layout that retains arrow keys and a function row. It earns its place as one of the better portable mechanical keyboards at its price point. The low-profile switches are an acquired taste for some, and battery life is slightly reduced compared to its predecessor — but neither concern should overshadow what is an otherwise well-rounded and versatile keyboard.
