How is the K4 V3 crippled compared to the K10 V2? From my understanding the K4 V3 has better acoustics and retains all of the major functionality of the full sized board in a smaller package. Yes you lose a few keys but that can be fixed with layers. It also doesn't meet OP's criteria of being about $100. The V3 also has upgraded firmware and the key caps are PBT with the new generation.
I would definitely go with the K10 Pro but swap out the switches with silent ones. Outemu Silent Peach (linear) or Silent Yellow Jade (tactile) are good.
It's Logitech, so no.
Banana is a slightly heavier and smoother tactile switch.
For the K4 you need to get the RGB backlight version with the hot-swappable switches. The default is soldered which is practically a war crime.
I would get this over the 8K, because Keychron's version of ZMK in the 8K doesn't support ZMK Studio so you're dependent on Keychron keeping Launcher up indefinitely.
* https://www.keychron.com/products/keychron-q6-he-qmk-wireless-custom-keyboard
> is the full-size HE keyboard market still immature enough that I’d be better off waiting?
The magnetic keyboard market as a whole is kind of dodgy. Only Keychron has open source HE or TMR firmware, but there are people working on adding it to QMK or ZMK which should open things up.
Honestly, I would go with the Keychron K10 for a 100% board right now. With Keychron Silent Banana switches for typing feel.
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