Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K4 Max
Layout
- Compact 96% layout saves desk space while retaining a full number pad.
- 2.4 GHz wireless connection provides a 1000 Hz polling rate for low-latency performance.
- Large 4000mAh battery for extended use between charges.
- The 3-degree typing angle is fixed and cannot be adjusted independently of the provided stand levels.
- ABS plastic case material may not feel as premium as an aluminum option.
- Heavier weight (1290g) makes it less portable than some alternatives.
Get the
Keychron K5 QMK V2
Low Profile
- Ultra-slim low-profile design (33% slimmer switches) for a sleek and ergonomic typing experience.
- Aluminum frame (ABS+Aluminum) provides a sturdier and more premium feel.
- Bluetooth 5.2 for a stable wireless connection to multiple devices.
- No 2.4 GHz connectivity, relying solely on Bluetooth (125 Hz) or wired (1000 Hz) modes.
- Smaller 2000mAh battery, requiring more frequent recharging.
- ABS keycaps are less durable against oil and shine compared to PBT keycaps.
Choose the Keychron K4 Max if you want a compact keyboard that does not sacrifice features for performance, offering 2.4 GHz wireless, a massive battery, and extensive modding possibilities. Opt for the Keychron K5 QMK V2 if you prioritize an ultra-slim, low-profile design and a full-size layout with a metal frame, and you are comfortable relying on Bluetooth for wireless use. Your decision ultimately balances layout size and profile against connectivity and battery life.
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 QMK V2
Layout size
96%
100%
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, Wired
Battery
4,000 mAh
2,000 mAh
Low profile
No
Yes
Case material
ABS
ABS, Aluminum
- Keychron K4 Max
- Keychron K5 QMK V2
- Performance
- 8282
- Build quality
- 8179
- Productivity
- 9080
- Customizability
- 9289
- Portability
- 5154
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
- Mount style: PCB Mount
- QMK
- VIA
What will you mostly use it for?
The K4 Max wins decisively for Gaming, Travel, Programming, and Modding, largely due to its 2.4 GHz support, larger battery, more universal switch compatibility, and the 96% form factor that saves space without sacrificing keys. Both keyboards are strong contenders for Office and Content Creation, where their shared QMK/VIA programmability and wireless connectivity are major assets. The choice in these tied categories comes down to personal preference for a traditional profile versus an ultra-slim low-profile design.
Pick the Keychron K4 Max
- The K4 Max supports a 2.4 GHz connection with a 1000 Hz polling rate, which is typically preferred for gaming over Bluetooth.
- The K4 Max includes multiple layers of acoustic foam (IXPE, PET, EPDM) for a better sound experience, which can enhance immersion.
- Its standard profile switches and steel plate provide a more traditional, responsive typing feel that many gamers prefer.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron K4 Max
1 owner reviews
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 Max vs K5 QMK V2 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
12 of 27 specs differ
Keychron K4 Max
Keychron K5 QMK V2
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
Compare prices
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Keychron K4 Max vs K5 QMK V2: your questions
The Keychron K4 Max has a larger 4000mAh battery, while the Keychron K5 QMK V2 has a 2000mAh battery. This means the K4 Max can typically last longer between charges, especially when used wirelessly.
Yes, but the experience differs. The K4 Max supports a 2.4 GHz connection with a 1000 Hz polling rate, making it suitable for competitive gaming. The K5 QMK V2 only supports Bluetooth for wireless use (with a 125 Hz polling rate), which introduces more latency.
Yes, both the Keychron K4 Max and the Keychron K5 QMK V2 feature QMK open-source firmware and support the Keychron Launcher web app. This allows you to remap keys, create macros, and customize lighting without installing software.
The K4 Max uses durable, double-shot PBT keycaps with an OSA (OEM Spherical Angle) profile. The K5 QMK V2 uses shine-through ABS keycaps, which are more prone to developing a greasy shine over time but allow more light to pass through for the RGB backlight.
The K4 Max is generally better for modding. It is hot-swappable and compatible with almost all standard 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches. It also features screw-in stabilizers and multiple layers of foam, which are common starting points for modifications.
Yes, both keyboards come with a system toggle and include additional keycaps for both macOS and Windows. You can also save different keymaps for each operating system using the Keychron Launcher software.
The K4 Max offers a traditional mechanical keyboard feel with standard-profile switches and PBT keycaps. The K5 QMK V2 features an ultra-slim, low-profile design with Keychron Milk POM switches, providing a much shorter key travel and a more laptop-like typing experience.
This information is not provided in the product listings for either the K4 Max or the K5 QMK V2. You would need to check the product's 'What's in the box' section or the vendor's website for the most accurate unboxing list.
The K5 QMK V2 features an ABS frame with an aluminum top frame, giving it a sturdier and more premium feel. The K4 Max uses an all-ABS plastic case, which is lighter and less expensive but may not feel as solid.
Yes, both keyboards can be used in wired mode via USB-C. When wired, both offer a 1000 Hz polling rate, which provides the lowest possible latency for competitive gaming or any task that requires instant response.
The K4 Max's hot-swap sockets are compatible with almost all 3-pin and 5-pin MX style mechanical switches (e.g., Cherry, Gateron, Kailh). The K5 QMK V2's compatibility is more limited, working only with Keychron low-profile mechanical switches or Gateron low-profile 2.0 switches.
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