GMMK Pro Vs Keychron Q3

Hot-swappable mechanical keyboards like GMMK Pro Vs Keychron Q3 are ideal for different applications, whether you want to game or just type on it. These keyboards are some of the best in the price range, and you may wonder which model to choose because of the price difference. Today we will see what these famous hot-swappable keyboards can offer and help you choose one.

In this comparison, we will talk about the following:

  • What are the GMMK Pro and Keychron Q3?
  • How is the Design of GMMK Pro and Keychron Q3?
  • What is the Switch in GMMK Pro and Keychron Q3?
  • How is the Typing Experience with GMMK Pro and Keychron Q3?
  • How is the Software for GMMK Pro and Keychron Q3?
  • GMMK Pro Vs Keychron Q3
  • Which Mechanical Keyboard to Buy?
GMMK ProKeychron Q3
Product Dimensions13.07 x 5.3 x 1.6 inches
14.37 x 5.39 x 1.28 inches
Shipping Weight3.88 pounds
5.96 pounds
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About the GMMK Pro and Keychron Q3

Do you need a new keyboard? Consider a hot-swappable mechanical keyboard because it gives you higher freedom to customize it later. The keyboard may be more expensive than typical options, but the features are worth investing in. Some of the best customizable keyboards you can try are GMMK Pro and Keychron Q3. These keyboards are already impressive out of the box but customizable to be better with different switches, keycaps, or USB cables. Price-wise, the GMMK Pro is more expensive, but it can be the better choice for some people.

The GMMK Pro and Keychron Q3 are perfect options for everyone who want a customizable keyboard, and since they come from different companies, you can expect to see the different switch aKeychron Q2 Vs Keychron Q1s well. The switch is crucial because it affects the user experience. Any switch will register the command fine, but the feedback and speed may vary. Another difference between these keyboards is styling because, as you can see, the Q3 is a ten-key-less model meaning it has more keys than the 75% compact GMMK Pro. Read also: Keychron Q2 Vs GMMK Pro.

So, which is the better mechanical keyboard, GMMK Pro or Keychron Q3? The answer varies because it can be subjective. Some people prefer the pre-built switch on the Q3 and vice versa. In addition, the GMMK Pro is pretty expensive compared to similar alternatives, including Q3. Yet, we understand why people want to pay more for this keyboard, especially if you put build quality as the first concern. Otherwise, the Keychron Q3 offers the same features but is cheaper if you plan to change the switch later.

GMMK Pro and Keychron Q3 Design

One of the reasons why the GMMK Pro becomes costly is the build quality because the unit uses an aluminum base and frame, making it hefty and feel more rigid than typical mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Q3 only uses an aluminum frame with a polycarbonate base, making it lighter. In addition, because the Q3 is a TKL model, this keyboard is wider, with several additional buttons on the left, mainly for navigation. Both keyboards have a programmable encoder.

GMMK Pro and Keychron Q3 Switch

If you want to save the budget for switches and keycaps, we suggest getting the barebone version of these keyboards because they sell them. Especially the GMMK Pro, since the price gap between pre-built and barebone is almost double. This way, you dont have to pay for the items you don’t want to use. If you want a ready-to-use keyboard, these keyboards come with Linear Fox and Gateron G Pro switches. These switches are good, and many may have tried or have them.

The linear switches are best for typing because they are light and quiet but may not be as satisfying as the blue and brown ones. Our favorite is the brown switch because it is tactile, has decent feedback, and is quiet enough for most people. The brown switch from Glorious is one of the best in the market, but we also love the Gateron tactile switch. Of course, you can change the pre-built switches with your favorite. Key pullers are included in the box for convenience.

GMMK Pro and Keychron Q3 Typing Experience

The typing experience with GMMK Pro and Keychron Q3 is different due to the difference in keycaps. Both keyboards use double-shot PBT keycaps, so we dont have issues with the material and how they feel on your fingertips, but the shape is different. As you can see, the Q3 has rounded edges, which are prominent in many Keychrone keyboards like the Keychron Q2 Vs Keychron Q1. This new design makes the keys appear softer and more comfortable when you type fast and hit the edges.

