Keychron K8 Max vs Keychron V3 Max

Two wireless Keychron tenkeyless boards about £10 apart at UK list price. Both have hot-swap sockets that take 3-pin and 5-pin switches, QMK and VIA for remapping, and a 4,000 mAh battery.

They feel different. The K8 Max has a steel plate on a tray mount, which gives a firmer, more even bottom-out, and an aluminium top panel over a plastic case, with no knob. The V3 Max uses a gasket-mounted polycarbonate plate that flexes slightly under your fingers and tends to sound softer, and it adds a knob.

Pick the V3 Max if you want the softer gasket feel and a knob for less money. Pick the K8 Max if you prefer a stiffer typing feel, a heavier board that stays put (1,308 g against 895 g), or a plain top row without a knob.