Compare Keychron K4 Pro vs K5 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a feature-rich 96% layout and a slim full-size low-profile design. Both keyboards are wireless, hot-swappable, and come from Keychron, but they serve different priorities. The K4 Pro offers deep customization with QMK/VIA firmware, a steel plate, and PBT keycaps, while the K5 prioritizes a thin aluminum body and low-profile switches for a laptop-like feel. The decision is hard because both are priced similarly and excel in distinct areas: customization versus slim portability.

Model
	92	69	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	4.7 stars (7 reviews)	4.8 stars (72 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2022 Available in a 96% layout 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 Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery 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 2021 Features a low-profile design Available in a 100% layout Built with the ANSI layout standard Equipped with a 2000 mAh battery Made with a Aluminum, Plastic 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: 63.5 Build Quality: 67.3 Productivity: 66.8 Customizability: 69.7 Portability: 54.7
Name	Name Keychron K4 Pro	Name Keychron K5
Release year	Release year 2022	Release year 2021
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Low Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 96%	Layout Size 100%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK	Layout Standard ANSI
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 -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 4000 mAh	Battery capacity 2000 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
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT, ABS	Keycaps Material ABS
Dimensions	Dimensions 31 x 391 x 139 mm	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight 1280g	Weight -

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Pros and Trade-offs

If you need full QMK/VIA programmability, PBT keycaps, and a stable steel plate for gaming or heavy customization, the Keychron K4 Pro is the clear choice. If you prefer an ultra-slim full-size board for a quieter, more ergonomic typing experience in the office, the Keychron K5 is better suited. The K4 Pro is the more versatile keyboard, while the K5 excels in its narrow niche of low-profile comfort.

Keychron K4 Pro

+QMK/VIA firmware for custom keymaps and macros.
+Steel plate provides a stable typing feel.
+OSA profile double-shot PBT keycaps for durability and oil resistance.
+4000mAh battery offers long wireless life.
+Screw-in PCB stabilizers for smoother big key performance.

−Heavier weight of 1280g reduces portability.
−Only 3 degree typing angle without adjustable feet.
−Some early models had defective PCBs as reported by user reviews.

Keychron K5

+Ultra-slim 18mm aluminum body for a sleek profile.
+Whisper-quiet typing experience, ideal for quiet offices.
+Hot-swappable low profile optical switch version available.
+Full-size 104 key layout includes a number pad.

−No QMK/VIA support on this model, limiting customization.
−North-facing RGB may interfere with some keycap profiles.
−No adjustable typing feet, and some users report it tilts forward on a flat desk.
−ABS keycaps are less durable than PBT and may shine over time.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The K4 Pro wins most use cases due to its QMK/VIA support and deeper customization options, especially for programming, modding, and content creation where custom macros matter. The K5 takes the lead for office use, thanks to its low-profile design and quiet operation that reduces fatigue. In gaming, the K4 Pro's steel plate and higher polling rate make it the better pick, while travel is a tie due to the K4 Pro's larger battery versus the K5's slimmer frame.

GamingKeychron K4 Pro

•1000 Hz polling rate for better responsiveness compared to the K5's unspecified polling rate.
•Steel plate provides a more stable typing platform for intense gaming sessions.
•PBT keycaps offer better durability against oily fingers.
•South-facing RGB prevents interference with Cherry profile keycaps.

OfficeKeychron K5

•Ultra-slim 18mm aluminum body reduces wrist strain.
•Low-profile switches require less travel distance, reducing finger fatigue.
•Whisper-quiet typing experience noted in user reviews.
•Full-size layout with a dedicated number pad.

ProgrammingKeychron K4 Pro

•Full QMK/VIA support for custom macros and key remapping.
•OSA profile PBT keycaps for comfortable and durable typing.
•Sound-absorbing foam and silicone dampening pad for a quieter typing sound.
•Multiple layout standards available (ANSI, ISO) for different regional preferences.

TravelTie

•Both have wireless Bluetooth connectivity for easy setup.
•Both have similar portability scores, but the K4 Pro has a larger 4000mAh battery.
•The K5 is thinner but lacks adjustable typing feet, which may be a trade-off for on-the-go use.

ModdingKeychron K4 Pro