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.

Model
	96	-11% off 98	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	5.0 stars (9 reviews)	4.1 stars (17 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	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	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
Score	Scores Performance: 81.8 Build Quality: 90.9 Productivity: 97.3 Customizability: 99.8 Portability: 56	Scores Performance: 83.4 Build Quality: 86.3 Productivity: 97.4 Customizability: 99.5 Portability: 79
Name	Name Keychron Q5 Max	Name Keychron V1 Max
Release year	Release year 2023	Release year 2023
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 96%	Layout Size 75%
Layout Standard	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	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	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 4000 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 Gasket Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face	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 23 x 145 x 408 mm	Dimensions 22 x 149 x 329 mm
Weight	Weight 2215g	Weight 770g

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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.