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

Compare Keychron K4 HE vs V5 Ultra Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers choosing between two premium 96% wireless keyboards from Keychron that take very different approaches to performance. The K4 HE relies on Hall Effect magnetic switches for customizable actuation and gaming features like Rapid Trigger, while the V5 Ultra uses traditional mechanical switches with a gasket mount and an 8000 Hz polling rate. The decision is difficult because both offer excellent productivity features and similar battery capacity, but their core technologies cater to distinct priorities in feel and responsiveness.

91
Keychron K4 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
92
Keychron V5 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard

Select a keyboard to compare

4.3 (13)
3.0 (1)
  • Released in 2025
  • Has Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-CH, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-SW, ISO-Nordic, ANSI layout standard
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Enables rapid trigger functionality
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless, 2.4 GHz connectivity
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Weighs about 1090 g
  • Sized at 41 x 377 x 126 mm
  • Made with a Plastic, Aluminum, Wood, ABS case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2026
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Runs at a 8000 Hz polling rate
  • Weighs about 983 g
  • Sized at 30 x 392 x 149 mm
  • Made with a Metal, Plastic, ABS case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, South-face, Rgb South-face, White South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 92.4
  • Build Quality: 87.1
  • Productivity: 94.1
  • Customizability: 89.6
  • Portability: 56.1
Scores
  • Performance: 91.2
  • Build Quality: 82
  • Productivity: 97.5
  • Customizability: 95.1
  • Portability: 56
Name
Keychron K4 HE
Name
Keychron V5 Ultra
Release year
2025
Release year
2026
Switch Options
Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
96%
Layout Size
96%
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-CH, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-SW, ISO-Nordic, ANSI
Layout Standard
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, 2.4 GHz
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
8000 Hz
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
4000 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
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, South-face, White South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic, Aluminum, Wood, ABS
Case Material
Metal, Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
41 x 377 x 126 mm
Dimensions
30 x 392 x 149 mm
Weight
1090g
Weight
983g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice comes down to typing technology versus polling speed. Choose the Keychron K4 HE if you want the unique benefits of magnetic switches including adjustable actuation, Rapid Trigger, and analog input for gaming. Opt for the Keychron V5 Ultra if you prefer a traditional mechanical switch, a softer gasket mount typing feel, and the superior 8000 Hz wireless polling for competitive latency. Both are strong all-rounders, but neither dominates the other across every use case.

Keychron K4 HE

  • +Magnetic Gateron Double-Rail switches with adjustable actuation from 0.2 to 3.8 mm and 0.1 mm sensitivity.
  • +Advanced TMR sensors for precise, ultra-low latency input detection.
  • +Features like Rapid Trigger, LKP, Snap Click, and Dynamic Keystrokes for competitive gaming.
  • +Premium build with aluminum and wood frame options in the Special Edition.
  • +Hot-swappable with compatible double-rail magnetic switches from Keychron.
  • −Only compatible with Gateron Double-Rail magnetic switches, limiting replacement options.
  • −Tray mount design is less flexible for sound and feel modding compared to gasket mount.
  • −Heavier at 1090 g (Standard Version) and thicker chassis profile.
  • −North-facing RGB may cause interference with some Cherry profile keycap sets.

Keychron V5 Ultra

  • +Gasket mount design with PC plate provides a softer, quieter, and more flexible typing feel.
  • +Industry-leading 8000 Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes.
  • +Exceptional battery life: up to 660 hours with backlight off, 200 hours with RGB on lowest brightness.
  • +Hot-swappable with any 3-pin or 5-pin MX-style mechanical switch, offering vast customization.
  • +All-new knob design for intuitive volume and media control.
  • −Plastic body construction feels less premium than the K4 HE's aluminum or wood options.
  • −Non-shine-through OSA keycaps result in poor legend illumination at night, as noted in a user review.
  • −Only available in ANSI layout standard, limiting options for international users.
  • −ZMK firmware, while secure, lacks some advanced macropad features found in QMK.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

For gaming, the K4 HE's magnetic switches and Rapid Trigger technology give it a clear edge, while the V5 Ultra's gasket mount and longer battery life make it the better office and travel companion. Programming and content creation are close ties thanks to similar layouts and firmware flexibility. Modders will favor the V5 Ultra for its standard switch compatibility and gasket construction, whereas the K4 HE's magnetic ecosystem is more locked-in but offers unique analog and actuation features.

GamingKeychron K4 HE
  • •Magnetic switches with dynamic Rapid Trigger for faster key resets in fast-paced games.
  • •Adjustable actuation from 0.2 to 3.8 mm allows customizing sensitivity per key.
  • •Last Key Priority (LKP) and Snap Click features for competitive advantages in titles like Valorant.
OfficeKeychron V5 Ultra
  • •Gasket mount design with a PC plate delivers a softer, quieter typing experience.
  • •Up to 660 hours of battery life with backlight off, reducing charging anxiety.
  • •Knob support for quick volume adjustment during work tasks.
  • •South-facing RGB reduces shine-through legend interference when using OSA PBT keycaps.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both offer the 96% layout with a full number row and navigation keys.
  • •Both support QMK or ZMK firmware via Keychron Launcher for extensive macro and layer customization.
  • •Both have N-Key Rollover over wireless and wired connections.
TravelKeychron V5 Ultra
  • •Lighter weight at 983 g compared to the K4 HE's 1090 g.
  • •Slightly smaller dimensions (392 x 149 mm vs 377 x 126 mm but less depth).
  • •Up to 660 hours battery life is significantly longer for trips without recharging.
  • •Plastic construction is more durable against bumps and lighter in a bag.
ModdingKeychron V5 Ultra
  • •Gasket mount design with a PC plate offers a modern platform for deep acoustics modding.
  • •Standard MX-style switch compatibility (3-pin and 5-pin) provides far more switch options.
  • •Screw-in PCB stabilizers are easier to replace and upgrade than the K4 HE's plate-mounted stabilizers.
  • •ZMK firmware and extensive foam layering make it a better base for custom builds.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both have a 96% layout with all essential keys for editing shortcuts.
  • •Both support VIA/QMK (K4 HE) or ZMK (V5 Ultra) for custom key mapping.
  • •The K4 HE includes a knob for the V5 Ultra, but its magnetic switches allow smoother analog input for creative tools.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

98
$99
Keychron V5 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V5 Max
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

99
$129
Keychron K2 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard
Keychron K2 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

92
$114
Keychron V3 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3 Ultra
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

85
$95
Keychron K8 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection (Version 2)
Keychron K8 QMK V2
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Plate Mount

83
$119
Keychron V6 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V6 Ultra
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
Metal case,
Gasket Mount

100
$104
Lemokey P1 QMK/VIA Custom Gaming Keyboard
Keychron Lemokey P1
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

93
$112
Keychron V2 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron V2 Max
65%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

97
$199
Keychron Q6 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q6 Max
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket 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
$94
Keychron K10 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 2
Keychron K10 V2
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount