Double shell DS102i vs Keychron K5 V2
Choose the DS102i for its PBT keycaps and Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired modes; choose the K5 V2 for hot-swappable switches, QMK customization, and ISO layout choices.
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5.0 (6)5.0 · 6 reviews
from$89at MK
Which one should you get?
Get the
Double shell DS102i
Build quality in the bottom 5% of 100% boards under $150.
- PBT keycaps and an aluminum case, with the vendor describing a CNC-machined aluminum alloy top cover.
- Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connectivity, with vendor-stated Bluetooth pairing for up to five devices.
- A compact 102-key arrangement that the vendor describes as full-layout usability in dimensions comparable to an 87-key keyboard.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
Get the
Keychron K5 V2
Hot-swappable
Build quality in the top 15% of 100% boards under $100.
- Hot-swappable version supports switch changes without soldering, with support for Keychron and Gateron low-profile 2.0 mechanical switches.
- QMK and VIA support, with the vendor describing key remapping, macros, and shortcuts through the Launcher web app.
- ISO layout options include German, Nordic, Swedish, Swiss, and UK variants.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
Get the DS102i if you want PBT keycaps, an aluminum case, and 2.4 GHz connectivity alongside Bluetooth and wired use. Choose the K5 V2 for hot-swappable switches, QMK and VIA customization, or an ISO layout option such as UK or German. Both are low-profile boards, so neither is a fit for standard MX keycaps.
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.
Double shell DS102i
Keychron K5 V2
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Hot-swappable
No
Yes
Switch changes without soldering
Case material
Aluminum
ABS, Aluminum
Switch options
Linear, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
QMK
No
Yes
The deep option when you want to remap every key
- Double shell DS102i
- Keychron K5 V2
- Performance
- 4681
- Build quality
- 4180
- Productivity
- 5089
- Customizability
- 5088
- Portability
- 4854
- Layout size: 100%
- Low profile
What will you mostly use it for?
The K5 V2 has the clearest edge for gaming, programming, office tasks, and content creation, thanks to its polling specification, customization support, and multimedia keys. It also leads for switch modding because the hot-swappable version allows switch changes without soldering. The DS102i’s distinct travel advantage is its listed 2.4 GHz option in addition to Bluetooth and wired use. The right choice depends on whether that extra connection mode or the K5 V2’s customization and layout breadth matters more.
Pick the Keychron K5 V2
- The K5 V2 specifies 1000 Hz polling in wired mode and N-key rollover for wired and wireless modes.
- The DS102i offers a 2.4 GHz connection, alongside Bluetooth and wired modes.
Double shell DS102i vs Keychron K5 V2 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
14 of 25 specs differ
Double shell DS102i
Keychron K5 V2
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Double shell DS102i
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Keychron K5 V2
- Go to Keychron
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW
In stockShips to you
- Go to Keychron (DE)
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-SW
In stockDoes not ship to you
- Go to MonacoKeys
MonacoKeys
ISO-DE
In stockDoes not ship to you
Double shell DS102i vs Keychron K5 V2: your questions
The K5 V2 specifies 1000 Hz polling in wired mode and N-key rollover in wired and wireless modes. The DS102i has a 2.4 GHz connection option, which the K5 V2 does not list.
The DS102i’s switches are soldered, so swapping them requires soldering. The K5 V2 hot-swappable version supports switch changes without soldering, but it is limited to compatible low-profile mechanical switches.
No. Both are specified for low-profile switches and keycaps, and standard MX keycaps will not fit either board.
The K5 V2 has north-facing LEDs, and its compatibility notes warn that Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing. Low-profile keycaps are the safer fit specified for this board.
The DS102i is listed with PBT keycaps, and its vendor description also calls them PBT. The K5 V2 is listed with ABS keycaps.
Yes. The DS102i lists Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connectivity, and its vendor description identifies three connection modes.
The K5 V2 metadata lists ANSI and several ISO variants, including German, Nordic, Swedish, and UK. The DS102i is listed as ANSI only.
The K5 V2 supports QMK and VIA, and Keychron describes using its Launcher web app to customize keys, macros, and shortcuts. The DS102i vendor description mentions programmable multi-function hot-keys.
The DS102i vendor says Bluetooth can connect to five devices with easy switching. Keychron describes the K5 V2 as connecting wirelessly to up to three devices via Bluetooth.
The K5 V2 vendor specification gives a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode and 125 Hz in wireless mode. The DS102i’s supplied specifications do not list a polling rate.
Yes. Both are listed as low-profile keyboards, and both require low-profile switches and keycaps. The K5 V2 vendor additionally describes its design as ultra-slim.
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