Compare Keychron K4 Pro vs V5 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two of Keychron's popular 96% layout keyboards. The K4 Pro and V5 Max share core features like hot-swappable PCBs, QMK/VIA support, and wireless connectivity, making the choice difficult. The decision ultimately hinges on whether you prioritize the premium acoustic and tactile experience of a gasket mount design or seek the most cost-effective path to a compact, number-pad-included layout.

Model
	92	98	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	4.7 stars (7 reviews)	4.8 stars (12 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 Uses a Tray Mount mounting style Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity Weighs about 1280 g Sized at 31 x 391 x 139 mm Made with a Plastic, ABS case Offers Yes, Rgb, White, South-face, Rgb South-face, White South-face RGB lighting	Released in 2023 Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO, ANSI layout standard Comes with a knob Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity Weighs about 925 g Sized at 22 x 149 x 392 mm Made with a ABS, Plastic case Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 81.5 Build Quality: 83.9 Productivity: 94.7 Customizability: 97.3 Portability: 53.6	Scores Performance: 83.5 Build Quality: 86.3 Productivity: 97.5 Customizability: 99.5 Portability: 53.1
Name	Name Keychron K4 Pro	Name Keychron V5 Max
Release year	Release year 2022	Release year 2023
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-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO, 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, 2.4 GHz, 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 Gasket 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, South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Plastic, ABS	Case Material ABS, Plastic
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT, ABS	Keycaps Material PBT, ABS
Dimensions	Dimensions 31 x 391 x 139 mm	Dimensions 22 x 149 x 392 mm
Weight	Weight 1280g	Weight 925g

*Something incorrect or missing? Please

let me know

!

Pros and Trade-offs

The Keychron V5 Max is the more advanced and versatile keyboard, justified by its gasket mount, dual wireless modes, and lighter build. Choose it if your budget allows and you value a premium typing experience and gaming-ready 2.4 GHz wireless. The Keychron K4 Pro is the sensible choice for maximizing features per dollar, delivering a solid, customizable 96% keyboard with excellent programmability, just without the latest mounting style or fastest wireless protocol.

Keychron K4 Pro

+Offers a potentially more affordable entry point into a feature-rich 96% layout.
+Includes sound-absorbing foam and a silicone dampening pad, according to its product description.
+Features adjustable typing angles (3°, 7°, 10°) for ergonomic positioning.
+Available in multiple color and backlight configurations, including a white case option.

−Uses a tray mount design instead of the more modern gasket mount.
−Heavier at 1280g, which reduces portability.
−Lacks a dedicated 2.4 GHz wireless connection, relying on Bluetooth and wired modes.

Keychron V5 Max

+Features a gasket mount design with a polycarbonate plate for a softer, more consistent typing feel.
+Includes both 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.1 wireless connectivity for versatile, low-latency use.
+Comes with a programmable knob for media control or custom functions.
+Lighter weight (925g) and slimmer profile improve portability.

−Tends to be priced higher than the K4 Pro.
−Product description lists only a Carbon Black color option for the case.
−The listed specs show a Bluetooth polling rate of 90 Hz, which is lower than its 2.4 GHz/wired 1000 Hz rate.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The V5 Max holds advantages for gaming, travel, modding, and content creation, primarily due to its 2.4 GHz wireless, lighter weight, gasket mount construction, and included knob. For office and programming use, the keyboards are closely matched, offering identical core productivity features. The K4 Pro remains a strong contender, particularly for users who value its functionality at a potentially lower cost.

GamingKeychron V5 Max

•The V5 Max includes a dedicated 2.4 GHz wireless connection with a 1000 Hz polling rate for low-latency performance.
•Its gasket mount and polycarbonate plate may offer a softer, more consistent typing feel during long sessions.
•Both keyboards share a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode.

OfficeTie

•Both support multi-device Bluetooth connectivity for switching between a computer, phone, and tablet.
•Each includes dedicated Mac and Windows keycaps and system toggles for cross-platform use.
•Their 96% layouts conserve desk space while retaining a number pad for data entry.

ProgrammingTie

•Both keyboards feature full QMK and VIA support for deep key remapping and macro programming.
•Their hot-swappable sockets allow customization of switch feel to match typing preference.
•The compact 96% layout keeps arrow and navigation keys accessible without excessive desk footprint.

TravelKeychron V5 Max

•The V5 Max is notably lighter at 925g compared to the K4 Pro's 1280g.
•Its slimmer profile (22mm height) may fit more easily into a bag.
•Both have the same 4000mAh battery capacity for wireless use.

ModdingKeychron V5 Max

•The V5 Max features a gasket mount design and a polycarbonate plate, which are popular for customizing acoustics and flex.
•It includes knob support as a listed feature for additional customization.
•Both are equally hot-swappable and support screw-in PCB stabilizers.

Content CreationKeychron V5 Max

•The inclusion of a knob on the V5 Max provides quick, tactile control for audio scrubbing or brush size adjustments.
•The gasket mount design may lead to a quieter, more pleasant sound profile for microphone recordings.
•Programmable layers via QMK/VIA allow for custom shortcuts for editing software.