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expired Posted by Eragorn | Staff • May 10, 2024
expired Posted by Eragorn | Staff • May 10, 2024

Keychron C3 Pro QMK/VIA Custom Wired Gaming Keyboard (Red or Brown Switches)

$27

$37

27% off
Amazon
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Keychron Basic via Amazon has Keychron C3 Pro QMK/VIA Custom Programmable Gaming Keyboard (Red or Brown Switches) on sale for $27.47. Shipping is free w/ Prime or on $35+ orders.

Thanks to Staff Member Eragorn for finding this deal.

Available:Features:
  • QMK/VIA software support: QMK / VIA is open-source software for keyboards that allows anyone to program and remap each key easily and quickly. You can personalize your own keyboard layouts, shortcuts, backlight effects, and more.
  • Gasket mount design: The C3 Pro uses a gasket mount structure to reduce sound resonance while adding more typing flexibility. Along with the sound-absorbing foam and the case foam, it provides you with a quieter and smoother typing experience.
  • 1000 Hz polling rate & NKRO: Empowered by the high- performance ARM architecture MCU with 256KB Flash, it provides a 1000 Hz polling rate for a fast and responsive typing speed in your working and gaming. The NKRO feature is convenient to help you enter multiple keypresses at a time.
  • Easy toggle between macOS and Windows: Press the key combo FN + CAPS to instantly change the keyboard working system to Mac / Win. And it accommodates universal keycaps compatible with both systems.
  • Shine-through double-shot ABS keycaps: Made through the ABS double-shot process, the keycaps are durable and wear-resistant. Meanwhile, the shine-through legends lit up by the north-facing LED present a glamorous look at your fingertips. And you can also switch from more than 14 types of red backlights.

Editor's Notes

Written by powerfuldoppler | Staff
  • About this deal:
    • This price is $2.43 lower than the previous Front Page deal.
  • About this product:
    • Rating of 4.6 from over 440 customer reviews.
  • About this store:

Original Post

Written by Eragorn | Staff
Product Info
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Product Info
Community Notes
About the Poster
Keychron Basic via Amazon has Keychron C3 Pro QMK/VIA Custom Programmable Gaming Keyboard (Red or Brown Switches) on sale for $27.47. Shipping is free w/ Prime or on $35+ orders.

Thanks to Staff Member Eragorn for finding this deal.

Available:Features:
  • QMK/VIA software support: QMK / VIA is open-source software for keyboards that allows anyone to program and remap each key easily and quickly. You can personalize your own keyboard layouts, shortcuts, backlight effects, and more.
  • Gasket mount design: The C3 Pro uses a gasket mount structure to reduce sound resonance while adding more typing flexibility. Along with the sound-absorbing foam and the case foam, it provides you with a quieter and smoother typing experience.
  • 1000 Hz polling rate & NKRO: Empowered by the high- performance ARM architecture MCU with 256KB Flash, it provides a 1000 Hz polling rate for a fast and responsive typing speed in your working and gaming. The NKRO feature is convenient to help you enter multiple keypresses at a time.
  • Easy toggle between macOS and Windows: Press the key combo FN + CAPS to instantly change the keyboard working system to Mac / Win. And it accommodates universal keycaps compatible with both systems.
  • Shine-through double-shot ABS keycaps: Made through the ABS double-shot process, the keycaps are durable and wear-resistant. Meanwhile, the shine-through legends lit up by the north-facing LED present a glamorous look at your fingertips. And you can also switch from more than 14 types of red backlights.

Editor's Notes

Written by powerfuldoppler | Staff
  • About this deal:
    • This price is $2.43 lower than the previous Front Page deal.
  • About this product:
    • Rating of 4.6 from over 440 customer reviews.
  • About this store:

Original Post

Written by Eragorn | Staff

Community Voting

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Top Comments

sirksel
52 Posts
86 Reputation
I think the comment section so far is missing the QMK angle. This is an *extremely* software-customizable keyboard, for which you can write your own firmware. This contains a 256KB flash ARM processor... the same one that is included in several $400 keyboards by very high-end manufacturers, of which I actually own several. Maybe the switches or the backlight or what not could be better in this one... but at least for me, that's not why I bought a dozen of them last BF. I use them for prototyping new custom keyboard layouts for my office team.

Unlike other "programmables," this is so much more than swapping CapsLock and Escape keys in some configurator software. If you have even a little proficiency in C++, you can make it into anything you can dream up. Google QMK firmware and have a look. You want to have an extra "shifted" layer for punctuation or a numpad or window control keys or programmable macro buttons or capsword (a capslock that automatically turns off at the next space)? No problem. You want a layer for home-row nav keys or mouse wheel up/down or F13-F24 extra function keys for macros... just add them to your layout file and flash. Want to switch from QWERTY to Dvorak to Colemak at the touch of a button... then this is a good entry-level model to try your firmware-building chops. You can have 32 layers, different tap-hold scenarios, multi-key chorded combos... it's a real (but fun) rabbit hole.

