KeebFinder
Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare Keychron Q5 Max vs V1 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Keychron's premium Q series and value-focused V series in their Max configurations. Both keyboards share core features like QMK/VIA support, triple-mode wireless, and hot-swappable sockets, making the choice difficult. The decision ultimately hinges on whether you prioritize a premium aluminum build with a 96% layout or a lighter, more compact 75% plastic design at a lower cost.

96
Keychron Q5 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
98
Keychron V1 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

Select a keyboard to compare

5.0 (9)
4.3 (32)
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO, ISO-SW layout standard
  • Weighs about 2215 g
  • Sized at 23 x 145 x 408 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-PT, ISO, ANSI layout standard
  • Weighs about 770 g
  • Sized at 22 x 149 x 329 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Plastic case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
Scores
  • Performance: 82.5
  • Build Quality: 90.8
  • Productivity: 97.5
  • Customizability: 99.8
  • Portability: 56.1
Scores
  • Performance: 83.1
  • Build Quality: 86.3
  • Productivity: 97.3
  • Customizability: 99.4
  • Portability: 79.2
Name
Keychron Q5 Max
Name
Keychron V1 Max
Release year
2023
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
96%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO, ISO-SW
Layout Standard
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-PT, 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
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
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
ABS, Plastic
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 408 mm
Dimensions
22 x 149 x 329 mm
Weight
2215g
Weight
770g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice depends on layout needs and budget. If you require a numpad and value a premium, heavy aluminum construction for a stationary setup, the Keychron Q5 Max is worth the investment. If you prefer a smaller, lighter keyboard to save desk space and money, and can live without a numpad, the Keychron V1 Max delivers exceptional core features at a more accessible price.

Keychron Q5 Max

  • +Premium CNC-machined aluminum case for a solid feel and look.
  • +96% layout includes a full numpad without the bulk of a full-size keyboard.
  • +Features multiple layers of acoustic foam (IXPE, PET, Latex) for a refined sound.
  • +Double-gasket design, as described by Keychron, to reduce metal resonance.
  • +Offers a choice between KSA and OSA side-printed PBT keycap profiles.
  • −Very heavy at 2215 grams, making it difficult to move.
  • −Large 408mm length requires substantial desk space.
  • −Higher price point compared to the V1 Max.

Keychron V1 Max

  • +Much lighter at 770 grams and more compact 75% layout for portability.
  • +More affordable price point.
  • +Includes all core customization features: hot-swap, QMK/VIA, gasket mount.
  • +Shares the same 4000mAh battery and 1000Hz wireless performance as the Q5 Max.
  • +Comes with OSA profile double-shot PBT keycaps.
  • −ABS plastic case lacks the premium feel and acoustic properties of aluminum.
  • −No dedicated numpad, which may hinder data entry.
  • −The vendor description does not mention the same multi-layer foam setup as the Q5 Max.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Q5 Max is the clear choice for office work and content creation where a numpad is essential, and its aluminum build appeals to those wanting a premium desk centerpiece. The V1 Max wins for programming and travel due to its compact 75% layout and significantly lighter weight. For gaming and modding, both keyboards are equally capable, sharing high-performance wireless and extensive customization features.

GamingTie
  • •Both offer a 1000 Hz polling rate in 2.4 GHz and wired modes for low latency.
  • •Both feature N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
  • •Both have south-facing RGB LEDs to avoid interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.
OfficeKeychron Q5 Max
  • •The Q5 Max's 96% layout includes a dedicated numpad for data entry.
  • •Its aluminum case may offer a more professional, premium appearance.
  • •Both support Mac and Windows layouts, but the Q5 Max's larger form factor is suited for a permanent desk setup.
ProgrammingKeychron V1 Max
  • •The V1 Max's 75% layout saves desk space while retaining arrow and function keys.
  • •Its lighter weight (770g vs 2215g) makes it easier to reposition on a desk.
  • •Both have full QMK and VIA support for extensive key remapping and macros.
TravelKeychron V1 Max
  • •The V1 Max is significantly lighter at 770 grams compared to 2215 grams.
  • •Its 75% layout is more compact (329mm long vs 408mm).
  • •Both have the same 4000mAh battery for wireless use.
ModdingTie
  • •Both are hot-swappable for easy switch changes.
  • •Both support QMK and VIA firmware for deep customization.
  • •Both use screw-in PCB stabilizers and gasket mount designs for modding flexibility.
Content CreationKeychron Q5 Max
  • •The Q5 Max's numpad is useful for timeline scrubbing and numerical shortcuts in editing software.
  • •The manufacturer describes its enhanced acoustic foams (IXPE, PET, Latex) for a premium sound profile, which may be desirable for audio-focused creators.
  • •The aluminum construction provides a stable, heavy base for intense typing sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

95
$90
Keychron Q5 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q5
96%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

97
$44
Keychron V1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron V1
75%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

97
$199
Keychron Q6 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q6 Max
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

96
$89
Keychron V6 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V6 Max
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

98
$219
Keychron Q3 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q3 HE
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Metal case,
Gasket Mount

93
$97
Keychron V1 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V1 Ultra
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

97
$229
Keychron Q6 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q6 HE
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Metal case,
Gasket Mount

100
$104
Lemokey P1 QMK/VIA Custom Gaming Keyboard
Keychron Lemokey P1
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

98
$186
Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q1 Max
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

87
$83
Keychron K3 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K3 Pro
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount