Key Takeaways
1. Keychron introduces two new keyboards: K3 HE with Hall effect sensors and K3 Ultra with mechanical switches and 8K polling rate.
2. K3 HE offers deeper customization options due to its Hall effect sensors and magnetic switches.
3. Both keyboards are expected to have an ABS bottom case and may be compatible with universal low-profile HE switches.
4. Keychron Milk POM Low-Profile switches have a travel distance of 3.1 mm, while Ultra-Fast Lime switches are estimated to be between 2.8 mm and 3.5 mm.
5. Official pricing for the K3 HE and K3 Ultra will be announced on February 12, with a $3 reservation fee for early bird pricing.
Keychron’s K2 HE has become quite popular for the brand, and now they are continuing with this success by introducing two new keyboards. The K3 HE adopts the design we admired in our review of the Keychron K4 HE, but it features a low-profile setup with entirely new switches. Meanwhile, the K3 Ultra takes inspiration from the K15 Max we’ve reviewed before, using its low-profile design and LSA keycaps, while also incorporating the rosewood accents found in the K3 HE and the new Milk POM switches that were previously seen in the Keychron K9 Max. Additionally, it includes the firmware updates that come with the recent Ultra series.
Wireless Features and Differences
Both keyboards are designed for wireless use and are suitable for portable applications, but there are key differences between the K3 Ultra 8K and the K3 HE. To begin, the K3 Ultra is mechanical, whereas the K3 HE is equipped with Hall effect sensors. The K3 Ultra also has a polling rate of 8K, which seems unusual since the K3 HE only reaches a maximum of 1 kHz. Thanks to its Hall effect sensors and magnetic switches, the K3 HE is able to provide deeper customization options for features such as actuation point DKS, snap tap, rapid trigger, and analog input.
Speculation on Specifications
From what Keychron has shared about their upcoming low-profile gaming keyboards, we can make some guesses regarding the specs of the K3 HE and K3 Ultra. Although Keychron has not confirmed it, it is reasonable to think that both keyboards will have the ABS bottom case similar to the original K HE Special Edition models. It also seems probable that they will feature the Keychron Ultra-Fast Lime Low-Profile switches with north-pole magnets, akin to the regular Ultra-Fast Lime switches we encountered in the Q1 HE 8K review. This suggests that the K3 HE might be compatible with standard “universal” low-profile HE switches, like the Gateron Magnetic Jade Pro switches (currently priced at $79.99 for 90 switches on Amazon) or those from TTC, such as the Low-Profile KOM switches.
Travel Distance and Pricing
While we know the Keychron Milk POM Low-Profile switches have a total travel of 3.1 mm, there has been no specification provided on the travel distance for the Ultra-Fast Lime switches. Nevertheless, those switches are likely based on designs from an OEM, so their travel distance may fall between 2.8 mm and 3.5 mm. Considering the box stem and the short travel distance of the original Ultra-Fast Lime switches, it seems reasonable to suggest that 2.8 mm is a closer estimate. The pricing for these two keyboards remains uncertain, with Keychron only announcing a $3 reservation fee for early bird pricing. The official launch is set for February 12, at which point the actual specifications and pricing will be revealed.
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