Keychron K1 V5 vs K2 ProLow-Profile vs 75% Custom
Choose the K1 V5 for an ultra-slim low-profile build and lighter typing feel, or the K2 Pro for extensive customization with QMK/VIA and a richer out-of-box typing experience.
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4.8 (1,458)4.8 · 1,458 reviews
from$54at Keychron
4.9 (16)4.9 · 16 reviews
from$89at Keychron
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K1 V5
Low-Profile
Build quality in the top 40% of 80% boards under $100.
- Ultra-slim 18mm body for a low-profile typing experience that reduces finger travel
- Low-profile Gateron mechanical or Keychron optical switch options with 0.2 ms optical latency
- Available in full aluminum body for a premium build feel
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
- No numpad.
Get the
Keychron K2 Pro
75% Custom
Build quality in the top 5% of 75% boards under $100.
- Full QMK and VIA support for programming macros, layers, and key remapping via Keychron Launcher
- Includes sound-absorbing foam and a thick silicone dampening bottom pad for a quiet refined typing sound
- Hot-swappable PCB supports almost all 3pin and 5pin MX style switches, including Cherry, Gateron, and Kailh
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- No numpad.
For users who prioritize a slim, lightweight keyboard that mimics a laptop feel and travels easily, the Keychron K1 V5 is the right call. However, for those who want maximum customization, a richer typing sound, and the ability to swap in any standard MX switch, the Keychron K2 Pro offers a far more flexible platform. The K2 Pro better suits programmers, gamers, and modders who will take advantage of its QMK/VIA ecosystem and premium build 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 V5
Keychron K2 Pro
Layout size
80%
75%
Battery
2,000 mAh
4,000 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Low profile
Yes
No
Case material
Aluminum, Plastic
ABS, Aluminum, Plastic
Mount style
Tray Mount
PCB Mount, Plate Mount, Tray Mount
- Keychron K1 V5
- Keychron K2 Pro
- Performance
- 6382
- Build quality
- 6790
- Productivity
- 6795
- Customizability
- 7096
- Portability
- 7479
- Connection: Bluetooth, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
What will you mostly use it for?
The K2 Pro wins decisively in gaming, programming, modding, and content creation due to its 1000 Hz polling, QMK/VIA firmware, and full customization ecosystem. The K1 V5 takes the edge for travel thanks to its slim dimensions. For office use, both are strong contenders with the K1 V5 offering a low-profile typing advantage and the K2 Pro providing a quieter, dampened sound. The K1 V5 is the better choice for minimalist setups and on-the-go users, while the K2 Pro is the platform for enthusiasts who want total control.
Pick the Keychron K2 Pro
- 1000 Hz polling rate supports lower latency during fast-paced games
- Steel plate provides a stiffer, more responsive base for rapid key presses
- Pre-lubed K Pro switches and screw-in stabilizers reduce wobble and improve consistency
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
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 K2 Pro
16 owner reviews
“I have been using the keychron K2 V2 for more than a year so when this came out, I knew I had to get this. and boy I never imagined the smoothness and thock on this thing. I replaced the brown switches with lavender purples and it feels even better.”
Keychron K1 V5 vs K2 Pro specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
14 of 27 specs differ
Keychron K1 V5
Keychron K2 Pro
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
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
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Keychron K1 V5
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Keychron K2 Pro
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
In stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
In stockDoes not ship to you
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.
Keychron K1 V5 vs K2 Pro: your questions
No, the K1 V5 is designed for low-profile Gateron mechanical switches or low-profile Keychron optical switches. The vendor notes that these are not compatible with any normal profile MX style switches.
Yes, the K2 Pro is built with QMK firmware and supports VIA for key remapping and macros. However, some users report that firmware updates may require using the Keychron Launcher web app instead of VIA directly.
The K2 Pro is better for programming because it offers full QMK/VIA support for creating macros and remapping keys, plus a 75% layout with a function row. The K1 V5 lacks these software customization features.
The K1 V5 has a 2000mAh battery, while the K2 Pro has a 4000mAh battery. The K2 Pro's larger battery provides longer potential runtime between charges.
The K1 V5 offers a hot-swappable version for its low-profile Keychron optical switches only. The K2 Pro offers a hot-swappable version that works with almost all 3pin and 5pin MX style switches. Note that some pre-built versions of the K2 Pro are not hot-swappable.
The K1 V5 is significantly thinner at 18mm, making it the better choice for travel. The K2 Pro has a normal profile height and is heavier at 1070 grams.
Yes, the hot-swappable versions of the K2 Pro come with sound-absorbing foam and a thick silicone dampening bottom pad. However, the non-hot-swappable Black Fully Assembled version does not include these according to the vendor.
Yes, the K1 V5 comes with keycaps for both Windows and Mac operating systems and works with macOS according to the vendor. You can switch between operating systems with a slide button on the side.
The hot-swappable versions of the K2 Pro use screw-in PCB stabilizers for smoother big key performance. Non-hot-swappable versions use plate-mounted stabilizers with pads beneath the stems.
Both the K1 V5 and K2 Pro can connect to up to 3 devices via Bluetooth according to the vendor descriptions.
The K1 V5 uses ABS keycaps, while the K2 Pro comes with OSA profile double-shot PBT keycaps. PBT is generally more resistant to shine and oil over time.
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