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Compare Keychron K4 Max vs V5 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Keychron's two premium 96% wireless keyboards. The choice is difficult because both share core features like tri-mode connectivity, QMK/VIA support, hot-swap sockets, and a 4000mAh battery. The decision ultimately hinges on the fundamental typing experience, dictated by the V5 Max's gasket-mounted polycarbonate plate versus the K4 Max's traditional steel plate and heavier build.

87
Keychron K4 Max QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
97
Keychron V5 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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5.0 (1)
4.8 (21)
  • Released in 2025
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ISO, ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a PCB Mount mounting style
  • Weighs about 1290 g
  • Sized at 31 x 391 x 140 mm
  • Made with a ABS case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO, ANSI layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Connects via USB-C
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Weighs about 925 g
  • Sized at 22 x 149 x 392 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Plastic case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 82.1
  • Build Quality: 80.3
  • Productivity: 89.2
  • Customizability: 92.9
  • Portability: 50.9
Scores
  • Performance: 83.3
  • Build Quality: 86.3
  • Productivity: 97.3
  • Customizability: 99.4
  • Portability: 53.2
Name
Keychron K4 Max
Name
Keychron V5 Max
Release year
2025
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
96%
Layout Size
96%
Layout Standard
ISO, ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO, 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, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 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
PCB Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS
Case Material
ABS, Plastic
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
31 x 391 x 140 mm
Dimensions
22 x 149 x 392 mm
Weight
1290g
Weight
925g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Select the Keychron V5 Max if you prioritize a modern, softer typing feel from its gasket mount design, want a lighter keyboard, or plan to build from a barebones kit. Opt for the Keychron K4 Max if you prefer the stable, definitive feedback of a steel plate, appreciate a heavier build, and value its specific acoustic foam layers. Both are excellent, highly customizable 96% keyboards where the mounting style is the decisive factor.

Keychron K4 Max

  • +Features a rigid steel plate for a more traditional, responsive typing feedback.
  • +Heavier build (1290g) may enhance desk stability.
  • +Includes multiple layers of acoustic foam (IXPE, PET, EPDM) according to the vendor description.
  • +Offers three adjustable typing angles (3°, 7°, 10°).
  • −Substantially heavier at 1290g, making it less portable.
  • −Uses a traditional PCB mount style instead of a gasket mount.
  • −Lacks the magnetic receiver storage slot found on the V5 Max.

Keychron V5 Max

  • +Gasket mount design with a polycarbonate plate for a softer, more flexible typing feel.
  • +Lighter weight (925g) improves portability.
  • +Includes a magnetic storage slot for its dual (Type-C and Type-A) 2.4 GHz receivers.
  • +Available in a barebones kit version for maximum customization from the start.
  • −ABS plastic case may feel less premium than metal alternatives to some users.
  • −The listed keycap material includes ABS, which may show shine over time compared to full PBT sets.
  • −The vendor description for the fully assembled version specifies Gateron Jupiter switches, offering less initial switch variety than the K4 Max's listed Keychron Super switches.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The V5 Max holds slight advantages for modders, travelers, and content creators due to its gasket mount design, lighter weight, barebones option, and knob support. For gaming, office work, and programming, the keyboards are evenly matched, sharing critical features like programmability, connectivity, and the efficient 96% layout. The core differentiator remains the typing feel dictated by their mounting systems.

GamingTie
  • •Both offer a 1000 Hz polling rate in 2.4 GHz and wired modes for low latency.
  • •Both feature N-key rollover and south-facing RGB.
  • •The K4 Max's heavier steel plate may offer more stability, while the V5 Max's gasket mount may provide a softer, quieter experience.
OfficeTie
  • •Both support Bluetooth 5.1 for connecting to multiple devices.
  • •Both include dedicated Mac and Windows keycaps and a system toggle.
  • •Both have a 96% layout that saves space while retaining a numpad.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both are fully programmable via open-source QMK firmware and the Keychron Launcher web app.
  • •The 96% layout on both provides a numpad for data entry without a full-size footprint.
  • •Hot-swappable sockets on both allow for easy switch changes to suit typing preferences.
TravelKeychron V5 Max
  • •The V5 Max is significantly lighter at 925g compared to the K4 Max's 1290g.
  • •The V5 Max includes a magnetic storage slot for its dual Type-C and Type-A 2.4 GHz receivers.
  • •Both have the same 96% compact layout and wireless capabilities.
ModdingKeychron V5 Max
  • •The V5 Max features a gasket mount design and a polycarbonate plate, which are popular for achieving a softer, more flexible typing feel.
  • •It is available in a barebones kit version, allowing for complete customization of switches and keycaps from the start.
  • •Both keyboards are hot-swappable and support screw-in stabilizers.
Content CreationKeychron V5 Max
  • •The V5 Max is explicitly listed with knob support, which can be useful for media controls.
  • •Its gasket mount and PC plate may offer a quieter typing sound for recording environments.
  • •Both have multi-media keys and the same programmable layer capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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