Keychron K4 Pro vs K4 V2: Programmable QMK vs Budget 96% Layout

Compare Keychron K4 Pro vs K4 V2 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for users deciding between two generations of Keychron's popular 96% layout keyboards. The choice is difficult because both share a compact form factor with a number pad, wireless connectivity, and hot-swappable options. The decision hinges on whether you value advanced firmware customization and upgraded acoustics or a lower-cost model with core functionality.

Model
Rating	4.7 stars (7 reviews)	4.7 stars (2530 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2022 Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK layout standard Supports QMK firmware Supports VIA configuration Features N-key rollover Includes screw-in stabilizers Has built-in sound dampening Weighs about 1280 g Sized at 31 x 391 x 139 mm Made with a Plastic, ABS case Features PBT, ABS keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, White, South-face, Rgb South-face, White South-face RGB lighting	Released in 2020 Built with the ISO, JIS, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ANSI, ISO-Nordic, ISO-ES layout standard Made with a Aluminum, Plastic, ABS case Features ABS keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 81.4 Build Quality: 83.9 Productivity: 94.7 Customizability: 97.3 Portability: 53.7	Scores Performance: 64.2 Build Quality: 70.1 Productivity: 67.3 Customizability: 70.1 Portability: 55
Name	Name Keychron K4 Pro	Name Keychron K4 V2
Release year	Release year 2022	Release year 2020
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 ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK	Layout Standard ISO, JIS, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ANSI, ISO-Nordic, ISO-ES
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, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 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 Tray Mount	Mount Style Tray Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, White, South-face, White South-face	Backlight Rgb, White, North-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Plastic, ABS	Case Material Aluminum, Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT, ABS	Keycaps Material ABS
Dimensions	Dimensions 31 x 391 x 139 mm	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight 1280g	Weight -

Keychron K4 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

Keychron K4 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (UK ISO Layout) - Version 2

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4.7 stars (7 reviews)

4.7 stars (2530 reviews)

Released in 2022
Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK layout standard
Supports QMK firmware
Supports VIA configuration
Features N-key rollover
Includes screw-in stabilizers
Has built-in sound dampening
Weighs about 1280 g
Sized at 31 x 391 x 139 mm
Made with a Plastic, ABS case
Features PBT, ABS keycaps
Offers Yes, Rgb, White, South-face, Rgb South-face, White South-face RGB lighting

Released in 2020
Built with the ISO, JIS, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ANSI, ISO-Nordic, ISO-ES layout standard
Made with a Aluminum, Plastic, ABS case
Features ABS keycaps
Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting

Scores

Performance: 81.4
Build Quality: 83.9
Productivity: 94.7
Customizability: 97.3
Portability: 53.7

Scores

Performance: 64.2
Build Quality: 70.1
Productivity: 67.3
Customizability: 70.1
Portability: 55

Name

Keychron K4 Pro

Name

Keychron K4 V2

Release year

2022

Release year

2020

Switch Options

Linear, Tactile, Clicky

Switch Options

Linear, Tactile, Clicky

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

96%

Layout Size

96%

Layout Standard

ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK

Layout Standard

ISO, JIS, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ANSI, ISO-Nordic, ISO-ES

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

USB passthrough

Connection

Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless

Connection

Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless

Polling Rate

1000 Hz

Polling Rate

1000 Hz

Battery capacity

4000 mAh

Battery capacity

4000 mAh

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Tray Mount

Mount Style

Tray Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb, White, South-face, White South-face

Backlight

Rgb, White, North-face

Case Colors

Case Material

Plastic, ABS

Case Material

Aluminum, Plastic, ABS

Keycaps Material

PBT, ABS

Keycaps Material

ABS

Dimensions

31 x 391 x 139 mm

Dimensions

Weight

1280g

Weight

Pros and Trade-offs

If your priority is extensive customization through programmable firmware, a premium typing sound, and future-proofing for keycap sets, the Keychron K4 Pro is worth the extra investment. If you simply need a reliable, compact wireless keyboard with a number pad and hot-swappable potential at a more accessible price, the Keychron K4 V2 remains a solid choice. The core decision rests on the value you place on advanced software features versus initial cost.

Keychron K4 Pro

+Full QMK and VIA firmware support for deep key remapping and macro programming.
+Includes sound-absorbing foam and a silicone dampening pad for improved acoustics.
+Features screw-in PCB stabilizers and a steel plate for a more stable typing feel.
+Comes with double-shot PBT keycaps in an OSA profile for better durability.
+South-facing RGB LEDs prevent interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.

−Tends to be more expensive than the K4 V2.
−The vendor description highlights a barebone kit option, suggesting the fully assembled version may command a premium.
−Weighs 1280g, which is on the heavier side for its size class.

Keychron K4 V2

+Generally available at a lower price point than the K4 Pro.
+Offers an optional aluminum frame version for increased rigidity.
+Includes an inclined bottom frame design for a more comfortable typing angle.
+Has a proven track record with a high number of user reviews.

−Lacks support for QMK or VIA firmware, limiting software customization.
−Uses north-facing RGB LEDs, which can interfere with some Cherry-profile keycap sets.
−Comes with standard ABS keycaps, which are more prone to shine over time compared to PBT.
−The vendor specifications note a 90Hz polling rate in wireless mode, which is lower than its wired performance.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The K4 Pro is the clear winner for use cases demanding customization, such as programming, modding, and content creation, thanks to its QMK/VIA support and upgraded build. For office work and general travel, both keyboards are functionally similar. Gamers may lean toward the K4 Pro for its south-facing LEDs and sturdier plate, though both offer the same high wired polling rate.

GamingKeychron K4 Pro

•Both have a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode, but the K4 Pro's south-facing RGB LEDs prevent interference with Cherry-profile keycaps, a common choice for gamers.
•The K4 Pro's steel plate and sound-dampening foam may provide a more consistent, solid feel during rapid key presses.

OfficeTie

•Both keyboards offer wireless Bluetooth connectivity for up to 3 devices and include Mac/Windows keycaps.
•Both feature a 96% layout that includes a number pad in a space-saving design.
•They share the same large 4000mAh battery capacity for extended wireless use.

ProgrammingKeychron K4 Pro

•The K4 Pro supports QMK and VIA firmware for unlimited key remapping and macro creation, which is highly valuable for coding shortcuts.
•It comes with double-shot PBT keycaps for better long-term durability against shine.
•Screw-in PCB stabilizers, as listed for the K4 Pro, typically offer a more stable and consistent feel on large keys like Enter and Shift.

TravelTie

•Both keyboards share the same 96% layout size and wireless functionality.
•The K4 V2 vendor page mentions an 'inclined bottom frame' for comfort, but no specific weight advantage is stated for either model.
•Both require a carrying case for true portability, which is not included.

ModdingKeychron K4 Pro

•The K4 Pro explicitly supports QMK/VIA open-source firmware and has a published source code, allowing for deep software customization.
•Its construction includes sound-absorbing foam and a silicone dampening pad, providing a better acoustic base for modifications.
•It features screw-in PCB stabilizers which are generally preferred by modders over plate-mounted ones for ease of tuning.

Content CreationKeychron K4 Pro

•The K4 Pro's programmable layers via QMK/VIA are ideal for assigning complex shortcuts for video or photo editing software.
•South-facing RGB LEDs ensure compatibility with a wider range of aftermarket keycap sets without interference.
•The included double-shot PBT keycaps offer a more premium texture for long typing or editing sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)