Keychron unveils low-profile wireless keyboards K3 HE and K3 Ultra with diverse switch options

In its latest announcement, Keychron combines design elements from three different keyboards to launch two new wireless models. The Keychron K3 HE is a low-profile gaming keyboard featuring Hall effect sensors, styled similarly to the K2 HE with pink wood accents. Meanwhile, the Keychron K3 Ultra pairs a similar slim profile and wooden side panels with fully mechanical POM switches.

The K2 HE proved to be a solid success for Keychron, prompting the brand to evolve that design language with these new devices. The K3 HE borrows the aesthetic cues seen in the K4 HE but shifts them into a thinner chassis complemented by new switches. The K3 Ultra takes inspiration from models like the K15 Max, adopting a low-profile layout and LSA keycaps, enhanced with pink wood accents, new Milk POM switches previously introduced in the K9 Max, and upgraded firmware debuted in the Ultra lineup.

Both keyboards are geared toward portable use with wireless connectivity, but they differ notably in their switches. The K3 Ultra uses traditional mechanical switches and supports a polling rate up to 8,000 Hz-an unusually high figure compared to the K3 HE’s 1,000 Hz limit. However, thanks to Hall effect sensors, the K3 HE offers deeper customization options such as adjustable actuation points, DKS, snap tap, rapid trigger modes, and analog input.

Both models feature a chassis with an ABS plastic bottom, aluminum guides, and decorative pink wood inlays. They support USB-C, 2.4 GHz radio, and Bluetooth 5.3 connections. The K3 Ultra comes with a hot-swap PCB compatible with 3- and 5-pin low-profile Gateron Low-Profile 2.0 switches, whereas the K3 HE employs a dedicated PCB tailored for magnetic Hall effect switches. Each keyboard sports a 75% layout with low-profile LSA keycaps made from double-shot PBT plastic-without backlit legends. Configuration is handled via the Keychron Launcher web interface. RGB lighting is per-key customizable. The K3 Ultra boasts up to 550 hours of battery life without lighting when using 2.4 GHz, while the K3 HE’s battery specs are yet to be disclosed.

Based on the info released so far, both boards likely use the same ABS chassis as previous K HE Special Edition models. It’s expected the K3 HE’s low-profile Ultra-Fast Lime switches will feature northern pole magnets, like other Keychron HE models, ensuring compatibility with universal low-profile magnetic switches from makers like Gateron and TTC.

Specs reveal that Milk POM low-profile switches offer a full travel distance of 3.1 mm, though the exact travel specs for the Ultra-Fast Lime switches haven’t been confirmed yet. Estimates range between 2.8 and 3.5 mm, with 2.8 mm considered more likely given the design. Pricing hasn’t been announced; Keychron is currently taking $3 pre-orders. The official launch for both the K3 HE and K3 Ultra is scheduled for February 12, when full specs and pricing will be revealed.