Keychron K4 Max vs K5 ProFull-Size or Compact Low Profile?
Choose the Keychron K4 Max for its 2.4 GHz gaming connection, acoustic foam layers, and compact 96% layout, or pick the Keychron K5 Pro if you need a full-size low profile keyboard for a sleek desk setup.
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5.0 (1)5.0 · 1 reviews
from$99at Keychron
4.8 (8)4.8 · 8 reviews
from$135at Keychron (DE)
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K4 Max
Battery
Build quality in the top 20% of 96% boards under $100.
- 2.4 GHz wireless connection with 1000 Hz polling rate, paired with a 4000mAh battery for extended gaming sessions
- Multiple layers of acoustic foams (IXPE, PET, EPDM) and a steel plate provide a refined sound and stable typing feel
- 96% layout with included double-shot OSA profile PBT keycaps and south-facing RGB
- 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 Pro
Build quality in the top 15% of 100% boards under $150.
- Ultra-slim design with aluminum frame, weighing only 720g for easy portability
- Full-size 100% layout with 108 keys and a dedicated number pad for efficient data entry
- 8 customer reviews averaging 4.8/5, with positive feedback from coders and long-term users
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
If you need a keyboard for gaming or want to enjoy a rich acoustic experience with foam layers, a steel plate, and 2.4 GHz low-latency wireless, go with the Keychron K4 Max. If you prioritize a full-size layout, an ultra-slim profile for a clutter-free desk, and a lighter weight for commuting, the Keychron K5 Pro is the better fit. Both are excellent QMK boards, but your choice depends on whether you want a compact powerhouse or a sleek standard full-size.
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 Pro
Layout size
96%
100%
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
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, Plastic
- Keychron K4 Max
- Keychron K5 Pro
- Performance
- 8280
- Build quality
- 8079
- Productivity
- 8982
- Customizability
- 9289
- Portability
- 5155
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
- QMK
- VIA
What will you mostly use it for?
The K4 Max excels in gaming and content creation due to its 2.4 GHz connection, acoustic foams, and compact 96% layout. The K5 Pro wins in office and travel thanks to its full-size key count, ultra-slim profile, and lighter weight. For programming, the K4 Max's space-saving layout and dual-system support give it an edge. Modding is a tie since both boards support QMK/VIA and hot-swap, though the K4 Max offers more switch compatibility.
Pick the Keychron K4 Max
- Supports 2.4 GHz wireless connection with 1000 Hz polling rate, essential for competitive gaming
- The vendor states the K4 Max is designed for peak gaming performance on the fly
- Includes multiple layers of acoustic foams (IXPE, PET, EPDM) and a steel plate for stability
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron K4 Max
1 owner reviews
Keychron K5 Pro
8 owner reviews
“I love my new keyboard! It's the typing experience I've been seeking.”
Keychron K4 Max vs K5 Pro specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
15 of 27 specs differ
Keychron K4 Max
Keychron K5 Pro
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 Pro
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
Out of stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
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 Pro: your questions
The Keychron K4 Max supports 2.4 GHz wireless with a 1000 Hz polling rate, designed for peak gaming performance. The Keychron K5 Pro only offers a 1000 Hz polling rate over wired mode, while its wireless mode runs at 90 Hz.
Yes, both keyboards come with included keycaps for Windows and macOS and feature a system toggle. The K4 Max allows you to save two separate layouts on the keyboard, one for each system.
No, the K5 Pro is compatible with Gateron low profile mechanical switches only, not standard 3/5-pin MX switches. The K4 Max supports almost all MX style mechanical switches on the market.
The Keychron K4 Max has a 4000mAh battery, double the capacity of the K5 Pro's 2000mAh battery. This means the K4 Max can last longer on a single charge, especially when using Bluetooth.
The Keychron K4 Max has a compact 96% layout that saves desk space while retaining the number row, arrow keys, and a number pad. The K5 Pro is a full-size 100% layout with 108 keys, requiring more horizontal space.
Yes, both the K4 Max and K5 Pro support QMK firmware and VIA, though some K5 Pro reviews note that VIA does not work out of the box and requires using Keychron Launcher. Both boards can be configured via the Keychron Launcher web app.
The K4 Max is built with a steel plate, multiple layers of acoustic foams (IXPE, PET, EPDM), and screw-in stabilizers, providing a superior sound and typing experience. The K5 Pro uses an aluminum frame but has a tray mount design and no foam layers mentioned.
Yes, customer reviews mention the K5 Pro is excellent for software engineers, with one user calling it the best keyboard for coding after using it for over a year. The full-size layout and low profile switches are praised for typing comfort.
The K4 Max features south-facing RGB that is better for Cherry-profile keycaps and provides illumination from the typist's angle. The K5 Pro has north-facing RGB with over 22 settings. Both offer a white backlight version as an alternative.
The Keychron K5 Pro weighs 720g, significantly lighter than the K4 Max at 1290g. Its ultra-slim design also makes it more portable for commuting, though it does not have a 2.4 GHz receiver option.
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