Cidoo ABM098 vs Keychron V5 MaxCompact 1800 Layout vs Customization
Choose the Cidoo ABM098 for its standard ANSI layout and lower price, or the Keychron V5 Max for extensive layout options, QMK support, and a lighter build.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Cidoo ABM098
Compact 1800 Layout
- Includes Poron PCB foam, an IXPE switch sheet, and silicone bottom foam for sound dampening.
- Uses a steel plate, which may provide a firmer typing feel.
- Vendor description confirms it includes a 2.4G receiver and Type-C cable in the box.
- Heavier at 2000g, which is more than double the weight of the Keychron.
- Taller profile at 41mm, which may require a higher wrist rest.
- Only lists ANSI layout support, lacking the ISO options of the Keychron.
Get the
Keychron V5 Max
Customization
- Offers extensive ISO layout support (UK, DE, ES, FR, Nordic, etc.) in addition to ANSI.
- Supports both QMK and VIA firmware for advanced programmability.
- Significantly lighter at 925g and slimmer at 22mm height.
- Uses a polycarbonate plate, which may offer more flex than a steel plate.
- Higher price range based on listed vendor prices.
- The manufacturer lists a 90 Hz polling rate for Bluetooth mode, which is lower than its wireless/wired rate.
For most users, the Keychron V5 Max is the more versatile choice due to its superior customizability via QMK/VIA, broad layout support, and much lighter, more portable design. Opt for the Cidoo ABM098 if you specifically want a standard ANSI layout, prefer the potential heft and feel of a steel plate, and are seeking a more affordable entry point into the compact 1800 form factor.
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.
Cidoo ABM098
Keychron V5 Max
Layout size
98%
96%
Battery
3,000 mAh
4,000 mAh
Switch options
Clicky, Linear
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Mount style
Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount, Plate Mount
QMK
No
Yes
- Cidoo ABM098
- Keychron V5 Max
- Performance
- 5483
- Build quality
- 6186
- Productivity
- 7597
- Customizability
- 7898
- Portability
- 5253
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Knob
- VIA
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Keychron V5 Max holds advantages for gaming, programming, travel, and modding due to its specified polling rate, extensive layout and firmware support, lighter weight, and barebones option. The two keyboards are evenly matched for office and content creation tasks, sharing core productivity features like the compact numpad layout and media controls. Your specific needs in firmware flexibility and physical portability will dictate the winner.
Pick the Keychron V5 Max
- The Keychron V5 Max lists a 1000 Hz polling rate for its 2.4 GHz and wired modes, which the Cidoo's specifications do not mention.
- Its lighter weight of 925g may allow for easier repositioning during gameplay.
- Both feature N-key rollover and south-facing RGB LEDs to avoid keycap interference.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Cidoo ABM098
No owner reviews collected yet.
Keychron V5 Max
5 owner reviews
“The keys feel smooth and easy as you type. It's probably the best keyboard I've used. I've had a number of mechanical keyboards, but, none of them can compare to the v5 max. The feel of the thing while typing, is hard to not constantly repeat.”
Cidoo ABM098 vs Keychron V5 Max specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
11 of 27 specs differ
Cidoo ABM098
Keychron V5 Max
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
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Cidoo ABM098 vs Keychron V5 Max: your questions
Both keyboards are compatible with Mac and Windows systems. The Keychron V5 Max listing specifically mentions it includes an additional set of keycaps for macOS and has a system toggle switch, making dual-system workflows more seamless.
Yes, both the Cidoo ABM098 and Keychron V5 Max feature hot-swappable PCBs that support 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches. This allows you to change switches without soldering.
Yes. The Cidoo ABM098 supports programming via VIA software. The Keychron V5 Max supports both QMK and VIA firmware, and also mentions the Keychron Launcher web app for customization, offering more flexibility.
Both keyboards have a 4000mAh rechargeable battery. The Keychron V5 Max manufacturer provides estimated wireless working times of up to 190 hours with backlighting off. The Cidoo ABM098 does not provide specific battery life estimates in the provided information.
The Keychron V5 Max is significantly more portable. It weighs 925g compared to the Cidoo's 2000g and has a slimmer profile (22mm vs 41mm height), making it easier to carry in a bag.
Neither keyboard listing includes a wrist rest in the standard box contents. However, Keychron sells separate silicone and resin palm rests that are compatible with 96% layout keyboards like the V5 Max.
The Cidoo ABM098 comes with double-shot ABS or PBT keycaps, but the specific profile is not stated. The Keychron V5 Max (fully assembled) uses OSA profile double-shot PBT keycaps, which the manufacturer describes as having OEM height with an SA-like shape.
Yes, both the Cidoo ABM098 and Keychron V5 Max feature south-facing RGB LEDs. This design helps prevent interference with Cherry-profile keycaps and improves backlighting from the typist's angle.
Both keyboards use screw-in PCB stabilizers for major keys like the spacebar. The Cidoo ABM098 vendor notes its 2u stabilizers are plate-mounted while the spacebar is screw-in.
The Keychron V5 Max lists a 1000 Hz polling rate for its 2.4 GHz and wired connections, which is beneficial for gaming responsiveness. It also features N-key rollover. The Cidoo ABM098 also has N-key rollover but does not specify its polling rate.
Yes. The Keychron V5 Max is offered in a barebone kit version, which includes the case, PCB, plate, and stabilizers, but not switches or keycaps, allowing for a fully custom build.
Both keyboards use ABS plastic for their cases. The Cidoo ABM098 listing specifies an ABS plastic case, while the Keychron V5 Max listing describes an ABS plastic housing.
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