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Compare Keychron K17 Pro vs K5 Pro Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two ultra-slim low profile wireless mechanical keyboards from Keychron. The decision is hard because both share the same core features: Bluetooth 5.1, hot-swappable Gateron low profile switches, QMK/VIA support, and an aluminum frame. The main trade-offs are the 96% layout with a knob on the K17 Pro versus the full-size 100% layout with more layout standard options (including ISO) on the K5 Pro. The K17 Pro is slightly lighter and more compact, while the K5 Pro offers a traditional full-size key arrangement.

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

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5.0 (4)
4.8 (8)
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Weighs about 679 g
  • Sized at 19 x 120 x 387 mm
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting
  • 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
  • Weighs about 720 g
  • Sized at 18 x 120 x 435 mm
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face, White, White North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 83.5
  • Build Quality: 81.5
  • Productivity: 86.8
  • Customizability: 92.5
  • Portability: 53.8
Scores
  • Performance: 80.9
  • Build Quality: 79.7
  • Productivity: 79.7
  • Customizability: 88.9
  • Portability: 53.2
Name
Keychron K17 Pro
Name
Keychron K5 Pro
Release year
2023
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Low Profile
Profile
Low Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
96%
Layout Size
100%
Layout Standard
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, 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
Tray 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
Aluminum, Plastic, ABS
Case Material
Aluminum, Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Dimensions
19 x 120 x 387 mm
Dimensions
18 x 120 x 435 mm
Weight
679g
Weight
720g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Select the Keychron K17 Pro if a compact layout with a knob is your priority, and you prefer a lighter, more portable keyboard. Choose the Keychron K5 Pro if you need a full-size layout with a dedicated number pad and require ISO layout options. Both offer excellent low profile typing experiences with the same core technology.

Keychron K17 Pro

  • +Compact 96% layout with 103 keys saves desk space.
  • +Includes a knob for volume or shortcut control.
  • +Slightly lighter (679g) and narrower (387mm) than the K5 Pro.
  • +Low-profile double-shot PBT keycaps included.
  • −Lacks dedicated number pad found on full-size layouts.
  • −No ISO layout option available (ANSI only).
  • −Keycaps are not shine-through, limiting RGB visibility in the dark.

Keychron K5 Pro

  • +Full-size 100% layout with 108 keys including a dedicated number pad.
  • +Available in multiple layouts: ANSI, ISO (DE, Nordic, UK, FR, ES, SW) and JIS.
  • +Rated highly by users for coding and office use over a long period.
  • +Comes with keycaps for both Windows and macOS systems.
  • −Heavier (720g) and wider (435mm) than the K17 Pro.
  • −Does not include a knob.
  • −Wider form factor may not fit well in smaller bags.
  • −Some users report that VIA compatibility requires using the Keychron Launcher instead.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

In gaming and programming, the choice is a tie as both keyboards share the same wireless technology, polling rate, and switch compatibility. The K5 Pro wins for office work thanks to its full-size layout and ISO layout options. The K17 Pro is the better pick for travel, modding, and content creation due to its lighter weight, compact size, and included knob.

GamingTie
  • •Both have a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode as stated by Keychron.
  • •Both use the same Gateron low profile switches with similar latency characteristics.
  • •The choice depends on whether you prefer a compact layout or a full-size layout with a dedicated number pad.
  • •Both are compatible with QMK for custom keybinds.
OfficeKeychron K5 Pro
  • •The K5 Pro has a full-size 100% layout with a dedicated number pad, beneficial for data entry.
  • •The K5 Pro is available in ISO layouts (ANSI also available), which is preferred in many regions.
  • •The K5 Pro includes additional keycaps for Windows and macOS in the box.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both support QMK and VIA for full key remapping and macros.
  • •Both offer low profile switches with tactile options (brown) suitable for typing.
  • •The choice comes down to layout preference: compact 96% or full-size with more keys.
TravelKeychron K17 Pro
  • •The K17 Pro is lighter at 679g compared to 720g.
  • •The K17 Pro is narrower at 387mm wide versus 435mm.
  • •The 96% layout is more compact, fitting easier into bags.
ModdingKeychron K17 Pro
  • •The K17 Pro features a knob, adding an extra hardware modding opportunity.
  • •The K17 Pro has a higher customizability score relative to its price tier.
  • •Both are hot-swappable and compatible with Gateron/Keychron low profile switches only.
Content CreationKeychron K17 Pro
  • •The K17 Pro includes knob support, which is useful for timeline scrubbing or volume control during editing.
  • •The 96% layout saves desk space, leaving more room for a tablet or drawing pad.
  • •Both offer the same Bluetooth 5.1 multi-device connectivity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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