Keychron K4 HE vs K5 QMK V2Magnetic vs Low-Profile Choice
Choose the K4 HE for advanced magnetic switch features and gaming performance, or the K5 QMK V2 for a low-profile, full-size layout at a lower cost.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K4 HE
Magnetic
- Advanced Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic switches with adjustable actuation and TMR sensors.
- Includes multiple sound-dampening foams (EVA, EPDM, silicone pad) for a thocky typing sound.
- Offers triple connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless, and wired USB-C.
- Compatible only with specific Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic switches, limiting hot-swap options.
- 96% layout has a condensed key arrangement that may require an adjustment period.
- Heavier at approximately 1090g, making it less portable.
Get the
Keychron K5 QMK V2
Low-Profile Choice
- Low-profile design with Keychron Milk POM switches for a slimmer typing experience.
- Full 100% layout includes a number pad and dedicated media keys.
- Generally available at a lower price point than the K4 HE.
- Uses ABS keycaps, which are more prone to shine over time compared to PBT.
- Smaller 2000mAh battery compared to the K4 HE.
- Lacks a 2.4 GHz wireless connection option, offering only Bluetooth and wired.
Select the Keychron K4 HE if you are a gamer or enthusiast who values cutting-edge magnetic switch technology, deep customization of actuation points, and a premium typing sound. Opt for the Keychron K5 QMK V2 if you prefer a traditional, low-profile typing feel on a full-size keyboard, need a number pad for work, and want to spend less. Both are excellent choices for programmability via QMK/VIA.
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 K4 HE
Keychron K5 QMK V2
Layout size
96%
100%
Hall effect (magnetic)
Yes
No
Rapid trigger
Yes
No
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired, 2.4 GHz
Bluetooth, Wired
Battery
4,000 mAh
2,000 mAh
- Keychron K4 HE
- Keychron K5 QMK V2
- Performance
- 9282
- Build quality
- 8779
- Productivity
- 9480
- Customizability
- 8989
- Portability
- 5654
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- QMK
- VIA
What will you mostly use it for?
The K4 HE is the clear choice for gamers seeking the latest magnetic switch technology and customizable performance. For office work and content creation, the K5 QMK V2's low-profile, full-size layout offers practical advantages. Programmers will find both keyboards equally capable due to their QMK/VIA support, while the K5 V2 is better suited for travel. Modders will appreciate the K4 HE's superior internal foams and PBT keycaps.
Pick the Keychron K4 HE
- Features Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic switches with adjustable actuation points from 0.2 to 3.8 mm.
- Includes gaming-specific features like Rapid Trigger, Last Key Priority (LKP), and Analog Mode.
- Offers a 1000 Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron K4 HE
10 owner reviews
“So far it have met my expectations for the use i wanted it for, had a small hic up the first day i started ysing it but got easily resolved with the provided user manual”
“The keyboard is smooth to the touch, and has the nice feel. For me, it's almost an ideal keyboard but the one thing that gets me and it's a hard issue is that when connected, it takes away input from my controller when I game, especially for live service…”
Keychron K5 QMK V2
8 owner reviews
“Genuinely happy with the keyboard. Had a low-profile one from another brand that has been used for 12+ years, and it degraded over time. This K5 feels very good. Still have to get used to the distance between the "primary," arrows, and numpad blocks, but…”
“Got this keyboard so I could keep my K5 Pro at work and this one at home. Both are the RGB version with brown switches, the K5v2 is quieter than the Pro and just as good to use. It also reports battery state over Bluetooth, which is a nice QoL improvement…”
Keychron K4 HE vs K5 QMK V2 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
15 of 29 specs differ
Keychron K4 HE
Keychron K5 QMK V2
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Rapid trigger
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
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Keychron K4 HE vs K5 QMK V2: your questions
The K4 HE uses Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic switches, which are contactless and allow for adjustable actuation points. The K5 QMK V2 uses low-profile Keychron Milk POM mechanical switches, which are traditional tactile or linear switches in a slimmer housing.
It depends on preference. The K5 V2 offers a low-profile design which some find more comfortable for long typing sessions. The K4 HE has magnetic switches and multiple internal foam layers, which the manufacturer states creates a satisfying, thocky sound.
Yes, the K4 HE is designed with gaming in mind. It features magnetic switches with adjustable actuation, rapid trigger, last key priority, and a 1000 Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4 GHz modes, as described in its product listing.
Yes, the Keychron K5 QMK V2 has a 100% layout, which includes a full number pad. The K4 HE has a 96% layout, which integrates the number pad into a more compact form factor.
Yes, both keyboards are hot-swappable, but with specific limitations. The K4 HE is compatible only with Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic switches. The K5 V2 is compatible with Keychron Milk POM switches or Gateron/Keychron low-profile mechanical switches.
The K4 HE has a larger 4000mAh battery, while the K5 V2 has a 2000mAh battery. Based on battery capacity alone, the K4 HE should offer longer wireless usage between charges.
Yes, both keyboards support QMK and VIA open-source firmware, allowing for extensive key remapping, macro creation, and layer programming through the Keychron Launcher web app.
The K4 HE comes with double-shot PBT keycaps. The K5 QMK V2 comes with shine-through ABS keycaps. PBT is generally more durable and resistant to shine than ABS.
Yes, according to the manufacturer, the K5 QMK V2 offers a Mac layout with matching multimedia keys and includes keycaps for both macOS and Windows. It is compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux.
The K5 V2 is likely more portable due to its low-profile design, though its exact dimensions and weight are not specified. The K4 HE is heavier at 1090g and has a larger physical footprint due to its 96% layout with integrated number pad.
Yes, both keyboards feature north-facing RGB LED backlighting with multiple lighting modes. The K5 V2 also mentions a static white backlight option.
The K4 HE supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless, and wired USB-C connections. The K5 QMK V2 supports Bluetooth and wired USB-C connections, but does not offer a 2.4 GHz wireless mode.
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