Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Head to head · Prices checked Nov 14, 2026

Keychron K1 SE V5 vs K5 SE

KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Keychron K1 SE V5

Build quality in the top 40% of 80% boards under $100.

Rules this board out

  • Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
  • North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
  • No numpad.

Get the

Keychron K5 SE

Build quality in the top 30% of 100% boards under $100.

Rules this board out

  • Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
  • North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.

What actually differs

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 SE V5

Keychron K5 SE

  • Layout size

    80%

    100%

  • Released

    2021

    2022

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Keychron K1 SE V5
  • Keychron K5 SE
Performance
63
62
Build quality
67
66
Productivity
67
66
Customizability
70
69
Portability
74
55

What they share

  • Connection: Bluetooth, Wired
  • Hot-swappable
  • Battery: 2,000 mAh
  • Low profile
  • Case material: Aluminum, Plastic
  • Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
See every spec side by side

From real owners

What owners say

Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.

Keychron K1 SE V5

4.8

166 owner reviews

Praise
“I got the optical banana switches, they feel very comfortable. Good job on the background lighting! Would give five stars if it came back from sleep a bit quicker...”
Karl F.Verified buyer· via Keychron

Keychron K5 SE

4.8

30 owner reviews

Praise
“This is my favorite keyboard. After assembling my desktop pc, I had always felt a little awkward typing on normal sized mechanical keyboards. This keyboard solved that for me. I currently use mine for my desktop, and on the go with my Steam Deck.”
Michael C.Verified buyer· via Keychron

Full specs

Keychron K1 SE V5 vs K5 SE specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

2 of 17 specs differ

Keychron K1 SE V5

Keychron K5 SE

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Tactile

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Tray Mount
Tray Mount

Low profile

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

80%
100%

Layout standard

ANSI, JIS
ANSI, JIS

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Media keys

Yes
Yes

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, Wired
Bluetooth, Wired

Battery

2,000 mAh
2,000 mAh

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum, Plastic
Aluminum, Plastic

Keycaps

ABS
ABS

Backlight

RGB, north-facing
RGB, north-facing

Firmware & software

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2021
2022

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

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.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

Still torn?

Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.