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Compare Nuphy Gem80 vs Keychron V5 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a high-end compact TKL and a feature-rich 96% keyboard. The Nuphy Gem80 offers a premium aluminum and polycarbonate construction with deep sound customization, while the Keychron V5 Max provides a full numpad and navigation cluster in a space-efficient plastic body. The decision hinges on prioritizing material quality and size versus maximum key count and value.

96
Nuphy GEM80 Barebones Keyboard Kit
97
Keychron V5 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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0.0 (0)
4.8 (21)
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Mechanical switch options
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO layout standard
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 1120 g
  • Sized at 37 x 358 x 141 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Polycarbonate case
  • 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
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Weighs about 925 g
  • Sized at 22 x 149 x 392 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Plastic case
Scores
  • Performance: 79.8
  • Build Quality: 87.1
  • Productivity: 93.8
  • Customizability: 97.2
  • Portability: 75.9
Scores
  • Performance: 83.3
  • Build Quality: 86.3
  • Productivity: 97.3
  • Customizability: 99.4
  • Portability: 53.2
Name
Nuphy Gem80
Name
Keychron V5 Max
Release year
2024
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Mechanical
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
96%
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO
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
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
4000 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
Aluminum, Polycarbonate
Case Material
ABS, Plastic
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
37 x 358 x 141 mm
Dimensions
22 x 149 x 392 mm
Weight
1120g
Weight
925g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
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Pros and Trade-offs

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.

Nuphy Gem80

  • +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.
  • +Comes as a comprehensive barebone kit with pre-installed sound mods and stabilizers.
  • −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.

Keychron V5 Max

  • +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.
  • +Features screw-in PCB stabilizers for a smoother typing experience on large keys.
  • −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.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingNuphy 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.
OfficeKeychron V5 Max
  • •The V5 Max's 96% layout includes a full numpad and navigation cluster essential for data entry.
  • •It includes dedicated multimedia keys, according to its listed features.
  • •Its plastic construction may be quieter on a shared desk.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both support QMK/VIA for extensive key remapping and layer creation.
  • •The Gem80's TKL layout is a popular, space-efficient choice.
  • •The V5 Max's 96% layout keeps arrow keys and a numpad accessible without a separate pad.
TravelNuphy Gem80
  • •The Gem80's TKL footprint (358mm long) is significantly shorter than the V5 Max's 96% layout (392mm long).
  • •Both have similar 4000mAh batteries and tri-mode wireless connectivity.
  • •The Gem80 is heavier (1120g vs 925g), but its smaller size may be easier to pack.
ModdingNuphy Gem80
  • •The Gem80's listing details an 'omni-mount' design allowing top, gasket, or bottom mount styles.
  • •It features a CNC-machined aluminum top case and a polycarbonate bottom case.
  • •The vendor page lists extensive optional plates (FR4, PC, POM, Aluminum) and sound-dampening foams for experimentation.
Content CreationKeychron V5 Max
  • •The V5 Max's 96% layout includes a numpad for quick numerical input in editing software.
  • •It features knob support for potential volume or scrub control.
  • •Dedicated multimedia keys, listed in its features, provide quick playback controls.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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