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Compare Epomaker TH40 vs Keychron V5 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for users deciding between two highly capable but philosophically different wireless mechanical keyboards. The Epomaker TH40 offers an extreme 40% layout for maximum desk space savings and travel convenience. The Keychron V5 Max provides a nearly full-sized 96% layout with a numeric keypad in a compact form. Both support QMK/VIA, gasket mounts, and tri-mode connectivity, making the choice a fundamental trade-off between size and immediate key access.

-10% off
82
Epomaker TH40
97
Keychron V5 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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3.9 (52)
4.8 (16)
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Linear switch options
  • Available in a 40% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Offers Split Spacebar ergonomics
  • Equipped with a 3000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 500 g
  • Sized at 35 x 258 x 97 mm
  • Made with a ABS case
  • Features PBT 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
  • Offers Normal ergonomics
  • Comes with a knob
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Connects via USB-C
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • 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: 73.8
  • Build Quality: 75.4
  • Productivity: 62.5
  • Customizability: 86.1
  • Portability: 84.2
Scores
  • Performance: 83.2
  • Build Quality: 86.4
  • Productivity: 97.3
  • Customizability: 99.5
  • Portability: 53.1
Name
Epomaker TH40
Name
Keychron V5 Max
Release year
2024
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Linear
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
40%
Layout Size
96%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO, ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Split Spacebar
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
3000 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
ABS
Case Material
ABS, Plastic
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
35 x 258 x 97 mm
Dimensions
22 x 149 x 392 mm
Weight
500g
Weight
925g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If portability and a minimalist desk are paramount, the Epomaker TH40's 40% form is unmatched. For all other scenarios, especially where a numpad, knob, and extensive modding potential are valued, the Keychron V5 Max's feature-rich 96% layout is the more capable and versatile keyboard, despite its larger size and higher cost.

Epomaker TH40

  • +Extremely compact 40% layout with a split spacebar for minimal desk footprint.
  • +Lightweight at 500g, enhancing portability.
  • +Includes Poron plate foam, an IXPE switch pad, and bottom foam for sound dampening.
  • +Offers tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired) in a very small form factor.
  • −The 40% layout requires heavy reliance on function layers for numbers, arrows, and punctuation.
  • −Comes only with linear switches, offering no initial choice of tactile or clicky feels.
  • −Smaller 3000mAh battery compared to the V5 Max's 4000mAh.

Keychron V5 Max

  • +96% layout provides a numeric keypad and navigation cluster in a space-saving design.
  • +Available as a barebones kit for deep customization.
  • +Includes a control knob, screw-in PCB stabilizers, and extensive sound-dampening foam.
  • +Larger 4000mAh battery and includes both Type-A and Type-C 2.4GHz receivers with magnetic storage.
  • −Large and heavy (925g, 392mm long), making it less portable.
  • −The vendor page indicates it is often on backorder, suggesting limited availability.
  • −Higher price point compared to the TH40.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron V5 Max is the more versatile choice for most stationary use cases, winning for Gaming, Office, Modding, and Content Creation due to its comprehensive layout, knob, and barebones option. The Epomaker TH40 is the definitive winner for Travel, thanks to its ultra-compact size and light weight. For Programming, it's a tie, as the decision depends entirely on whether a programmer prefers a minimal layer-based workflow or a more traditional, immediate key layout.

GamingKeychron V5 Max
  • •The V5 Max's 1000Hz polling rate in 2.4GHz and wired modes matches the TH40 for responsiveness.
  • •Its standard layout includes dedicated arrow keys and a wider key set for gaming shortcuts without layers.
  • •The larger, heavier build (925g) may provide more stability during intense use.
OfficeKeychron V5 Max
  • •The 96% layout includes a dedicated numeric keypad, essential for data entry.
  • •It features dedicated multimedia keys and a knob for quick volume control.
  • •The listing mentions system toggles and keycaps for both Windows and macOS.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both are fully programmable via QMK and VIA software for creating custom shortcuts and layers.
  • •The TH40's 40% layout forces heavy layer use, which some programmers prefer for efficiency.
  • •The V5 Max's larger layout provides direct access to symbols and brackets, reducing layer reliance.
TravelEpomaker TH40
  • •The TH40 is significantly smaller (258x97mm) and lighter (500g).
  • •Its 40% layout takes up minimal space in a bag or on a small desk.
  • •It offers the same tri-mode wireless connectivity for use with multiple devices on the go.
ModdingKeychron V5 Max
  • •The V5 Max is available in a barebones kit, allowing for complete personalization of switches and keycaps.
  • •It includes screw-in PCB stabilizers, which are generally preferred over plate-mounted for modding.
  • •The vendor description lists extensive sound-dampening foam and a PC plate as part of its gasket mount design.
Content CreationKeychron V5 Max
  • •The inclusion of a knob provides tactile control for scrubbing timelines or adjusting volume.
  • •The full layout with a numpad is useful for shortcut-heavy applications like video or photo editing.
  • •Dedicated arrow keys and navigation clusters are readily accessible for precise control.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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