Like most good mechanical keyboards, these two have screwed-in stabilizers to improve the key’s stability. Mechanical keyboards usually have a slight wobble on the keys, especially the large keys like the spacebar and enter keys which is normal. The GMMK Pro and Keychron Q3 also have the same issue, but it is not bad and will not hinder your performance. As for comfort, these keyboards are relatively tall; hence some people may need to add a wrist rest to support their hand, moreover for prolonged application.

GMMK Pro and Keychron Q3 Software

You can’t only customize the physical element of the keyboards but also program the keys and encoders. We love the encoders because it is a handy feature you can set for different functions through the software. You can also adjust the RGB lighting to match the aesthetic. The GMMK Pro is programmable through Glorious Core software, while the Keychron Q3 is compatible with QMK and VIA, making it more versatile for users and developers. These keyboards are compatible with Windows and Mac.

GMMK Pro Vs Keychron Q3

The GMMK Pro and Keychron Q3 are some of the best mechanical keyboards you can buy today, but they differ. The build quality is better on GMMK Pro, making it the more expensive choice, so we recommend the barebone if you change the switch later. The Keychron Q3 is a TKL model, so it is wider with more keys and mostly made of plastic, making it lighter. These keyboards are hot-swappable, but we prefer the keycaps in Q3 as they are rounder.

Both keyboards are programmable using the respective software, but the Q3 is QMK and VIA supported, making it the better choice. We also heard some people find issues with the Glorious Core software, so the integration may not be as smooth.

- Premium Design: Gasket-mounted, 75% percent fully modular, tkl hot swappable keyboard, built for everyone. Compatible with QMK & VIA opensource firmware. Also compatible with Glorious Core software.
- Gasket Mounted Plate Design: Naturally dampens keystrokes for a unique haptic and acoustic typing experience. Pre-lubed screw in GOAT stabilizers.
- CNC Aluminum Case: Individually Machined and Engraved - Aesthetic High-Profile Frame - High-Quality Aluminum. Create a custom mechanical keyboard 75% design
- Custom Lighting: Signature Side Lighting Panel - Fully programmable 16.8 million color RGB - Custom Per-Key RGB
- 87 Keys Tenkeyless Full Aluminum Frame: The Q3 Knob Version is a fully customizable mechanical keyboard with the classic tenkeyless layout that push your typing experience to the top. With a solid full aluminum frame, the Q3 is designed for premium typing comfort and endless possibility.
- Fully Customizable Mechanical Keyboard: To build a fully customizable keyboard, we designed every component easily assembled. With full QMK and VIA support, you can easily program and remap each key on the keyboard. The open-source firmware means endless possibilities for keyboard layouts, shortcuts, backlight effects, even the knob, and more.
- Innovative Double Gasket: This Double-Gasket Structure allows the keyboard to maintain the flexibility of the gasket structure and improves the overall typing sound. We added silicone pads between the top and bottom cases to significantly reduce the sound resonance between the metals and reduce the noise of the impacted metals.
- Hot-swappable Support: With the pre-lubed Gateron G Pro mechanical linear red switch providing unrivaled tactile responsiveness with up to 50 million keystroke lifespan. You can also hot-swap the Q3 with almost all of the 3pin and 5pin MX mechanical switches on the market (including Cherry, Gateron, Kailh, Panda, etc.) without soldering required. The PCB-mounted screw-in stabilizer for “big keys” such as space bar, shift, enter, and delete are designed for less wobbliness.

Conclusion

There is no wrong choice between GMMK Pro and Keychron Q3 because they are equally good options for customizability. We recommend the GMMK Pro if you want a keyboard with a rigid build because the frame and base are made of aluminum, and it feels rugged. This keyboard is also good if you want to buy the barebone version and buy the switch and keycaps separately. On the other hand, the Q3 is better for those who want to optimize their budget because this keyboard has all the features at a more affordable price.