Keychron's New K3 HE and K3 Ultra Bring Hall Effect and Mechanical Low-Profile Keyboards to the Portable Market

Keychron is expanding its popular keyboard lineup with two new low-profile models that bring distinct switch technologies to the portable keyboard market. The K3 HE and K3 Ultra both feature the company's signature rose wood accents and clean aesthetic design, but differ significantly in their underlying technology and target use cases.

Two Different Approaches to Low-Profile Gaming

The K3 HE represents Keychron's continued investment in Hall effect technology, bringing magnetic switches to a more compact form factor. This keyboard uses the same design language that impressed reviewers in the larger K4 HE, but shrinks it down to a portable 75% layout. The Hall effect sensors enable advanced features like adjustable actuation points, dynamic key scanning (DKS), snap tap functionality, rapid trigger, and even analogue input capabilities.

In contrast, the K3 Ultra takes a more traditional mechanical approach while still pushing the boundaries of what's possible in a low-profile design. It features Keychron's new Milk POM switches in linear red, tactile brown, and sharp tactile banana variants, paired with the company's LSA low-profile keycaps for a sleek typing experience.

Technical Specifications Compared

Both keyboards share several core features including wireless connectivity via USB-C, 2.4 GHz, and Bluetooth 5.3, along with per-key north-facing RGB backlighting. However, they diverge significantly in their performance characteristics:

K3 Ultra 8K:

• 8K polling rate (8,000 Hz) over wired and 2.4 GHz connections
• 2,000 Hz and 1,000 Hz options available
• 133 Hz over Bluetooth
• Mechanical switches with hot-swappable PCB
• 550 hours battery life (tested without backlighting)

K3 HE:

• 1,000 Hz polling rate across all connection methods
• Hall effect magnetic switches
• Deeper customization through Keychron Launcher software
• Battery life not yet specified

Design and Build Quality

Both models feature an ABS bottom case with aluminum rails and the distinctive rose wood edge accents that have become a signature of Keychron's premium offerings. The K3 HE's Hall effect implementation suggests compatibility with universal low-profile HE switches, potentially including options from Gateron and TTC.

The K3 Ultra's Milk POM switches have a total travel distance of 3.1mm, while the Ultra-Fast Lime switches in the K3 HE are expected to fall between 2.8mm and 3.5mm based on similar switch designs from OEMs.

Market Positioning and Availability

These keyboards are clearly aimed at users who want high-performance features in a portable package. The K3 HE targets enthusiasts interested in the customization potential of Hall effect switches, while the K3 Ultra appeals to gamers who prioritize polling rate and mechanical switch feel.

Keychron has opened $3 reservations for early bird pricing, with both keyboards officially launching on February 12. This pricing strategy suggests the company expects significant demand and wants to reward early adopters.

Looking Ahead

The introduction of these two models demonstrates Keychron's commitment to offering choice in switch technology while maintaining consistent design language across its product lines. The K3 HE's advanced features like analogue input and rapid trigger position it as a serious contender in the growing Hall effect keyboard market, while the K3 Ultra's 8K polling rate puts it at the cutting edge of mechanical keyboard performance.

For users deciding between these models, the choice largely comes down to whether they value the customization and precision of Hall effect switches or the familiar feel and extreme polling rates of high-end mechanical switches. Both keyboards represent significant advancements in portable keyboard technology, continuing Keychron's trend of bringing premium features to more accessible price points.