Keychron C3 Professional QMK/VIA customized gaming keyboard evaluation

Key Takeaways

Finances-friendly, mechanical QMK/VIA keyboard.
Straightforward customization with hot-swappable switches.
Glossy and practical with full RGB backlighting and USB-C connectivity.

The Keychron C3 Pro QMK/VIA Custom Gaming Keyboard is hands-down considered one of my favourite entry-level mechanical keyboards . For lower than $70, it presents a bunch of gaming features , together with full QMK/VIA assist, RGB lighting, sturdy PBT keycaps, and several customization options.

Contemplate it the most effective entry-level keyboards for exploring totally different switches and layouts with out spending tons of of {dollars}.

Beneficial

Keychron C3 Professional

$25 $37 Save $12

The Keychron C3 Professional mechanical keyboard is a standout alternative for players and typists alike

Professionals

Compact Design
Customizable keys
Sturdy construct

Cons

No wi-fi choice
Loud
Lacks media management keys

Value, availability, and specs

The Keychron C3 Professional is priced at $36.99 at a number of on-line e-commerce retailers, together with Amazon. It really works with each Home windows and macOS and options USB-C connectivity for blazing-fast efficiency. The keyboard additionally consists of hot-swappable switches, full RGB backlighting, PBT keycaps, and quite a few customization choices.

Keychron C3 Professional

Model: Kasa
Dimensions: 3.3 x 3.3 x 4.7 inches
Wi-fi: No
Wired operation: USB-C
Keycaps: PBT

What I preferred in regards to the Keychron C3 Professional

Extremely customizable with QMK/VIA assist

The Keychron C3 Professional stands out as a consequence of its QMK and VIA firmware assist, which significantly enhances its customization capabilities. QMK firmware is open-source, permitting customers to program a big selection of combos. This flexibility is especially interesting to those that get pleasure from tailoring their keyboard to their particular wants.

As an example, QMK permits even essentially the most devoted gamer to remap any key and create totally new keyboard layouts. VIA presents a extra user-friendly method to customization, making it simpler to regulate settings without having to reconfigure firmware. This makes VIA a wonderful alternative for players looking for a personalised workflow with out diving deep into technical changes.

One other key characteristic that elevates the Keychron C3 Professional is its hot-swappable PCB, which permits customers to swap switches effortlessly with out soldering.

With QMK and VIA, customers can create customized shortcuts, assign a number of features to a single key, develop macros, and retailer varied keymaps for various working programs (e.g., Home windows, macOS, Linux). Moreover, you’ll be able to personalize RGB lighting with dynamic results and enhancements, resembling assigning particular colours to key combos or particular person keys. Sizzling-swappable switches for enhanced customization

One other key characteristic that elevates the Keychron C3 Professional is its hot-swappable PCB, which permits customers to swap switches effortlessly with out soldering. Whether or not you favor a tactile or clean press really feel, this keyboard allows you to combine and match switches in response to your duties. Changing worn-out switches is simple, requiring no soldering and guaranteeing your keyboard stays in tact. This characteristic is very helpful for inexperienced persons exploring totally different change sorts and for fast fixes that don’t require specialised instruments.

And talking of keys, not like the ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) keycaps generally discovered on on a regular basis gaming keyboards, the Keychron C3 Professional options PBT keycaps, identified for his or her sturdiness and resistance to put on and tear. They’ve a matte end and tough texture that provides a premium really feel that minimizes fingerprints. These keycaps additionally produce a satisfying sound, with a deeper, extra resonant tone in comparison with the higher-pitched sound of ABS keycaps.

A further spotlight of the Keychron C3 Professional is its 65% format. This compact design is smaller than full-size keyboards, omitting a number of pointless keys such because the quantity pad. This format not solely saves desk house but additionally permits customers to place their mouse nearer, which might improve consolation throughout prolonged work or gaming periods. The keyboard’s small profile additionally suits simply right into a backpack, making it an appropriate choice for cell workstations. Whether or not you are working at a spacious residence workplace desk or a extra cramped workspace, the Keychron C3 Professional adapts seamlessly.

What I did not like in regards to the Keychron C3 Professional

No wi-fi choice and media keys are lacking

One notable draw back of the Keychron C3 Professional is that it should at all times be related by way of a wired USB-C connection. It lacks Bluetooth and a couple of.4GHz wi-fi connectivity, which might restrict placement choices and motion freedom. This restriction means you’ll be able to’t use the keyboard too far out of your laptop or laptop computer.

Though the Keychron C3 Professional boasts vivid RGB backlighting, its customization choices are considerably restricted. You’ll discover predefined choices with a restricted variety of static colours, respiratory modes, and primary shade results. For extra superior RGB customization, resembling intricate lighting results and sport synchronization, you would possibly wish to discover higher-end fashions.

When you can remap media controls utilizing QMK/VIA, customers ought to know that the Keychron C3 Professional lacks devoted media keys. This implies you will want to make use of perform key combos to manage media playback, which could possibly be cumbersome if you happen to’re a frequent multitasker.

Moreover, the keyboard’s stabilizers could possibly be improved. Bigger keys, such because the Shift and Enter keys, could wobble and rattle sometimes. This may have an effect on the typing expertise, though it won’t be noticeable to inexperienced persons. Making use of some lubricant periodically can assist decrease rattling and enhance stability.

Must you purchase the Keychron C3 Professional?

The Keychron C3 Professional is a well-rounded alternative for anybody looking for an inexpensive mechanical keyboard with in depth customization choices. With options resembling QMK/VIA assist, hot-swappable switches, premium PBT keycaps, and a compact design, it caters to each novice customers and devoted players. If you happen to can handle with out wi-fi connectivity and do not thoughts the absence of devoted media keys, the Keychron C3 Professional is a stable alternative for on a regular basis use.