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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.

100
Chilkey ND104 CNC Aluminum Hotswap Wireless RGB Keyboard
97
Keychron V5 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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5.0 (14)
4.8 (16)
  • 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 Tactile, Linear, 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: 82
  • Build Quality: 92
  • Productivity: 96.8
  • Customizability: 99.4
  • Portability: 64.8
Scores
  • Performance: 83.2
  • Build Quality: 86.4
  • Productivity: 97.3
  • 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
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
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
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
LCD
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
8000 mAh
Battery capacity
4000 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
Plate Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
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
-
Weight
925g
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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)

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