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Compare Nuphy Air96 V2 vs Keychron K5 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for users deciding between two premium, low-profile wireless mechanical keyboards. The Nuphy Air96 V2 offers a 96% layout that saves desk space while keeping a numpad, whereas the Keychron K5 Max is a full 100% size. Both support QMK/VIA, hot-swapping, and tri-mode connectivity, making the choice hinge on layout preference, battery capacity, and specific build features.

91
Nuphy Air96V2 Low Profile Mechanical Keyboard Kit
86
Keychron K5 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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0.0 (0)
3.9 (22)
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Low-Profile Mechanical switch options
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1020 g
  • Sized at 14 x 373 x 133 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, ABS, Plastic case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 100% layout
  • Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO, ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a PCB Mount mounting style
  • Equipped with a 2000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 720 g
  • Sized at 18 x 424 x 119 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Aluminum case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 80
  • Build Quality: 81.9
  • Productivity: 88.4
  • Customizability: 94.9
  • Portability: 55.7
Scores
  • Performance: 82.4
  • Build Quality: 81.8
  • Productivity: 89.4
  • Customizability: 90.1
  • Portability: 54.8
Name
Nuphy Air96 V2
Name
Keychron K5 Max
Release year
2023
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Low-Profile Mechanical
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Profile
Low Profile
Profile
Low Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
96%
Layout Size
100%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO, ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
2000 mAh
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Tray Mount
Mount Style
PCB Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, North-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum, ABS, Plastic
Case Material
ABS, Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
14 x 373 x 133 mm
Dimensions
18 x 424 x 119 mm
Weight
1020g
Weight
720g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary layout need dictates the choice. If you require a full-sized keyboard with a numpad and value international layout support, the Keychron K5 Max is the logical pick. If you prefer to save desk space with a compact layout that still includes a numpad, and prioritize maximum battery life, the Nuphy Air96 V2 is the better option. Both deliver excellent low-profile typing experiences with top-tier customization.

Nuphy Air96 V2

  • +Larger 4000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
  • +More compact 96% layout retains numpad in a smaller footprint.
  • +Includes multiple sound-dampening layers: plate poron, PCB IXPE, PET pad, and spacebar silicone.
  • +Vendor offers a wide selection of themed low-profile keycap sets and a dedicated travel case.
  • +Side RGB light bars indicate connection status and battery level.
  • −Only supports ANSI layout, lacking ISO options.
  • −The compact layout may feel cramped for users accustomed to full-sized keyboards.
  • −Relies on vendor-specific low-profile switches (Nuphy/Gateron KS-33).

Keychron K5 Max

  • +Full 100% layout with a numpad and 12 multimedia keys.
  • +Supports multiple layout standards including ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, and ISO-UK.
  • +Includes keycap sets for both macOS and Windows in the box.
  • +Features internal IXPE acoustic foam and latex foam for sound dampening.
  • +Redesigned stabilizers for less wobble on large keys.
  • −Smaller 2000mAh battery compared to the Air96 V2.
  • −Larger and heavier (424mm long, 720g) footprint.
  • −Some user reviews note that the double-shot PBT keycaps are not shine-through, limiting backlight visibility.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron K5 Max is the clear choice for office work and content creation where a full-sized layout and international key support are priorities. The Nuphy Air96 V2 wins for programming and travel due to its space-efficient design and larger battery. For gaming and modding, both keyboards are equally capable, offering high-performance wireless and extensive customization through hot-swap sockets and open-source firmware.

GamingTie
  • •Both offer a 1000Hz polling rate in 2.4GHz and wired modes for low latency.
  • •Both are hot-swappable, allowing for switch customization to personal preference.
  • •Both feature N-key rollover for reliable simultaneous key presses.
OfficeKeychron K5 Max
  • •The Keychron K5 Max has a dedicated 100% layout with a full numpad and 12 multimedia keys.
  • •It offers official support for ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, and ISO-UK layouts, catering to international users.
  • •Its listing mentions included keycaps for both macOS and Windows for seamless OS switching.
ProgrammingNuphy Air96 V2
  • •The Nuphy Air96 V2's 96% layout provides arrow keys and a numpad in a more compact footprint.
  • •It includes a larger 4000mAh battery for longer untethered use.
  • •Its vendor description highlights dedicated MacOS shortcut support via QMK, including Spotlight and Dictation.
TravelNuphy Air96 V2
  • •The Nuphy Air96 V2 is more compact (373mm long) and slightly lighter (663g) than the K5 Max.
  • •It has a significantly larger 4000mAh battery, potentially doubling usage time between charges.
  • •Nuphy offers an optional travel case accessory, the NuFolio V3, designed for the Air96.
ModdingTie
  • •Both keyboards are hot-swappable and support QMK/VIA firmware for deep customization.
  • •Both vendors sell a wide array of compatible low-profile switches and keycap sets.
  • •Each has internal sound-dampening materials; the Air96 V2 uses plate poron, PCB IXPE, and a PET sound pad, while the K5 Max uses IXPE and latex foam.
Content CreationKeychron K5 Max
  • •The Keychron K5 Max's full 100% layout includes a numpad, which is useful for data entry and shortcut macros.
  • •It features 12 multimedia keys for quick media control.
  • •The vendor page states it includes keycaps for both Mac and Windows, aiding users who switch platforms for different creative suites.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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