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Compare Epomaker HE80 vs Keychron V5 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a specialized gaming tool and a versatile daily driver. The Epomaker HE80 is a wired-only, 75% keyboard built around magnetic hall effect switches with extreme speed tuning. The Keychron V5 Max is a larger, wireless 96% keyboard focused on productivity and open-source programmability. The decision is difficult because one excels in raw gaming performance while the other offers superior layout utility and wireless freedom.

68
EPOMAKER HE80
97
Keychron V5 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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4.8 (41)
4.8 (16)
  • Released in 2025
  • Has Magnetic switch options
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Enables rapid trigger functionality
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Runs at a 8000 Hz polling rate
  • Weighs about 830 g
  • Sized at 42 x 332 x 146 mm
  • Made with a Plastic case
  • Features PBT, PC keycaps
  • 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
  • Comes with a knob
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • 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
Scores
  • Performance: 97.7
  • Build Quality: 60.4
  • Productivity: 76.3
  • Customizability: 59.5
  • Portability: 57.6
Scores
  • Performance: 83.2
  • Build Quality: 86.4
  • Productivity: 97.3
  • Customizability: 99.5
  • Portability: 53.1
Name
Epomaker HE80
Name
Keychron V5 Max
Release year
2025
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Magnetic
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
96%
Layout Standard
ANSI
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
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
8000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
-
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
Plastic
Case Material
ABS, Plastic
Keycaps Material
PBT, PC
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
42 x 332 x 146 mm
Dimensions
22 x 149 x 392 mm
Weight
830g
Weight
925g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. For dedicated, competitive gaming where every millisecond counts, the Epomaker HE80's hall effect tuning and high polling rate are compelling. For a versatile daily driver that excels at productivity, offers wireless freedom, and invites deep customization, the Keychron V5 Max is the more flexible and full-featured option.

Epomaker HE80

  • +Ultra-high 8000 Hz polling rate and 0.125ms latency for competitive gaming.
  • +Hall effect switches with 0.02mm adjustable actuation and rapid trigger functionality.
  • +Includes four layers of sound dampening: latex sandwich foam, IXPE switch pad, bottom silicone, and bottom foam.
  • +Comes with extra magnetic switches, PBT keycaps, and a 2-in-1 puller.
  • +Lower price point for its specialized feature set.

  • Wired-only connectivity limits desk setup flexibility.
  • 75% layout lacks a numpad and some dedicated navigation keys.
  • Hot-swappable only with other south-facing magnetic switches, limiting switch compatibility.

Keychron V5 Max

  • +Versatile 96% layout retains a numpad in a compact form factor.
  • +Tri-mode connectivity with 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.1, and wired operation.
  • +Full QMK and VIA support for extensive, open-source programmability.
  • +Includes screw-in PCB stabilizers and supports a wide range of 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches.
  • +Comes with both Type-C and Type-A 2.4 GHz receivers with magnetic storage.

  • Lower 1000 Hz polling rate compared to the HE80's 8000 Hz.
  • Larger, heavier footprint may not suit all desks or travel needs.
  • Higher price point, especially for the fully assembled version.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron V5 Max is the more versatile choice, winning in office, programming, modding, and content creation due to its comprehensive layout, wireless options, and superior software support. The Epomaker HE80 takes the lead specifically for gaming, thanks to its high polling rate and adjustable hall effect switches, and for travel due to its smaller size and lack of a battery.

GamingEpomaker HE80
  • Higher 8000 Hz polling rate versus 1000 Hz.
  • Adjustable 0.02mm actuation and rapid trigger for competitive play.
  • Lower claimed latency of 0.125ms.
OfficeKeychron V5 Max
  • 96% layout includes a full numpad for data entry.
  • Wireless connectivity with Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz for a clean desk.
  • Includes dedicated multimedia keys.
ProgrammingKeychron V5 Max
  • Full 96% layout provides dedicated arrow and navigation clusters.
  • Native QMK and VIA support for extensive key remapping and macros.
  • Hot-swappable PCB supports a wide variety of 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches.
TravelEpomaker HE80
  • Smaller 75% layout is more compact.
  • Lighter weight at 830g versus 925g.
  • No battery simplifies transport.
ModdingKeychron V5 Max
  • Open-source QMK/VIA firmware allows for deep software customization.
  • Barebones kit option is available.
  • Includes screw-in PCB stabilizers and supports third-party replacements.
Content CreationKeychron V5 Max
  • Larger layout with numpad is useful for timeline scrubbing and shortcuts.
  • Wireless operation reduces cable clutter on camera.
  • Multi-device Bluetooth pairing aids in workflow across machines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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