Chilkey ND104 vs Keychron V5 Max: Aluminum vs Plastic Full-Size

Compare Chilkey ND104 vs Keychron V5 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a premium, feature-rich full-size keyboard and a more affordable, compact 96% layout. The decision hinges on material preference, budget, and the need for a built-in screen versus a smaller footprint. Both offer extensive customization with hot-swap, QMK/VIA support, and tri-mode connectivity, making the choice about core construction and layout.

Model
Rating	5.0 stars (14 reviews)	4.8 stars (12 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2025 Has Clicky, Silent, Linear switch options Available in a 100% layout Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-UK layout standard Includes a Yes, LCD display Uses a Plate Mount mounting style Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery Sized at 34 x 438 x 140 mm Made with a Aluminum case Features PBT keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting	Released in 2023 Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options Available in a 96% layout Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO, ANSI layout standard Includes a No display Provides dedicated media keys Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery Weighs about 925 g Sized at 22 x 149 x 392 mm Made with a ABS, Plastic case Features PBT, ABS keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 81.4 Build Quality: 92.1 Productivity: 96.7 Customizability: 99.3 Portability: 65.1	Scores Performance: 83.6 Build Quality: 86.4 Productivity: 97.5 Customizability: 99.5 Portability: 53.1
Name	Name Chilkey ND104	Name Keychron V5 Max
Release year	Release year 2025	Release year 2023
Switch Options	Switch Options Clicky, Silent, Linear	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 100%	Layout Size 96%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO, ISO-UK	Layout Standard ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO, ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support LCD	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 8000 mAh	Battery capacity 4000 mAh
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Plate Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb	Backlight Rgb, South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum	Case Material ABS, Plastic
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT, ABS
Dimensions	Dimensions 34 x 438 x 140 mm	Dimensions 22 x 149 x 392 mm
Weight	Weight -	Weight 925g

100

Chilkey ND104 CNC Aluminum Hotswap Wireless RGB Keyboard

Keychron V5 Max QMK Kabellose Benutzerdefinierte Mechanische Tastatur ISO Layout Kollektion

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5.0 stars (14 reviews)

4.8 stars (12 reviews)

Released in 2025
Has Clicky, Silent, Linear switch options
Available in a 100% layout
Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-UK layout standard
Includes a Yes, LCD display
Uses a Plate Mount mounting style
Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery
Sized at 34 x 438 x 140 mm
Made with a Aluminum case
Features PBT keycaps
Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting

Released in 2023
Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
Available in a 96% layout
Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO, ANSI layout standard
Includes a No display
Provides dedicated media keys
Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
Weighs about 925 g
Sized at 22 x 149 x 392 mm
Made with a ABS, Plastic case
Features PBT, ABS keycaps
Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting

Scores

Performance: 81.4
Build Quality: 92.1
Productivity: 96.7
Customizability: 99.3
Portability: 65.1

Scores

Performance: 83.6
Build Quality: 86.4
Productivity: 97.5
Customizability: 99.5
Portability: 53.1

Name

Chilkey ND104

Name

Keychron V5 Max

Release year

2025

Release year

2023

Switch Options

Clicky, Silent, Linear

Switch Options

Linear, Tactile, Clicky

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

100%

Layout Size

96%

Layout Standard

ANSI, ISO, ISO-UK

Layout Standard

ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO, ANSI

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

LCD

Display Support

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

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

8000 mAh

Battery capacity

4000 mAh

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Plate Mount

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb

Backlight

Rgb, South-face

Case Colors

Case Material

Aluminum

Case Material

ABS, Plastic

Keycaps Material

PBT

Keycaps Material

PBT, ABS

Dimensions

34 x 438 x 140 mm

Dimensions

22 x 149 x 392 mm

Weight

925g

Pros and Trade-offs

Select the Chilkey ND104 if your budget allows for a premium aluminum build and you value the unique utility of a built-in screen, longer battery life, and a standard full-size layout. Opt for the Keychron V5 Max if you seek strong value, prefer a space-saving 96% layout, and do not require the extra features of a screen or aluminum construction. Both are excellent, highly customizable boards, making material and layout the defining factors.

Chilkey ND104

+CNC machined 6063 aluminum case for a premium, solid feel.
+Built-in LCD screen with calculator, clock, and customizable background modes.
+Larger 8000mAh total battery capacity for extended wireless use.
+Modular area above the numpad can be a screen, keys, or a storage tray.
+Includes five layers of sound dampening foam, PET pads, and switch foam.

−Larger and heavier full-size dimensions (438mm long) are less portable.
−Vendor descriptions note user complaints about limited software for screen customization.
−Generally carries a higher price point than the Keychron V5 Max.

Keychron V5 Max

+More affordable price point for a feature-rich, customizable keyboard.
+Compact 96% layout retains a numpad in a smaller footprint (392mm long).
+Includes both USB-A and USB-C 2.4 GHz receivers with magnetic storage.
+South-facing RGB LEDs prevent interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.
+Officially supports a wide range of ISO language layouts.

−ABS plastic case lacks the premium feel and durability of aluminum.
−Smaller 4000mAh battery capacity compared to the Chilkey ND104.
−Does not include a built-in screen or the same level of modular reconfiguration.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Chilkey ND104 wins for office and content creation due to its screen, massive battery, and full layout. The Keychron V5 Max is better for programming and travel, thanks to its compact 96% form factor and lighter weight. For gaming and modding, both keyboards are equally capable, sharing core performance and customization features. The choice largely comes down to whether you prioritize premium materials and unique features or value and space efficiency.

GamingTie

•Both offer a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired and 2.4 GHz modes for low latency.
•Both feature N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
•The Chilkey ND104 has a larger, potentially more stable aluminum case, while the Keychron V5 Max is lighter.

OfficeChilkey ND104

•The Chilkey ND104 includes a built-in LCD screen with calculator and clock modes.
•Its 8000mAh combined battery capacity is double that of the V5 Max, offering longer wireless use.
•The full 106-key layout with a dedicated numpad is standard for office data entry.

ProgrammingKeychron V5 Max

•The Keychron V5 Max's 96% layout saves desk space while retaining a numpad.
•It offers dedicated Mac and Windows keycaps and a system toggle for dual-OS users.
•Its lighter weight and smaller dimensions make it easier to reposition on a desk.

TravelKeychron V5 Max

•The Keychron V5 Max is significantly smaller (392mm long) and lighter (925g) than the Chilkey ND104 (438mm long).
•Its plastic case is less prone to cosmetic damage from transport.
•It includes a magnetic storage slot for its wireless receiver.

ModdingTie

•Both are hot-swappable, supporting 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches.
•Both are programmable via open-source QMK and VIA firmware.
•Both use screw-in PCB stabilizers and include sound-dampening foam.
•The Chilkey ND104 offers a modular area above the numpad for reconfiguration.

Content CreationChilkey ND104

•The Chilkey ND104's hot-swappable knob controls volume, media, and the integrated screen.
•The screen can display dynamic backgrounds or information, useful for stream overlays.
•The full-size layout provides direct access to all function and numpad keys for shortcuts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)