Keychron K4 Max vs K5 Max96% vs Low-Profile Full-Size
Choose the K4 Max for a compact, high-capacity layout with standard switches, or the K5 Max for an ultra-slim, low-profile typing experience on a full-size board.
KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
5.0 (1)5.0 · 1 reviews
from$99at Keychron
4.6 (13)4.6 · 13 reviews
from$94at Keychron
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K4 Max
96%
Build quality in the top 20% of 96% boards under $100.
- Larger 4000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
- 96% layout saves desk space while retaining a numpad.
- Compatible with a wide range of standard MX-style switches for hot-swapping.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- Missing ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic. The other board is sold in those layouts.
- Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.
Get the
Keychron K5 Max
Low-Profile Full-Size
Build quality in the top 15% of 100% boards under $100.
- Ultra-slim low-profile design with an 18mm height and aluminum frame option.
- Lighter weight (720g) improves portability.
- Full 100% layout includes a dedicated numpad.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you want a compact workstation with maximum battery life and the freedom to mod with any standard switch, the Keychron K4 Max is the logical pick. If your priority is a sleek, modern aesthetic with a low-profile typing feel and a full numpad, and you accept its narrower switch ecosystem, the Keychron K5 Max is the better fit. Both deliver excellent wireless performance and deep software customization.
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 Max
Keychron K5 Max
Layout size
96%
100%
Battery
4,000 mAh
2,000 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Low profile
No
Yes
Case material
ABS
ABS, Aluminum
Mount style
PCB Mount
PCB Mount, Plate Mount
- Keychron K4 Max
- Keychron K5 Max
- Performance
- 8281
- Build quality
- 8081
- Productivity
- 8988
- Customizability
- 9288
- Portability
- 5153
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
- QMK
- VIA
What will you mostly use it for?
The K5 Max takes the lead for office use and travel due to its low-profile ergonomics and lighter build. The K4 Max is the stronger choice for programming and modding, thanks to its compact layout and broader switch compatibility. For gaming and content creation, the keyboards are evenly matched on core performance features, leaving the decision to layout and typing feel preference.
It's a tie
- Both offer a 1000 Hz polling rate in 2.4 GHz and wired modes for low latency.
- Both feature N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
- The K4 Max's south-facing RGB avoids interference with Cherry-profile keycaps, while the K5 Max's north-facing RGB may have compatibility trade-offs.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron K4 Max
1 owner reviews
Keychron K5 Max
13 owner reviews
“This is by far the best keyboard I've ever had. I did my research with AI defined the one I should get. I'm glad I did this first! I type about a hundred words a minute and do a lot of document creation as well as coding. This keyboard keeps up with me in the…”
“I would give this product a higher rating if the key caps were shine through. I saw that ither versions of the K5 QMK (non max) all had shine through key caps and foolishly assumed this keyboard would too. The MAX branding makes one think that you are getting…”
Keychron K4 Max vs K5 Max specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
14 of 27 specs differ
Keychron K4 Max
Keychron K5 Max
Switch options
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
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Keychron K4 Max
Keychron
ISO
In stockShips to you
Keychron K5 Max
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic
In stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK
In stockDoes not ship to you
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Keychron K4 Max vs K5 Max: your questions
The Keychron K4 Max is a 96% compact keyboard with standard-height switches, while the K5 Max is a full-size 100% keyboard with an ultra-slim, low-profile design. The K4 Max uses a steel plate and standard MX switches, and the K5 Max uses a polycarbonate plate and low-profile Gateron switches.
The Keychron K4 Max has a larger 4000mAh battery compared to the K5 Max's 2000mAh battery. Based on the manufacturer's specifications, this should translate to significantly longer wireless usage time on the K4 Max before requiring a recharge.
No, the Keychron K5 Max's hot-swappable version is only compatible with Gateron and Keychron low-profile mechanical switches, as stated by the manufacturer. Standard Cherry MX switches are not compatible due to the low-profile design and mounting system.
No, according to multiple user reviews for the K5 Max, the included double-shot PBT keycaps are not shine-through. The backlight illuminates the gaps between the keys rather than the legends, which can make them hard to see in low light.
The Keychron K4 Max is better for a smaller desk. Its 96% layout (391mm wide) is more compact than the K5 Max's full 100% layout (424mm wide) because it eliminates the gap between the numpad and the main cluster, saving space while keeping the numpad.
Yes, both the Keychron K4 Max and K5 Max support open-source QMK firmware and VIA software for advanced key remapping, macro creation, and layer configuration. They also support the Keychron Launcher web app for easy programming.
The Keychron K4 Max uses a steel plate, which typically provides a stiffer, more responsive typing feel. The Keychron K5 Max uses a polycarbonate plate, which is a plastic material that can offer a slightly more flexible and potentially softer typing experience.
Yes, the Keychron K5 Max includes keycaps for both macOS and Windows layouts and has a system toggle switch. The manufacturer states you can configure different keymaps for each operating system using the Keychron Launcher.
The Keychron K4 Max is significantly heavier at 1290 grams, compared to the K5 Max at 720 grams. The K4 Max's greater weight, combined with its steel plate, generally contributes to a more stable, desk-anchored feel during aggressive typing.
The K4 Max features multiple layers of acoustic foam, including IXPE, PET, and EPDM foam, according to its product description. The K5 Max also includes interior acoustic foam, specifically IXPE and latex foam, to dampen sound and improve the typing experience.
Yes, both the Keychron K4 Max and K5 Max offer three levels of adjustable typing angle. This allows you to customize the incline for better ergonomic wrist support during long typing sessions.
Not sold on either?
Still torn?
Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.