Compare Keychron K4 Max vs V5 Ultra Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two 96% wireless mechanical keyboards from Keychron: the K4 Max and the V5 Ultra. The decision is hard because both share a similar layout, hot-swappable switches, PBT keycaps, and support for the Keychron Launcher web app. However, they differ significantly in internal design, with the K4 Max featuring a steel plate and the V5 Ultra using a gasket mount with a polycarbonate plate. The K4 Max runs QMK firmware, while the V5 Ultra uses ZMK firmware and boasts a higher 8000 Hz polling rate.

Model
	87	-10% off 92	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	5.0 stars (1 reviews)	3.0 stars (1 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2025 Built with the ISO, ANSI layout standard Uses a PCB Mount mounting style Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate Weighs about 1290 g Sized at 31 x 391 x 140 mm Made with a ABS case Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting	Released in 2026 Built with the ANSI, ISO-ES, ISO layout standard Comes with a knob Connects via USB-C Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only 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
Score	Scores Performance: 82.2 Build Quality: 80.6 Productivity: 89.4 Customizability: 92.9 Portability: 50.7	Scores Performance: 91 Build Quality: 82.5 Productivity: 97.4 Customizability: 95.1 Portability: 56.2
Name	Name Keychron K4 Max	Name Keychron V5 Ultra
Release year	Release year 2025	Release year 2026
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 96%	Layout Size 96%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ISO, ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO-ES, ISO
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 8000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 4000 mAh	Battery capacity 4000 mAh
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style PCB Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face	Backlight Rgb, White, South-face, White South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material ABS	Case Material Metal, Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 31 x 391 x 140 mm	Dimensions 30 x 392 x 149 mm
Weight	Weight 1290g	Weight 983g

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Pros and Trade-offs

If you value a firm typing feel and want QMK firmware for deep customization, go with the Keychron K4 Max. If you prioritize a faster polling rate for gaming and a quieter, gasket-mounted typing experience, the Keychron V5 Ultra is the better choice. Both are strong options, but your decision should hinge on firmware preference and the feel of the typing plate.

Keychron K4 Max

+Steel plate provides a firm typing feel and adds weight for stability, as mentioned in the vendor description.
+QMK firmware support offers extensive customization for key mapping and macros.
+Includes three layers of acoustic foam (IXPE, PET, EPDM) for a superior sound and typing experience.

−Heavier at 1290 grams, making it less portable than the V5 Ultra.
−1000 Hz polling rate is lower than the V5 Ultra's 8000 Hz, which may matter for competitive gaming.
−The steel plate may produce a louder typing sound compared to a gasket mount with a PC plate.

Keychron V5 Ultra

+Gasket mount design with a PC plate reduces acoustic resonance for a softer, quieter typing experience.
+8000 Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4 GHz modes for ultra-responsive performance.
+Up to 660 hours of battery life with backlight off, based on the vendor's claim.
+Pre-lubed Keychron Silk POM switches offer smooth keystrokes and durability.

−Uses ZMK firmware instead of QMK, which may be less familiar to some users seeking advanced custom layouts.
−The top case is made of a lightweight polymer, which may feel less premium than a metal case to some users.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

For gaming, the V5 Ultra's 8000 Hz polling rate gives it a clear edge in responsiveness. In office and content creation use cases, both keyboards perform similarly due to their shared layout and software features. Programmers may prefer the K4 Max for its QMK firmware, while travelers and modders will favor the V5 Ultra for its lighter weight and gasket mount design.

GamingKeychron V5 Ultra

•The V5 Ultra supports an 8000 Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes for lower latency.
•The gasket mount and PC plate provide a softer, quieter typing experience that can reduce fatigue during long sessions.

OfficeTie

•Both keyboards offer a 96% layout with a dedicated number row for data entry.
•Both include PBT keycaps and support for sound dampening foams for a quieter office environment.
•Both feature Mac and Windows compatibility with included keycaps for each system.

ProgrammingKeychron K4 Max

•The K4 Max runs QMK open-source firmware, which is widely preferred by the programming community for custom layouts and macros.
•The steel plate provides a firm, responsive typing feel that some programmers prefer for precise keystrokes.

TravelKeychron V5 Ultra

•The V5 Ultra is lighter at 983 grams compared to the K4 Max's 1290 grams, making it easier to carry.
•The V5 Ultra offers up to 660 hours of battery life with the backlight off, reducing the need for frequent charging on the go.

ModdingKeychron V5 Ultra

•The V5 Ultra's gasket mount design is a popular starting point for modding, offering a more cushioned typing feel.
•The V5 Ultra includes multiple layers of acoustic foam like EPDM and PET film for more nuanced sound customization.

Content CreationTie

•Both include multi-media keys and knob support for quick control over audio and editing software.
•Both support Keychron Launcher for custom macro creation, streamlining repetitive tasks.