Page 4 - Conclusion
The Keychron V3 8K hails from multiple previous keyboards in the V-lineup, and our option today is a safe but reliable upgrade from previous ones. Its physical appearance is muted with a black-and-gray color scheme, although some splash of color is seen in the red Escape key and volume knob. Other appreciable features include its PBT double-shot keycaps, hot-swappable mechanical switches, RGB LED backlighting, two-step kickstands, and NKRO. It is limited to a wired connection, but this also brings an increased 8000Hz polling rate. The typing experience of the V3 8K is good without being too quiet and offering a decent feel. With layers of foam, padding, and other damping materials combined with the steel backplate, the audible feedback is clean but pronounced. I like the curved and rounded OSA profile double-shot PBT keycaps with a concave top for users to rest their fingers in. The RGB LED lighting is also nice, even if it serves more as an underglow than illuminating the legends. The web-based Keychron Launcher utility is easy to navigate and customize. Even so, there are some things prospective buyers should be aware of. First, the Keychron Apex Red switches are decent, but have a slightly squishy feel when first pressed. Second, this is not a wireless keyboard, unlike some previous keyboards in this lineup. Third, the loose small kickstands can be improved to better stay in place. Finally, the plastic frame does bend a bit, even though the rest of the keyboard is quite sturdy. At the time of the review, the Keychron V3 8K is available for $75, which is an accessible price point. As such, the V3 8K may not jump off the page for anything, but it nails the essentials well, which makes for a solid wired, tenkeyless option.
Keychron provided this product to APH Networks for the purposes of evaluation.
APH Networks Review Focus Summary:
8/10 means Definitely a very good product with drawbacks that are not likely going to matter to the end user.
7/10 means Great product with many advantages and certain insignificant drawbacks, but should be considered before purchasing.
-- Final APH Networks Numeric Rating is 7.2/10
Please note that the APH Networks Numeric Rating system is based off our proprietary guidelines in the Review Focus, and should not be compared to other publications.
The Keychron V3 8K is a wired mechanical keyboard that offers a solid typing experience and a faster 8000Hz report rate.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. A Closer Look - Hardware and Software
3. A Closer Look - Disassembly and Internals
4. Conclusion
