Redragon HORUS K618 vs Keychron K5
Choose the K618 for 2.4 GHz wireless and dedicated macro keys, or the K5 if hot-swappable switches and an aluminum body matter more.
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from$64at Redragon
4.8 (72)4.8 · 72 reviews
from$74at Keychron
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Redragon HORUS K618
Build quality in the bottom 10% of 100% boards under $100.
- Tri-mode connectivity includes Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired USB-C.
- Dedicated media controls and on-the-fly macro keys add shortcut options.
- The vendor lists five-device switching across Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired modes.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
Get the
Keychron K5
Hot-swappable
Build quality in the top 30% of 100% boards under $100.
- Hot-swap support is available, including on the listed optical switch variant.
- The aluminum-and-plastic build pairs an aluminum bottom case with a plastic case component.
- The vendor lists macOS, Windows, and Linux compatibility.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
Pick the Redragon HORUS K618 if 2.4 GHz wireless, five-device switching, or dedicated macro controls are central to your setup. Choose the Keychron K5 if you want hot-swap support and an aluminum-and-plastic build, and confirm which K5 switch version you are buying. Both require low-profile switches and keycaps, but the K5 also has a north-facing LED keycap clearance limitation.
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.
Redragon HORUS K618
Keychron K5
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Hot-swappable
No
Yes
Switch changes without soldering
Battery
1,900 mAh
2,000 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Case material
Plastic
Aluminum, Plastic
Mount style
Bottom Mount
Tray Mount
- Redragon HORUS K618
- Keychron K5
- Performance
- 7263
- Build quality
- 4367
- Productivity
- 4866
- Customizability
- 4469
- Portability
- 4855
- Layout size: 100%
- Low profile
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
What will you mostly use it for?
The K618 takes the edge for gaming, travel, and shortcut-heavy content work, mainly because it adds 2.4 GHz wireless and dedicated macro controls. The K5 is the more suitable pick for office and programming setups where hot-swap support, its aluminum-and-plastic construction, or listed operating-system support are priorities. For modding, the K5's hot-swap option is the clearest advantage, although the exact switch version matters. Both remain full-size low-profile keyboards rather than compact travel boards.
Pick the Redragon HORUS K618
- The K618 supports 2.4 GHz wireless as well as Bluetooth and wired connections.
- The K618 listing specifies N-Key Rollover and describes the board as having anti-ghosting and anti-rollover features.
- The K5 offers a stated 1000 Hz polling rate when wired, but the K618 is the only one of these two with 2.4 GHz connectivity.
Redragon HORUS K618 vs Keychron K5 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
9 of 20 specs differ
Redragon HORUS K618
Keychron K5
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Redragon HORUS K618 vs Keychron K5: your questions
The K618 is the stronger fit if you want 2.4 GHz wireless, dedicated media controls, and on-the-fly macro keys. The K5 is a better match if hot-swap support, an aluminum-and-plastic build, or listed macOS, Windows, and Linux support matters more.
The K5 product listing specifies Bluetooth and wired USB-C connectivity, and its vendor description discusses connecting up to three devices over Bluetooth. It does not list 2.4 GHz connectivity for the K5.
Yes. The K618 listing describes tri-mode connectivity with Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless, and wired USB-C, and says the keyboard can switch between five devices.
The K5 listing includes hot-swappable optical switches, and the vendor says that version allows switch changes without soldering. Confirm the selected switch variant, because the product page also lists low-profile Gateron mechanical switches.
The K618's switches are soldered, so changing them requires soldering. The vendor lists low-profile Red, Blue, and Brown switch options.
No. Both keyboards are specified for low-profile switches and keycaps, and standard MX keycaps will not fit. The K5 also has north-facing LEDs, which can interfere with Cherry-profile keycaps.
The K618 has 2.4 GHz wireless and N-Key Rollover listed as features, along with Bluetooth and wired connectivity. The K5's vendor listing gives a 1000 Hz polling rate for wired use, so it may suit someone who prioritizes that wired specification.
The K618 is listed at 725 g. The K5 is listed at 770 g ± 10 g, making the K618 the lighter of the two by the listed figures.
The K618 has dedicated media controls and on-the-fly macro keys, which the vendor says can be recorded without software. The K5 is listed with multimedia keys, but its listing does not describe dedicated macro keys.
Yes. The K5 includes Mac/Win support in its product features, and Keychron lists macOS, Windows, and Linux compatibility. Its vendor description also mentions dedicated Mac multimedia layouts and a side toggle for switching operating systems.
Redragon lists the K618 with a 1900 mAh battery and up to 30 hours of use in its feature details. Keychron lists a 2000 mAh battery and up to 90 hours with backlighting off, or up to 30 hours with white backlighting on.
No. Both have a 100% full-size ANSI layout. The K618 is listed at 437 × 147 × 17 mm, while the K5 is listed at 435 × 120 mm.
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