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

Compare Keychron K17 Max vs K5 Pro Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers who want a low profile mechanical keyboard but are torn between a compact 96% layout and a traditional full-size 100% layout. The K17 Max is the newer model with added 2.4 GHz wireless and sound dampening foam. The K5 Pro offers a wider range of ISO layouts and more reviews for long-term confidence. Both share hot-swappable low profile Gateron switches, QMK/VIA support, and a slim aluminum body.

88
Keychron K17 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
88
Keychron K5 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

Select a keyboard to compare

4.5 (2)
4.8 (8)
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Built with the ISO, ANSI layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a PCB Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Weighs about 750 g
  • Sized at 27 x 119 x 387 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Aluminum case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 100% layout
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, JIS, ISO-SW, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Weighs about 720 g
  • Sized at 18 x 120 x 435 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Plastic, ABS case
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face, White, White North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 83.8
  • Build Quality: 81.8
  • Productivity: 93.2
  • Customizability: 93
  • Portability: 54.7
Scores
  • Performance: 80.9
  • Build Quality: 79.7
  • Productivity: 79.7
  • Customizability: 88.9
  • Portability: 53.2
Name
Keychron K17 Max
Name
Keychron K5 Pro
Release year
2024
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Low Profile
Profile
Low Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
96%
Layout Size
100%
Layout Standard
ISO, ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, JIS, ISO-SW, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, 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
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
2000 mAh
Battery capacity
2000 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
PCB Mount
Mount Style
Tray Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, North-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face, White
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS, Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum, Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Dimensions
27 x 119 x 387 mm
Dimensions
18 x 120 x 435 mm
Weight
750g
Weight
720g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

If you want a low profile keyboard with the lowest possible wireless latency and a space-saving layout, the Keychron K17 Max is the better choice with 2.4 GHz and sound dampening foam. If you need a full-size layout with a numpad and require a specific ISO layout for your region, go with the Keychron K5 Pro. Both are excellent low profile options with hot-swap switches and extensive firmware support.

Keychron K17 Max

  • +2.4 GHz wireless connection with 1000 Hz polling rate for low-latency gaming
  • +Interior IXPE acoustic foam and latex foam for a quieter, more responsive typing experience
  • +More compact 96% layout saves desk space while retaining function row and most keys
  • +PCB mount design with redesigned stabilizers for less wobble on large keys
  • +Three levels of adjustable typing angle (4 degrees minimum) for ergonomic support
  • −Fewer ISO layout options available (only German and UK noted)
  • −Low profile Gateron switches only compatible with Gateron or Keychron low profile mechanical switches, not optical

Keychron K5 Pro

  • +Full-size 100% layout includes a dedicated numpad for data entry and number-heavy tasks
  • +Wide availability of ISO layouts including German, Nordic, UK, French, Spanish, Japanese, and more
  • +Higher customer review count (8 reviews) with strong feedback for coding, audio studio, and long-term reliability
  • +Supports QMK and VIA for key remapping (though some users report Launcher issues, VIA compatibility is stated)
  • −No 2.4 GHz wireless option; relies on Bluetooth and wired connections only
  • −Tray mount design may offer less structural rigidity compared to PCB mount on the K17 Max

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The K17 Max wins for gaming and travel due to its 2.4 GHz connectivity and more compact 96% footprint. The K5 Pro is better for office and content creation tasks that require a full-size numpad and broader ISO layout support. For programming, the K17 Max offers a space-saving design with quieter foam. Both keyboards tie for modding since they share hot-swappable low profile switches and QMK/VIA firmware.

GamingKeychron K17 Max
  • •Includes 2.4 GHz wireless with 1000 Hz polling rate, which is not available on the K5 Pro
  • •Features interior IXPE acoustic foam and latex foam for quieter, more responsive keystrokes
  • •Slightly lighter at 750g for easier desk repositioning during gaming sessions
OfficeKeychron K5 Pro
  • •Full-size 100% layout with a dedicated numpad is better for data entry spreadsheets
  • •Wider availability of ISO layouts (German, Nordic, UK, French, Spanish, etc.) for regional office use
  • •Higher review count (8 reviews) with positive mentions for coding and daily office work
ProgrammingKeychron K17 Max
  • •96% layout saves desk space while retaining arrow keys and a function row
  • •2.4 GHz connectivity offers lower latency for online coding environments or remote terminals
  • •Includes sound dampening foam for a quieter typing experience in shared workspaces
TravelKeychron K17 Max
  • •More compact 96% layout with shorter dimensions (387mm vs 435mm) fits better in bags
  • •Includes 2.4 GHz wireless for reliable, low-latency connection without needing Bluetooth pairing
  • •Slightly lighter weight (750g vs 720g is negligible, but layout size is the key factor for portability)
ModdingTie
  • •Both support hot-swappable low profile Gateron switches on RGB versions
  • •Both use PCB mount (K17 Max) or tray mount (K5 Pro) but offer QMK/VIA firmware for key remapping
  • •Both use standard low profile double-shot PBT keycaps and are compatible with additional switch options sold by Keychron
Content CreationKeychron K5 Pro
  • •Full-size layout includes a numpad that is useful for entering numerical data in video editing or audio software
  • •K5 Pro has been well reviewed by users for audio studio and writing work, citing excellent typing feel with brown switches
  • •Wider ISO layout availability supports multiple regional keyboard standards for international content creators

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

88
$69
Keychron K17 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron K17 Pro
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

86
$67
Keychron K1 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K1 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

92
$69
Keychron K4 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron K4 Pro
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

86
$94
Keychron K5 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron K5 Max
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
PCB Mount

73
$115
Keychron K5 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 2
Keychron K5 V2
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
QMK,
Alu case

84
$99
Keychron K5 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 2
Keychron K5 QMK V2
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
PCB Mount

94
$59
Keychron K8 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron K8 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

84
$94
Keychron K1 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 6
Keychron K1 V6
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Top Mount

96
$89
Keychron V6 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V6 Max
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

94
$79
Keychron K10 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K10 Pro
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount