Ajazz AK980 vs Keychron V5Wireless Screen vs Wired Customization
Choose the Ajazz AK980 for wireless convenience and a built-in screen, or the Keychron V5 for deep firmware customization and a wired, enthusiast-focused build.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Ajazz AK980
Wireless Screen
- Tri-mode wireless connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4Ghz, wired).
- 1.14-inch TFT color screen for displaying time, battery, and custom GIFs.
- Large 8000mAh lithium battery for extended wireless use.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
Get the
Keychron V5
Wired Customization
Build quality in the top 5% of 96% boards under $100.
- Full QMK and VIA firmware support for deep programmability.
- Available in multiple ISO layouts (UK, German, French, Spanish, etc.).
- Features screw-in PCB stabilizers for a more stable modding platform.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
Your decision hinges on connectivity versus customization. For a wireless daily driver with a useful screen and solid out-of-box experience, the Ajazz AK980 is compelling. If you prioritize a wired, moddable platform with unmatched firmware customization for a tailored setup, the Keychron V5 is the superior tool. Consider if cutting the cord or diving into QMK is more important to your workflow.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Ajazz AK980
Keychron V5
Connection
Wireless
Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Case material
Plastic
ABS, Plastic
Switch options
Linear
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Mount style
Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount, Plate Mount, Tray Mount
Knob
No
Yes
- Ajazz AK980
- Keychron V5
- Performance
- 4291
- Build quality
- 5089
- Productivity
- 4298
- Customizability
- 5898
- Portability
- 5745
- Hot-swappable
What will you mostly use it for?
The Keychron V5 is the clear choice for gaming, programming, and modding due to its high polling rate, extensive firmware support, and enthusiast-friendly construction. The Ajazz AK980 wins for office use and travel, leveraging its wireless modes and large battery. For content creation, it's a tie, with each offering unique features like a screen or knob support. Your primary activity dictates the winner.
Pick the Keychron V5
- The Keychron V5 has a specified 1000 Hz polling rate for lower latency.
- Its south-facing RGB LEDs are designed to avoid interference with Cherry-profile keycaps, a common choice for gamers.
- The manufacturer states its latency is hardly noticeable in competitive games.
Ajazz AK980 vs Keychron V5 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
19 of 27 specs differ
Ajazz AK980
Keychron V5
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Ajazz AK980
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Keychron V5
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
Out of stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-ES
In stockDoes not ship to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
Out of stockDoes not ship to you
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Ajazz AK980 vs Keychron V5: your questions
Only the Ajazz AK980 offers wireless connectivity. It supports tri-mode connections: Bluetooth, 2.4Ghz wireless, and wired USB-C. The Keychron V5 is a wired-only keyboard.
No, the Keychron V5 does not have a screen. The Ajazz AK980 features a 1.14-inch TFT color screen that can display the time, connection mode, battery level, and customizable GIF animations.
The Keychron V5 fully supports QMK and VIA firmware, allowing for extensive key remapping and macro programming. The Ajazz AK980's product listing does not mention similar firmware customization support.
The Ajazz AK980 is equipped with an 8000mAh lithium battery. The manufacturer states it uses low-power chips and energy-saving technology for long battery life, but a specific runtime in hours is not provided.
Both keyboards offer Mac support. The Keychron V5 includes a system toggle and an additional set of customized keycaps for both macOS and Windows. The Ajazz AK980 also has side keys for switching between Win and Mac systems.
Yes, both the Ajazz AK980 and the Keychron V5 feature hot-swappable sockets, allowing you to change switches without soldering. The Keychron V5's PCB supports both 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches.
The Ajazz AK980 uses a five-layer gasket mount structure. The Keychron V5 uses a tray mount (plate mount) design, as stated in its specifications.
The Keychron V5 is available in variants that include a knob. The product is offered as 'Fully Assembled Knob' and 'Barebone Knob' versions, in addition to standard versions without a knob.
The Keychron V5 comes with OSA profile double-shot PBT keycaps, which have an OEM height and SA-like shape. The Ajazz AK980's listing confirms PBT keycaps but does not specify the profile.
The Keychron V5 has a significant advantage for international users. It is available in multiple ISO layouts, including UK, German, Nordic, Swiss, French, and Spanish. The Ajazz AK980 is listed with an ANSI layout.
The Keychron V5 has a polling rate of 1000 Hz. The manufacturer states this makes the latency hardly noticeable even in competitive games.
According to its listing, the Ajazz AK980 package includes the keyboard, a Type-C cable, a switch and keycap puller, and a user manual.
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