Nuphy Gem80 vs Keychron V5 MaxCompact TKL vs Full 96% Layout
Choose the Nuphy Gem80 for a premium, compact TKL build, or the Keychron V5 Max for a full-featured 96% layout at a more accessible price.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Nuphy Gem80
Compact TKL
- Premium construction with a CNC-machined aluminum top case and polycarbonate bottom.
- Highly customizable sound and feel with omni-mount design and multiple optional plates.
- Includes unique features like light-emitting homing bars on its keycaps.
- Sold primarily as a barebone kit, requiring separate purchase of switches and keycaps.
- Heavier and more expensive than many plastic alternatives.
- TKL layout lacks a numpad, which some users require.
Get the
Keychron V5 Max
Full 96% Layout
- 96% layout packs a numpad and navigation cluster into a relatively compact form factor.
- Includes knob support and dedicated multimedia keys for enhanced control.
- Comes in a fully assembled version with double-shot PBT keycaps and Gateron Jupiter switches.
- Case is constructed from ABS plastic, lacking the premium feel of aluminum.
- Larger footprint (392mm long) may not fit all desk setups or travel bags as easily.
- The vendor description does not mention the same level of mount style or plate material customization as the Gem80.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If a numpad, knob, and out-of-the-box readiness are critical, and you prefer a lower cost, the Keychron V5 Max is the logical pick. If you value a premium metal build, deep acoustic customization, and a more compact TKL form factor, and don't mind assembling your own switches and keycaps, the Nuphy Gem80 is the superior investment.
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.
Nuphy Gem80
Keychron V5 Max
Layout size
80%
96%
Case material
Aluminum, Polycarbonate
ABS, Plastic
Switch options
Mechanical
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Mount style
Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount, Plate Mount
Knob
No
Yes
- Nuphy Gem80
- Keychron V5 Max
- Performance
- 8083
- Build quality
- 8486
- Productivity
- 8897
- Customizability
- 9498
- Portability
- 7653
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 4,000 mAh
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- QMK
- VIA
What will you mostly use it for?
The Keychron V5 Max is the clear choice for office work and content creation where a numpad and dedicated media keys are valuable. The Nuphy Gem80 wins for travel due to its shorter length and for modding due to its extensive hardware customization options. For gaming and programming, the choice is more nuanced, depending on whether you prefer the Gem80's premium build and mouse space or the V5 Max's full key set.
Pick the Nuphy Gem80
- Both offer a 1000Hz polling rate for responsive input.
- The Gem80's TKL layout provides more mouse space.
- Its aluminum chassis may offer a more stable, premium feel during intense use.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Nuphy Gem80
No owner reviews collected yet.
Keychron V5 Max
5 owner reviews
“The keys feel smooth and easy as you type. It's probably the best keyboard I've used. I've had a number of mechanical keyboards, but, none of them can compare to the v5 max. The feel of the thing while typing, is hard to not constantly repeat.”
Nuphy Gem80 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
Nuphy Gem80
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
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Nuphy Gem80 vs Keychron V5 Max: your questions
The Nuphy Gem80 is sold primarily as a barebone kit. This means the keyboard comes assembled with the PCB, sound-dampening foams, and pre-lubed stabilizers installed, but you must purchase and install your own switches and keycaps separately.
The Keychron V5 Max features knob support, according to its listed specifications. The vendor page shows 'Fully Assembled Knob' and 'Barebone Knob' as purchase options, indicating a version with a knob is available.
The Nuphy Gem80 is specifically designed for sound customization. Its vendor description highlights an 'omni-mount' system allowing you to change between gasket, top, and bottom mount styles, and it offers multiple optional switch plates (FR4, PC, POM, Aluminum) and various internal foam layers to tune the acoustics.
Yes. The Keychron V5 Max is listed as compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux. Its description notes it includes a system toggle and an additional set of keycaps to switch between macOS and Windows layouts.
The Nuphy Gem80 uses a TKL (Tenkeyless) layout, which omits the numpad but keeps the function row and navigation cluster. The Keychron V5 Max uses a 96% layout, which squeezes a numpad and navigation cluster into a compact block, eliminating some of the spacing found on a full-size keyboard but retaining almost all keys.
Yes, both the Nuphy Gem80 and Keychron V5 Max support tri-mode connectivity, which includes Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and wired USB-C. The Keychron V5 Max vendor page specifies Bluetooth 5.1.
Both keyboards have a 4000mAh battery. The Gem80's vendor page lists lab test results of up to 330 hours with lights off, while the V5 Max page lists up to 190 hours with the backlight off. Real-world results will vary based on usage, lighting, and connection mode.
The Nuphy Gem80's barebone kit includes pre-lubed stabilizers. The Keychron V5 Max features screw-in PCB stabilizers, but its vendor description does not specify if they are pre-lubed from the factory.
Yes, both keyboards support the open-source QMK and VIA firmware. This allows for extensive key remapping, macro creation, and layer programming directly through a graphical interface or code.
No. The Nuphy Gem80 features a hybrid construction. The top case is made from CNC-machined aluminum, while the bottom case is made from polycarbonate, which the manufacturer states aids wireless signal reception.
The Keychron V5 Max is available in both fully assembled and barebone versions. The fully assembled version includes double-shot PBT OSA profile keycaps. The barebone version does not include keycaps or switches.
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