Keychron K1 Max vs K1 V5QMK Customization vs Budget Low-Profile
Choose the K1 Max for advanced firmware customization and a 2.4GHz connection, or the K1 V5 for a more affordable low-profile mechanical experience.
3.3 · 16 reviews
from$89
Down 23% this monthDown 23% this month
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K1 Max
QMK Customization
- Supports QMK and VIA firmware for extensive key remapping and macros.
- Includes a 2.4GHz wireless connection with a 1000 Hz polling rate.
- Comes with double-shot PBT keycaps and internal IXPE and latex foam for sound.
- Higher price point compared to the K1 V5.
- Heavier at 608 grams, which may affect portability.
- Hot-swap compatibility is limited to Gateron/Keychron low-profile mechanical switches only.
Get the
Keychron K1 V5
Budget Low-Profile
- More affordable price point.
- Offers a hot-swappable option for Keychron low-profile optical switches.
- Has a proven track record with a high volume of positive user reviews.
- Lacks a 2.4GHz wireless connection and its polling rate is not specified.
- Does not support QMK or VIA firmware for advanced customization.
- Comes with ABS keycaps instead of PBT.
Your budget and need for advanced features dictate the choice here. Invest in the Keychron K1 Max if you require the low-latency 2.4GHz connection for gaming or the deep customization of QMK/VIA firmware. Opt for the Keychron K1 V5 if you want a reliable, low-profile mechanical keyboard with basic hot-swap functionality at a more accessible cost, and can forgo the latest connectivity and programming features.
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.
Keychron K1 Max
Keychron K1 V5
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, Wired
Battery
4,000 mAh
2,000 mAh
Case material
ABS, Aluminum, Plastic
Aluminum, Plastic
Mount style
PCB Mount, Plate Mount
Tray Mount
QMK
Yes
No
- Keychron K1 Max
- Keychron K1 V5
- Performance
- 8264
- Build quality
- 8267
- Productivity
- 9067
- Customizability
- 8969
- Portability
- 7374
- Layout size: 80%
- Hot-swappable
- Low profile
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
What will you mostly use it for?
The K1 Max is the clear choice for gamers, programmers, modders, and content creators who need its 2.4GHz performance, QMK customization, and enhanced acoustic features. For office use, both are capable, sharing core low-profile benefits. Travelers or budget-focused users may prefer the K1 V5 for its lower cost, assuming its unspecified weight and battery life meet their needs.
Pick the Keychron K1 Max
- The K1 Max has a dedicated 2.4GHz wireless mode with a 1000 Hz polling rate for low latency.
- Its vendor description states the 1000 Hz polling rate makes latency 'hardly noticeable even in competitive games'.
- The K1 V5 lacks a specified 2.4GHz connection and its polling rate is not stated for wireless use.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron K1 Max
16 owner reviews
“My first better keyboard and I am absolutely satisfied. We'll see how it works after a longer time. I just thought of one small thing, I have nowhere to hide the receiver when I leave with just the laptop and I want to leave the keyboard at home. Like you can…”
“Beware of the double-clicking issue. I have got 2 units of this. They're both having the same problem and worse.”
Keychron K1 V5
1,458 owner reviews
“Cant beat this keyboard. Everything I wanted for a great price. Great for Mac and just as good as any keyboard for PC. I use ti for my work pc and personal Mac.”
Keychron K1 Max vs K1 V5 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
11 of 26 specs differ
Keychron K1 Max
Keychron K1 V5
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
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
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
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.
Keychron K1 Max vs K1 V5: your questions
The Keychron K1 Max adds a 2.4GHz wireless mode with a 1000 Hz polling rate and supports QMK/VIA firmware for deep customization. The K1 V5 is a previous generation model that operates via Bluetooth and wired connection only, and does not offer QMK support, making it a more basic, budget-friendly option.
The K1 V5's product description does not specify a polling rate for its wireless mode, and it lacks a dedicated 2.4GHz connection. For the lowest possible latency, the K1 Max with its 1000 Hz polling rate over 2.4GHz and wired modes is the better choice for competitive gaming.
Both keyboards offer hot-swappable versions, but for different switches. The K1 Max is hot-swappable for Gateron and Keychron low-profile mechanical switches. The K1 V5 offers a hot-swappable version specifically for Keychron low-profile optical switches.
The K1 Max has a larger 4000mAh battery, while the K1 V5 has a 2000mAh battery. While actual runtime depends on usage, the Max's larger capacity suggests the potential for longer periods between charges.
Yes, both the Keychron K1 Max and K1 V5 include keycaps for both macOS and Windows layouts. They have a switch to toggle between operating system modes for proper key mapping.
The K1 Max comes with low-profile double-shot PBT keycaps. The K1 V5 comes with ABS keycaps. PBT is generally considered more durable and resistant to shine over time compared to ABS.
The K1 Max's vendor description specifically mentions it includes IXPE acoustic foam and latex foam for silent keystrokes and sound dampening. The K1 V5's description does not mention any included sound-dampening foam, so the Max is likely the quieter option out of the box.
The K1 V5 product description does not mention support for QMK, VIA, or any advanced key remapping software. Any reprogramming would be limited to any onboard functions it may have, which are not detailed. For full key remapping, the K1 Max with QMK/VIA is required.
Both share an 80% TKL low-profile form factor. The K1 V5's weight is not specified, while the K1 Max weighs 608g. Based on available data, the K1 V5's lower price may make it a less risky travel companion, but its physical portability relative to the Max cannot be fully determined without its weight.
The K1 Max is explicitly available in UK, German, Swiss, and Nordic ISO layouts. The K1 V5 metadata only lists ANSI as its layout standard, suggesting it is not offered in ISO variants.
According to its vendor description, the K1 Max hot-swap sockets are currently compatible with Gateron and Keychron low-profile mechanical switches only. It is not compatible with low-profile optical switches.
Not sold on either?
Still torn?
Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.