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The Keychron K3 Model 3 is a well-designed and slim entry level into the world of mechanical keyboards.
Execs
- Nice design
- Useful software program
- Extensive compatibility
- Strong construct
I’ve by no means been the largest mechanical keyboard fan. Positive, I dabble, and I benefit from the novelty of utilizing them once in a while. However, I discover the hurdle of getting used to the texture in my day-to-day typing a bit an excessive amount of. I nonetheless just like the thought of mechanical keyboards, although. I just like the look of them, I just like the sound of them, and I just like the customization they provide — so once I noticed that Keychron had a low-profile mechanical keyboard within the type of the Keychron K3 Model 3, I needed to attempt it out to see if it was the right middle-ground for me.
The K3 Model 3 takes the low-profile strategy from earlier iterations of the K3, however modifications out the keycaps and switches, and provides the keyboard QMK help for simpler customization. So, is the Keychron K3 Model 3 the mechanical keyboard for individuals who have an interest within the thought, however put on of an enormous shift to a very totally different really feel?
A slim and classy design
Keychron has a design aesthetic to it, and I actually prefer it. This model of the Keychron K3, like earlier fashions, is a 75% structure keyboard, and it’s designed to be ultra-slim, a minimum of so far as mechanical keyboards go.
The Keychron K3 Model 3 modifications up the design a bit although, in comparison with the second-generation mannequin. For starters, the keycaps are totally different, with Keychron removing the smaller sq. keycaps on the Model 2 mannequin, in favor of bigger caps that extra carefully match these used on different Keychron fashions. It seems to be nice, and whereas I didn’t use the Model 2 mannequin of the keyboard, I like the texture of the caps.
The colour scheme is a bit totally different, although not overly so. The keyboard nonetheless has a dual-tone grey colour scheme, with an orange escape key. It’s smooth and classy, whereas nonetheless providing that enjoyable contact. It’s additionally backlit — our mannequin has white backlighting, which I like, however it’s also possible to get it with full RGB backlighting.
The keyboard has a 75% structure, not providing a quantity pad however nonetheless having a row of perform keys on the high, and a few navigation keys on the right-hand aspect. That is simply in regards to the excellent structure for me. I sometimes use the Apple Magic Keyboard with a quantity pad, however by no means truly use the quantity pad — so it takes up rather more area than it must on my desk. It does have Contact ID although — one thing I want non-Apple keyboards may supply.
After all, the ultra-slim profile not solely impacts the typing expertise — it has an impact on design too. I discover that the keyboard does certainly look sort of like a cross between a regular non-mechanical keyboard just like the Magic Keyboard, and a standard mechanical keyboard. I’m a bit detached in regards to the peak of a keyboard (inside purpose), however when you like a slimmer look, you’ll just like the K3 Model 3.
Wired or wi-fi, however no dongle
Keychron keyboards are comparatively versatile in terms of connectivity, however there’s nonetheless room for enchancment. The K3 Model 3 helps all main working programs, each desktop and cellular. There’s a swap on the again to toggle between MacOS/iOS and Home windows/Android.
The opposite swap on the again is to toggle between Bluetooth, wired connectivity, or to show the keyboard off. Notably lacking is the power to attach the keyboard by means of a 2.4GHz reference to a dongle — one thing that’s on supply by some higher-end Keychron fashions. Keychron keyboards have been criticized for a poor Bluetooth connection up to now — although it’s not one thing I actually skilled with the K3 Model 3. Nonetheless, an included dongle would have been good.
Customization
One of many large upgrades for this era K3 is help for QMK, the open-source keyboard customization software program, but it surely additionally works the additionally web-based Keychron Launcher, which is maybe a bit extra person pleasant for individuals who aren’t fans.
The software program is fairly complete too. It permits you to set primary key mapping, but it surely additionally presents the power to set macros and carry out firmware updates. It really works nicely, and it’s straightforward to make use of.
A snug typing expertise
Earlier iterations of the Keychron K3 keyboard provided Gateron mechanical switches. Nonetheless, for this model, it appears as if Keychron has switched to its personal Keychron Low Profile 2.0 Mechanical switches. There are alternatives for both Pink or Brown switches, and our mannequin has Pink switches.
Usually talking, I actually favored the typing expertise on supply by the keyboard. Keys are well-spaced, although the spacing did take a bit getting used to, as somebody used to a bit extra room between keys. That stated, after just a few days of utilizing the keyboard, I did get used to that.
The precise really feel of the keys was nice too. Like I stated at first — I like the thought of mechanical keyboards greater than I find yourself liking the precise really feel of them long-term. However, this can be a keyboard I feel I may get used to extra simply. Keys don’t take as a lot effort to press, serving to preserve my typing velocity comparatively fast whereas I get used to the texture. That’s partially as a result of slim profile, however that’s an excellent factor for me.
Keychron says that the keys have new “superior acoustic foams,” that are supposed to assist make typing extra comfy, responsive, and fairly quiet. Certainly, the sound of the keyboard was a sort of basic sound, however quieter than different mechanical keyboards I’ve used up to now.
Conclusions
The Keychron K3 Model 3 is maybe the mechanical keyboard for individuals who aren’t die-hard mechanical keyboard followers, however like the thought of a better-designed, extra customizable, and extra satisfying typing expertise. Is it a keyboard I’ll use long-term? Properly, I’m actually going to maintain utilizing it for some time, even after my overview is finished. Over the course of the few weeks I used the keyboard, I bought used to its really feel, and love its look — and I feel you’ll too.
The competitors
For a lot of, the competitors to a low-profile mechanical keyboard is a standard keyboard — and people customers who’re interested in mechanical keyboards however weary of adopting a very totally different typing expertise ought to take into account this one. There may be different competitors to contemplate although. The Nuphy Airr75 is a top-rated low-profile keyboard that does have a 2.4GHz choice, for instance — however at the next value.
Must you purchase the Keychron K3?
Sure. It’s a well-designed, great-feeling low-profile keyboard.
