Feker Alice98 vs Keychron V5 MaxErgonomic Alice vs 96% Layout
Choose the Feker Alice98 for its unique ergonomic split layout, or the Keychron V5 Max for its compact 96% form factor and extensive firmware customization.
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from$149at Mechkeys
4.8 (5)4.8 · 5 reviews
from$99at MK
Which one should you get?
Get the
Feker Alice98
Ergonomic Alice
Build quality in the top 15% of 98% boards under $150.
- Unique Alice split layout with two 'B' and spacebar keys for ergonomic typing.
- Includes an LED screen, as noted in its specifications.
- Large 8000mAh battery capacity for extended wireless use.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
- Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.
Get the
Keychron V5 Max
96% Layout
Build quality in the top 10% of 96% boards under $100.
- Explicitly supports QMK and VIA firmware for extensive customization.
- Lists a 1000 Hz polling rate for 2.4 GHz and wired modes.
- Lighter weight (925g) and compact 96% layout with numpad.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.
Select the Feker Alice98 if your priority is a unique, ergonomic typing experience with a large battery and an integrated screen. Opt for the Keychron V5 Max if you value a lighter, more portable compact layout, a specified high polling rate for gaming, and deep firmware customization through QMK/VIA. Both are competent wireless boards, but their core philosophies cater to different users.
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.
Feker Alice98
Keychron V5 Max
Layout size
98%
96%
Battery
8,000 mAh
4,000 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Ergonomics
Alice
Standard
Mount style
Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount, Plate Mount
Display
Yes
None
A case display rather than a typing feature
- Feker Alice98
- Keychron V5 Max
- Performance
- 6783
- Build quality
- 7586
- Productivity
- 9797
- Customizability
- 9098
- Portability
- 6553
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Case material: ABS, Plastic
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
- Knob
- VIA
What will you mostly use it for?
The Keychron V5 Max holds advantages for gaming, programming, travel, and modding due to its specified polling rate, QMK support, lighter weight, and firmware customization. The Feker Alice98 is the pick for content creation, leveraging its integrated screen and ergonomic design. For office use, both are equally capable, offering wireless flexibility and platform support. Your primary task will dictate the winner.
Pick the Keychron V5 Max
- The Keychron V5 Max lists a 1000 Hz polling rate for its 2.4 GHz and wired modes, which the Feker Alice98's specifications do not mention.
- The V5 Max includes a 2.4 GHz Type-A and Type-C receiver with magnetic storage, according to its product page.
- The V5 Max's standard layout may offer more familiarity for gaming keybinds compared to the Alice98's split layout.
Feker Alice98 vs Keychron V5 Max specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
12 of 27 specs differ
Feker Alice98
Keychron V5 Max
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Feker Alice98
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Keychron V5 Max
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW
Out of stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
Out of stockDoes not ship to you
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Feker Alice98 vs Keychron V5 Max: your questions
The Feker Alice98 is designed specifically for ergonomics with its Alice split layout, which separates the keys to promote a more natural hand position. The Keychron V5 Max has a standard 96% layout with a 4-degree typing angle but lacks a split design.
Yes, the Keychron V5 Max product page states it is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. It includes a system toggle and an additional set of keycaps for both Windows and macOS layouts, allowing you to save a profile for each system.
Both keyboards support key remapping, but the methods differ. The Keychron V5 Max supports QMK and VIA firmware for deep, open-source customization. The Feker Alice98 listing mentions VIA support, but does not specify QMK support.
The Feker Alice98 has a larger 8000mAh battery capacity compared to the Keychron V5 Max's 4000mAh battery. Actual runtime depends on usage, but the Alice98's larger battery suggests potentially longer wireless operation.
The Feker Alice98 uses PBT keycaps. The Keychron V5 Max fully assembled version includes double-shot OSA PBT keycaps, according to its product page, though ABS is also listed as a material option in its metadata.
Yes, the Feker Alice98 features a hot-swappable design, allowing you to change switches without soldering. Its vendor description confirms this.
The fully assembled Keychron V5 Max comes with Gateron Jupiter switches (Red, Brown, or Banana), which are pre-lubed according to the manufacturer. A barebones version without switches is also available.
The Keychron V5 Max is more portable. It weighs 925g, which is less than half the weight of the 1799g Feker Alice98. Its 96% layout is also more compact than the Alice98's 98% Alice layout.
Yes, both the Feker Alice98 and Keychron V5 Max feature south-facing RGB LED backlighting. The south-facing design helps prevent interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.
The Keychron V5 Max is a strong candidate for gaming as its specifications list a 1000 Hz polling rate for both its 2.4 GHz wireless and wired connections, which can minimize input latency.
The Feker Alice98 uses an Alice layout, which is a split, ergonomic design that angles the two halves of the keyboard and includes two 'B' keys and two spacebars. The Keychron V5 Max uses a standard, non-split 96% compact layout.
The Keychron V5 Max uses a standard 96% layout, which will have broader compatibility with aftermarket keycap sets. The Feker Alice98's unique Alice layout may require specialized kits or compatibility checks for certain keys like the split spacebars.
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