Fl·esports CMK98 vs Keychron K5 V2Full-Size vs Low-Profile
Choose the Keychron K5 QMK V2 for its low-profile design and advanced QMK/VIA programmability, or the Fl·esports CMK98 for a more compact 96% layout with standard-height switches.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Fl·esports CMK98
Full-Size
Build quality in the top 35% of 96% boards under $100.
- Compact 96% layout includes a numpad in a smaller footprint.
- Features PBT keycaps, which are more resistant to shine and wear than ABS.
- Includes sound dampening with an ISSP Pad sandwich foam for a less hollow sound.
- 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 K5 V2
Low-Profile
Build quality in the top 15% of 100% boards under $100.
- Features a low-profile design with switches stated to be 33% slimmer than standard.
- Offers extensive programmability via open-source QMK firmware and VIA support.
- Specifies a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode for responsive input.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you want a thin keyboard for travel or a desk with deep, open-source programmability for macros and layers, the Keychron K5 QMK V2 is the clear option. If you prefer a more traditional typing height with a compact layout that still has a numpad, and value the material durability of PBT keycaps, the Fl·esports CMK98 is a compelling alternative. Consider the Keychron for its firmware ecosystem and the Fl·esports for its straightforward, feature-rich build.
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.
Fl·esports CMK98
Keychron K5 V2
Layout size
96%
100%
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Low profile
No
Yes
Case material
Aluminum
ABS, Aluminum
Switch options
Clicky, Linear
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
- Fl·esports CMK98
- Keychron K5 V2
- Performance
- 7682
- Build quality
- 7180
- Productivity
- 8789
- Customizability
- 6988
- Portability
- 5254
- Hot-swappable
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Keychron K5 QMK V2 wins in categories demanding advanced customization and a slim form factor, such as programming, modding, and travel. Its QMK support and low-profile design are decisive. The Fl·esports CMK98 is a strong contender for content creation and general office use, offering a space-efficient layout with durable keycaps. For gaming, the Keychron's specified polling rate gives it an edge, though both are capable wireless boards.
Pick the Keychron K5 V2
- The Keychron K5 QMK V2 lists a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode, which the Fl·esports listing does not specify.
- Its low-profile switches and keycaps may allow for faster keypresses due to reduced travel.
- The manufacturer states its latency is hardly noticeable in competitive games.
Fl·esports CMK98 vs Keychron K5 V2 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
15 of 26 specs differ
Fl·esports CMK98
Keychron K5 V2
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
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
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Fl·esports CMK98
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Keychron K5 V2
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW
In stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-SW
In stockDoes not ship to you
MonacoKeys
ISO-DE
In stockDoes not ship to you
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Fl·esports CMK98 vs Keychron K5 V2: your questions
Both keyboards list Mac support. The Keychron K5 QMK V2 manufacturer specifically notes it offers a Mac layout with matching multimedia keys and includes keycaps for both macOS and Windows. The Fl·esports CMK98 is also listed as compatible with macOS.
Yes, both offer hot-swappable versions. The Fl·esports CMK98 is compatible with standard 3-pin and 5-pin switches like Cherry MX, Kailh, and Gateron. The Keychron K5 QMK V2 hot-swappable version is compatible with Keychron Milk POM switches or Gateron/Keychron low-profile mechanical switches only.
The Fl·esports CMK98 vendor description states it is programmable with software driver. This suggests proprietary software for remapping, unlike the Keychron's open-source QMK/VIA ecosystem.
The Keychron K5 QMK V2 lists a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode, and the manufacturer states the latency is hardly noticeable even in competitive games. Its low-profile design may also appeal to gamers seeking faster keypresses.
Both keyboards feature sound dampening. The Fl·esports CMK98 uses an ISSP Pad sandwich foam. The Keychron K5 QMK V2 uses a combination of IXPE acoustic foam, EPDM foam, and latex foam, which the manufacturer states enhances comfort and responsiveness.
The Fl·esports CMK98 uses a 96% (98-key) layout, which condenses the nav cluster and removes some spacing to save space. The Keychron K5 QMK V2 uses a standard 100% (108-key) layout but in a low-profile form factor.
Both feature Bluetooth connectivity, which should allow pairing with iPads, Android tablets, and phones. The Fl·esports CMK98 vendor listing explicitly mentions compatibility with Android.
The Fl·esports CMK98 offers a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle in addition to Bluetooth, which typically provides a more stable, low-latency connection similar to a wired one. The Keychron K5 QMK V2 connects via Bluetooth 5.2 or wired USB-C.
The Keychron K5 QMK V2 uses shine-through ABS keycaps for its RGB backlighting. The Fl·esports CMK98 has RGB backlighting with PBT keycaps; a customer review notes the LEDs do not shine through the thick keycaps.
Yes. The Keychron Launcher web app for the K5 QMK V2 is browser-based and the manufacturer states it supports all operating systems, including Linux, via Chrome, Edge, or Opera browsers.
The Fl·esports CMK98 weighs 1100g (1.1kg), which is a substantial weight for a keyboard. The Keychron K5 QMK V2 weight is not specified in the provided data, but its low-profile and slim design suggests it is likely lighter.
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