Best Custom TKL Keyboard Under $200 - Keychron Q3 Unboxing, Mods, and Review
I recently decided to pick up the Keychron Q3 after hearing great things about the Q1 and Q2. Let's take it apart, do some sound tests, and some quick mods to make it the best custom keeb under $200!
Get 10% off using this link!
keychron.refr.cc/caddac
Or buy it off Amazon:
Keychron Q3 Knob Version | amzn.to/3Q5jPDq
Tape | amzn.to/3bvrRqJ
Gateron G Pro Switches | amzn.to/3bygVbU
Double Shot PBT Keycaps | amzn.to/3Q2Rf6c
Aviator Keyboard Cable | amzn.to/3d8po60
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║ TIMESTAMPS ║
00:00:00 - Intro
00:00:43 - Unboxing
00:05:44 - Stock Sound Test
00:06:58 - Gaskets
00:07:11 - Pricing
00:07:55 - Features
00:10:26 - Mods
00:11:41 - Tape Mod
00:13:40 - Force Break Mod
00:16:19 - Mods Sound Test
00:17:18 - Keycap Removal
00:18:48 - Switch and Keycap Swap
00:20:23 - Keycap and Switch Swap + Mods Sound Test
00:21:06 - Other options
00:22:15 - VIA
00:23:35 - Closing Thoughts
Feel free to leave any comments or suggestions in the comment section!
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Love you!
Thanks man. I just got my Q3 today and your mods/via walkthroughs were extremely helpful!
Hope you like it!
Nice video man! Thanks for doing it and showing some mods on the Q3… been tossing up between the K8 Pro vs Q3… but leaning towards the Q3 now
Glad I could help! I really love this board so far, definitely recommended!
I went back and forth between the Q5 and K10 and decided on the Q5! If wireless is something you can live without, you will love the quality of the Q Series!
Solid review - thank you! How did I not come across this video earlier? Just bought my Q3
Thank you! Hop you find the mods helpful!
I did the same mod originally when I bought this Keychron Q3 Knob Version. But wanted more thock - I took it apart and added THREE layers of painters tape, and added some thin foam (I ordered some screen protectors for my phone - and had four lying around).. I covered the base (where the foam is) also. *edit* I also added the extra foam that it came with, around the edges. It's got WAAAY more thock! I don't even have to buy Gateron Yellow or Ink Blacks I was planning to eventually swap out. Try it out, you'd be amazed!! SO much thock!!! *second edit* There is ZERO pinging with ^ the above mod.
Getting my q3 navy barebones knob edition with gateron oil kings and gmk red samurai, it's gonna be epic
I just ordered mine from there website two days ago. Hadn't shipped out yet but hopefully soon. I got Q3 barebones navy blue with knob. I also ordered kailh box v2 brown switches and PBT Dye-Sub in blue color (they call it beach) plus a set of ymdk double shot PBT shine through in Carbon color.
Hope you enjoy it once it comes in and you get it put together!
Great review, help me to make the decision to buy a Q3. Do you prefer this one or the Drop Ctrl High Profile? Thanks
As soon as I got my Q3 I stopped using the Drop CTRL entirely. It's a much much better built board and it sounds way nicer
Great review! Keychron makes a niceeee keyboard! The Q Series is of fantastic quality. I am a nube to mechanical keyboards. I am sure I have owned many in the early days but owning and knowing are two different things :-) The Q5 offers the perfect functionality to productivity balance for me. If you are an Excell user, the Q5 or Q6 is the way to go! Waiting for my Box Jades and Navies to arrive. I think I will split the keyboard between the two styles of switches. I also have JTK Keycaps on the way! I have spent more on dressing the Q5 than on the Q5 itself! Mechanical keyboards are so addictive!!!
I believe it's kind of expensive, and I don't own one, so no hands on recommendation. But keychron does have a separate numpad for those who want a smaller keyboard experience sometimes without buying 2 keyboards. I mention this because I recently got the q3 and if I was doing a bunch of number entries I would just do that.
you have a new 10% off link?
You should have got the White Shell version! I just recieved mines last week and instantly sold my black q3. My gmk jamon set looks so good on this board 🤟 great video
Maybe I'll check out the White in one of the other new sizes that released! Glad you liked the video
@@_Caddac get the white version in the keyboard you plan on using as your daily if you get me ? But nice man. I'll definitely be checking out your videos once they're out 🤟
Awesome stuff. How would you say it compares to the Ducky?
Entirely different beast. My Ducky boards are extremely well built but they don't have anywhere near this level of weight, typing feel, or sound. And my almost limitless customization ability with QMK and VIA compared to the very limited Ducky customization is welcomed as well.
Can putting masking tape on the back of the board prolongs it’s lifespan or cause any issues down the line ?
It won't cause any issues and it won't do anything to extend or shorten lifespan of anything.
Mine is supposed to be delivered today. Very excited. Will be my first custom. You mentioned they didn't charge you much for shipping? Shipping on that keyboard is $30! LOL
Considering how much it weighs that's actually pretty decent. Keychron has a flat rate across everything on their site which can be unfortunate when you order small things but when getting a keyboard that weighs almost 5lbs it's pretty good
Did you get yours yet? I ordered mine a couple days ago. Very excited too.
@@BennyTygohome I did and I absolutely love it. It is quiet compared to the youtube videos sounds. I replaced the keycaps with cherry profile caps and am enjoying it for sure. Haven't even bothered opening it up to do the mods I had planned. Maybe in the future, but for now, it is the best keyboard I have ever typed on and I love it.
Hello! What kind of tape is that? Can I use regular electrical tape?
It's just some painters tape. I wouldn't recommend electrical tape, using masking or painters tape.
@@_Caddac so masking tape or painters tape will do the job
@@Alex-lw2xc Yeup
Is there a reason for using painter's tape instead of electrical tape?
Electrical tape doesn't stick well over long periods of time to things that aren't itself or wire shielding. And it also leaves a nasty residue.
@@_Caddac Thanks, I'm getting the Keychron Q3 Pro SE Wireless tomorrow.
sorry what do you mean by putting it on the bottom plate? I don't exactly know what that is and i want to do the force break mod
I mean, I literally show what I'm doing. I don't know what else to tell you.
@@_Caddac at 15:47 you said you would recommend putting it on the bottom plate instead of the top plate like you did so the tape doesen't stick out. I'm just wondering what that is. Is it the steel part with the key hole cutouts?
The bottom steel plate
@@_Caddac thank you, sorry sounded stupid by not mentioning the timestamp
CUT away!!!! never towards your fingers!!! :D they keyboard looks amazing!!
Safety third