Keychron K17 Max vs V5 MaxLow-Profile vs Gasket Mount 96%

The K17 Max is an ultra-slim, low-profile keyboard with switches described as 31% slimmer than standard ones. The V5 Max is a standard-profile keyboard featuring a gasket mount design and a polycarbonate plate for a softer typing feel. This results in a significant difference in height and typing experience.

The V5 Max has a larger 4000mAh battery, while the K17 Max has a 2000mAh battery. According to the V5 Max specifications, its larger battery can provide up to 190 hours of wireless use with backlighting off. The actual runtime for both will depend on usage patterns like backlight brightness and connection mode.

You can use standard Cherry MX switches on the V5 Max, as its hot-swappable sockets support both 3-pin and 5-pin MX mechanical switches. The K17 Max, however, is only compatible with Gateron and Keychron low-profile mechanical switches, as stated by the manufacturer, and does not support standard MX switches.

The Keychron K17 Max is more portable. It is lighter at 750 grams compared to the V5 Max's 925 grams, and its low-profile design makes it thinner. The K17 Max's slimmer profile is generally easier to pack in a bag or use in confined spaces like on a laptop.

Yes, both the K17 Max and V5 Max are compatible with macOS and Windows. Each includes a system toggle switch and keycaps for both operating systems, allowing you to switch layouts easily without changing keycaps.

A gasket mount design, as used in the V5 Max, involves suspending the plate and PCB within the case using silicone or rubber gaskets. This is intended to reduce acoustic resonance and create a softer, more flexible typing feel compared to a traditional tray or plate mount, which the K17 Max uses.

Both keyboards have sound-dampening foam. The K17 Max uses IXPE and latex foam, while the V5 Max combines its foam with a gasket mount and polycarbonate plate designed for a quieter experience. The V5 Max's construction may offer a deeper, more muted sound signature, but the K17 Max's low-profile switches can also be quiet. The choice depends on your preferred sound profile.

Yes, both keyboards support full key remapping, macros, and layer programming. They are compatible with the open-source QMK firmware and the VIA configurator, and can also be customized using the Keychron Launcher web app for a graphical interface.

The K17 Max has north-facing RGB LEDs (on the top side of the switch), while the V5 Max has south-facing LEDs (on the bottom side). South-facing LEDs, like on the V5 Max, prevent interference with the legends on Cherry profile or OEM profile keycaps, making them a better choice if you plan to use aftermarket keycaps of those profiles.

Yes, the Keychron V5 Max product description mentions a magnetic storage slot at the top right corner of the keyboard designed to hold its included Type-C and Type-A 2.4 GHz receivers. The K17 Max's description does not mention an integrated storage slot for its receiver.

No, the keycaps on both keyboards are not shine-through. The K17 Max uses low-profile double-shot PBT keycaps, and the V5 Max uses OSA profile double-shot PBT keycaps. Both are made of durable PBT material, but the legends are not transparent, so backlighting shines around the keys rather than through the letters.

The V5 Max offers a wider array of ISO layout options. According to its specifications, it supports ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, and ISO-SW layouts. The K17 Max is listed with ISO and ANSI support, with its vendor page specifically mentioning German and UK ISO layouts.