Don't get me wrong. There's definitely a learning curve. But most people don't want to drop $400 to see if they have the time and the C++ chops to build the required layout files. $30 is a totally different story. And you've got the same processor as the better keyboards that you can later step up and buy, if you're into it. Just my 2 cents on the value prop here...
mkdenar
1620 Posts
223 Reputation
Hot swappable RGB is somehow regularly $47 now $40 while just red LED is $50 now $27. That regular price makes no sense
FookNoe
1604 Posts
162 Reputation
Trying to decide if I want to sacrifice the num pad.

42 Comments

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May 10, 2024
5,063 Posts
Joined Sep 2012

This comment has been rated as unhelpful by Slickdeals users.

May 10, 2024
1,713 Posts
Joined Dec 2007
May 10, 2024
phewry
May 10, 2024
1,713 Posts
Quote from FookNoe :
Trying to decide if I want to sacrifice the num pad.
I wouldn't do it. I use num pad for street fighter punches and kicks.
Pro
May 10, 2024
1,620 Posts
Joined Jun 2011
May 10, 2024
mkdenar
Pro
May 10, 2024
1,620 Posts
Quote from SensiNips408 :
No idea what that means, but no lights on the keyboard sucks azz
RGB gang bringing their brightest to this thread
Pro
May 10, 2024
1,813 Posts
Joined Feb 2004
May 10, 2024
Kachur
Pro
May 10, 2024
1,813 Posts
I got mine deliver y-day. Using it with work mac, hard to adjust without the num pad. Like the feeling of it, def better than my cheapo red switch I had before and not mac compatible.
Weird but mine has no L key, just two K keys. Took me a while before I figured it out. I rarely look at the keyboard while typing but still was making many mistakes in that area. Guess will need to send it back over that... and absence of the numpad.
May 10, 2024
31 Posts
Joined Oct 2021
May 10, 2024
MagentaKestrel207
May 10, 2024
31 Posts
If you aren't sure what color to get, you probably want browns
1
May 10, 2024
58 Posts
Joined Nov 2023
May 10, 2024
CoralSwing6776
May 10, 2024
58 Posts
I bought one of these not long after they came out and it's a really nice keyboard at the price point. It really started me down a mechanical Keyboard rabbit hole. I've since bought a GMMK TKL, 2 Keychron V3's and most recently a Epomaker Galaxy 80.
May 11, 2024
69 Posts
Joined Jan 2015
May 11, 2024
Karbunkster
May 11, 2024
69 Posts
Quote from NeatShop7155 :
no blue switch
I used to be a blue-switch fan, but I am very happy with the brown key feel (I have been using this keyboard for half a year now). I wish another LED color is available besides red, but, oh well...

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May 11, 2024
404 Posts
Joined Nov 2012
May 11, 2024
ccsoccer23
May 11, 2024
404 Posts
I have this with red switches and use it to play Counter Strike and I have zero complaints. Very solid keyboard and hard to beat for the price.
May 11, 2024
903 Posts
Joined Oct 2007
May 11, 2024
ktlewis02
May 11, 2024
903 Posts
Its been this price for a little while. I bought one a month ago - it's pretty nice quality, especially for this price
May 11, 2024
26 Posts
Joined Dec 2015
May 11, 2024
mprunty2
May 11, 2024
26 Posts
Great keyboard. My daily driver while at work. I wish I would have sprung for the RGB version the first time. Oh well, time to add to the cart.
May 11, 2024
52 Posts
Joined Jun 2014
May 11, 2024
sirksel
May 11, 2024
52 Posts

Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank sirksel

I think the comment section so far is missing the QMK angle. This is an *extremely* software-customizable keyboard, for which you can write your own firmware. This contains a 256KB flash ARM processor... the same one that is included in several $400 keyboards by very high-end manufacturers, of which I actually own several. Maybe the switches or the backlight or what not could be better in this one... but at least for me, that's not why I bought a dozen of them last BF. I use them for prototyping new custom keyboard layouts for my office team.

Unlike other "programmables," this is so much more than swapping CapsLock and Escape keys in some configurator software. If you have even a little proficiency in C++, you can make it into anything you can dream up. Google QMK firmware and have a look. You want to have an extra "shifted" layer for punctuation or a numpad or window control keys or programmable macro buttons or capsword (a capslock that automatically turns off at the next space)? No problem. You want a layer for home-row nav keys or mouse wheel up/down or F13-F24 extra function keys for macros... just add them to your layout file and flash. Want to switch from QWERTY to Dvorak to Colemak at the touch of a button... then this is a good entry-level model to try your firmware-building chops. You can have 32 layers, different tap-hold scenarios, multi-key chorded combos... it's a real (but fun) rabbit hole.

Don't get me wrong. There's definitely a learning curve. But most people don't want to drop $400 to see if they have the time and the C++ chops to build the required layout files. $30 is a totally different story. And you've got the same processor as the better keyboards that you can later step up and buy, if you're into it. Just my 2 cents on the value prop here...
Last edited by sirksel May 10, 2024 at 10:42 PM.
2
May 11, 2024
339 Posts
Joined Sep 2016
May 11, 2024
Dhry
May 11, 2024
339 Posts
Quote from FookNoe :
Trying to decide if I want to sacrifice the num pad.
All good. You got numbers on other keys.
May 11, 2024
52 Posts
Joined Jun 2014
May 11, 2024
sirksel
May 11, 2024
52 Posts
Quote from Dhry :
All good. You got numbers on other keys.

FWIW, if you're buying this with the intent of putting in the time to write custom firmware files in QMK, you can put a numpad for number entry literally anywhere you want it. For example, on my rig, when I hold down the pointer finger of my left hand (in home row) my right hand (also in its home row position) is *immediately* on a numpad. I enter whatever number and then release the left pointer finger -- all without having to shift the right hand to other keys. There's also a way to lock the numpad layer if entering a long list of numbers.


I have similar layers for home-row cursor navigation keys (a la vim), function keys arranged like a numpad, symbols like () <> {} arranged together and more accessibly, multimedia keys, multi-key macro sequences, home-row shift/alt/ctrl modifiers, etc., each layer activated by just holding a different key down. If interested read this: https://docs.qmk.fm/#/feature_layers
Last edited by sirksel May 11, 2024 at 06:01 AM.
May 11, 2024
86 Posts
Joined Aug 2021
May 11, 2024
BraveStraw727
May 11, 2024
86 Posts
Quote from sirksel :
I think the comment section so far is missing the QMK angle. This is an *extremely* software-customizable keyboard, for which you can write your own firmware. This contains a 256KB flash ARM processor... the same one that is included in several $400 keyboards by very high-end manufacturers, of which I actually own several. Maybe the switches or the backlight or what not could be better in this one... but at least for me, that's not why I bought a dozen of them last BF. I use them for prototyping new custom keyboard layouts for my office team.

Unlike other "programmables," this is so much more than swapping CapsLock and Escape keys in some configurator software. If you have even a little proficiency in C++, you can make it into anything you can dream up. Google QMK firmware and have a look. You want to have an extra "shifted" layer for punctuation or a numpad or window control keys or programmable macro buttons or capsword (a capslock that automatically turns off at the next space)? No problem. You want a layer for home-row nav keys or mouse wheel up/down or F13-F24 extra function keys for macros... just add them to your layout file and flash. Want to switch from QWERTY to Dvorak to Colemak at the touch of a button... then this is a good entry-level model to try your firmware-building chops. You can have 32 layers, different tap-hold scenarios, multi-key chorded combos... it's a real (but fun) rabbit hole.

Don't get me wrong. There's definitely a learning curve. But most people don't want to drop $400 to see if they have the time and the C++ chops to build the required layout files. $30 is a totally different story. And you've got the same processor as the better keyboards that you can later step up and buy, if you're into it. Just my 2 cents on the value prop here...
your post is a public service.
you have not hit the tip of the iceberg because of things like tap / long press, leader keys, worm holes ... some of the advanced key stuff found in command lines, emacs, vi grammar

and all of it on device hw not chinese windows softwere e.i. plug and play

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May 11, 2024
299 Posts
Joined Dec 2008
May 11, 2024
tennesseean_87
May 11, 2024
299 Posts
Quote from sirksel :
I think the comment section so far is missing the QMK angle. This is an *extremely* software-customizable keyboard, for which you can write your own firmware. This contains a 256KB flash ARM processor... the same one that is included in several $400 keyboards by very high-end manufacturers, of which I actually own several. Maybe the switches or the backlight or what not could be better in this one... but at least for me, that's not why I bought a dozen of them last BF. I use them for prototyping new custom keyboard layouts for my office team.

Unlike other "programmables," this is so much more than swapping CapsLock and Escape keys in some configurator software. If you have even a little proficiency in C++, you can make it into anything you can dream up. Google QMK firmware and have a look. You want to have an extra "shifted" layer for punctuation or a numpad or window control keys or programmable macro buttons or capsword (a capslock that automatically turns off at the next space)? No problem. You want a layer for home-row nav keys or mouse wheel up/down or F13-F24 extra function keys for macros... just add them to your layout file and flash. Want to switch from QWERTY to Dvorak to Colemak at the touch of a button... then this is a good entry-level model to try your firmware-building chops. You can have 32 layers, different tap-hold scenarios, multi-key chorded combos... it's a real (but fun) rabbit hole.

Don't get me wrong. There's definitely a learning curve. But most people don't want to drop $400 to see if they have the time and the C++ chops to build the required layout files. $30 is a totally different story. And you've got the same processor as the better keyboards that you can later step up and buy, if you're into it. Just my 2 cents on the value prop here...
This is interesting. I don't know any C++, but how hard would it be to add a shifted layer to have some hotkeys up for a game?

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