Compare Keychron K4 HE vs Q5 HE Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Keychron's two 96% layout Hall Effect keyboards. The choice is difficult because both share core features like magnetic switches, wireless connectivity, and extensive programmability, but differ significantly in construction, weight, and price. The K4 HE offers a more accessible entry point with unique material choices, while the Q5 HE represents a top-tier build for enthusiasts.

Model
	92	96	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	4.4 stars (15 reviews)	5.0 stars (4 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2025 Has Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-CH, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ANSI, ISO-SW, ISO-Nordic layout standard Uses a Tray Mount mounting style Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless, 2.4 GHz connectivity Weighs about 1090 g Sized at 31 x 126 x 373 mm Made with a Plastic, Aluminum, ABS, Wood case Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting	Released in 2024 Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Magnetic switch options Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-CH, ANSI layout standard Comes with a knob Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only connectivity Weighs about 2301 g Sized at 32 x 408 x 145 mm Made with a Aluminum case Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 92.3 Build Quality: 87 Productivity: 94.1 Customizability: 89.8 Portability: 56.3	Scores Performance: 100 Build Quality: 88.7 Productivity: 97.3 Customizability: 97.5 Portability: 55.4
Name	Name Keychron K4 HE	Name Keychron Q5 HE
Release year	Release year 2025	Release year 2024
Switch Options	Switch Options Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Magnetic
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 96%	Layout Size 96%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-CH, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ANSI, ISO-SW, ISO-Nordic	Layout Standard ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-CH, ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless, 2.4 GHz	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz;8000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 4000 mAh	Battery capacity 4000 mAh
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Tray Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, North-face	Backlight Rgb, South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Plastic, Aluminum, ABS, Wood	Case Material Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 31 x 126 x 373 mm	Dimensions 32 x 408 x 145 mm
Weight	Weight 1090g	Weight 2301g

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Pros and Trade-offs

Your budget and desired typing experience are the deciding factors. Choose the Keychron K4 HE for a cost-effective, feature-rich Hall Effect keyboard that is easier to move around. Opt for the Keychron Q5 HE if you prioritize a premium, heavy-duty build with a gasket-mount flex, a control knob, and are willing to pay more for enthusiast-grade construction.

Keychron K4 HE

+More affordable price point for Hall Effect features.
+Lighter weight (1090g) and multiple adjustable typing angles (5°, 8°, 11°).
+Unique material combination with aluminum and optional wood accents.
+North-facing RGB LEDs on shine-through keycap versions.
+Includes sound-dampening foams like EVA, EPDM, and a silicone pad.

−Tray mount construction is less premium than a gasket mount.
−Uses plate-mounted stabilizers instead of screw-in PCB stabilizers.
−Compatible only with Gateron double-rail magnetic switches, limiting switch options.

Keychron Q5 HE

+Premium all-aluminum 6063 construction with a double-gasket mount design.
+Includes a control knob and supports screw-in PCB stabilizers.
+South-facing RGB LEDs avoid interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.
+Available as a DIY kit/barebones for custom builds.
+Enhanced acoustic package with foam, PET film, and latex layers.

−Substantially more expensive than the K4 HE.
−Very heavy at 2187g, limiting portability.
−Compatible only with Gateron double-rail magnetic switches.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The K4 HE wins for office use and travel due to its lighter weight and adjustable typing angles. The Q5 HE is the superior choice for modding and content creation, thanks to its gasket mount, screw-in stabilizers, and included knob. For gaming and programming, the keyboards are functionally tied, sharing the same core Hall Effect technology and programmability, making the decision one of budget and preferred typing feel.

GamingTie

•Both feature a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired and 2.4 GHz modes for low latency.
•Both include Hall Effect magnetic switches with adjustable actuation points (0.2-3.8mm) and rapid trigger.
•Both support dynamic keystrokes for multiple actions per key.

OfficeKeychron K4 HE

•The K4 HE is significantly lighter at 1090g, making it easier to reposition on a desk.
•It offers multiple typing angles (5°, 8°, 11°) for ergonomic adjustment.
•Its wireless functionality and Mac/Windows support are equal to the Q5 HE.

ProgrammingTie

•Both have the same 96% layout with a numpad, conserving desk space.
•Both offer full programmability via QMK and VIA firmware for custom layers and macros.
•Both include PBT keycaps for durability.

TravelKeychron K4 HE

•The K4 HE is less than half the weight of the Q5 HE (1090g vs 2187g).
•It has a slightly smaller footprint according to its listed dimensions.
•Both have the same 4000mAh battery for wireless use.

ModdingKeychron Q5 HE

•The Q5 HE features a gasket mount design for a more flexible typing feel.
•It includes screw-in PCB stabilizers, which are generally preferred for modding stability.
•It is also offered as a DIY kit/barebones option, according to its metadata.

Content CreationKeychron Q5 HE

•The Q5 HE offers knob support for quick volume or timeline scrubbing adjustments.
•Its all-aluminum 6063 construction provides a more substantial, premium feel.
•South-facing RGB LEDs prevent interference with Cherry-profile keycaps, offering more customization options for aesthetics.