What is the main difference between the Keychron K4 V3 and K5 QMK V2?

The K4 V3 uses a 96% layout and lists a 4000mAh battery, while the K5 QMK V2 uses a 100% layout, low-profile design, and 2000mAh battery. The K4 is the more compact layout choice; the K5 is the slimmer full-size option.

Is the Keychron K4 V3 smaller than the K5 QMK V2?

The K4 V3 measures 368.14 x 121.14 mm, while the K5 QMK V2 measures 424 x 119 mm. The K4 is shorter, though its listed width is slightly greater.

Which keyboard has the larger battery, the K4 V3 or K5 QMK V2?

The K4 V3 has a listed 4000mAh battery, compared with 2000mAh for the K5 QMK V2. The K5 vendor page also gives an estimated battery life of up to 160 hours, but no equivalent estimate is listed for the K4 V3.

Are the Keychron K4 V3 and K5 QMK V2 hot-swappable?

Both product lines offer hot-swappable versions, but the selected configuration matters. Keychron says the K4 V3 hot-swap version supports almost all 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches, while the K5 hot-swap version is for low-profile mechanical switches.

Which switches are compatible with the K5 QMK V2 hot-swap version?

Keychron describes the K5 QMK V2 hot-swap version as compatible with Keychron Milk POM and Gateron or Keychron low-profile mechanical switches. The vendor also says it does not support low-profile optical switches.

Do the Keychron K4 V3 and K5 QMK V2 support QMK and VIA?

Both list QMK support and VIA support. Their vendor descriptions also identify Keychron Launcher as a web app for remapping keys and setting macros.

Which keyboard is better for gaming, K4 V3 or K5 QMK V2?

Both list a 1000 Hz polling rate and N-key rollover. Keychron specifies that the K5 QMK V2 polls at 1000 Hz when wired and 125 Hz wirelessly, so wired mode is the clearer option for gaming when polling rate is a concern.

What keycaps come with the Keychron K4 V3 and K5 QMK V2?

The K4 V3 vendor specifications identify double-shot PBT keycaps, and its metadata lists PC and PBT keycap materials. The K5 QMK V2 lists shine-through ABS keycaps.

Which keyboard is lighter, the K4 V3 or K5 QMK V2?

The K5 QMK V2 weighs 732g, while the K4 V3 weighs about 813g. The K5 is the lighter of the two, although the K4 is shorter.

Do the K4 V3 and K5 QMK V2 support wireless and wired connections?

Both list Bluetooth, wireless, and wired connectivity, along with USB-C. Keychron describes Bluetooth 5.2 and connections to up to three devices for each model.

Which keyboard has more acoustic foam, K4 V3 or K5 QMK V2?

Keychron describes sound-absorbing, IXPE, EPDM, and PET foam for the K4 V3, while the K5 QMK V2 description names IXPE, EPDM, and latex foam. The K4 vendor page says some versions exclude sound-absorbing foam and silicone pad, so check the exact configuration.

Can I use the K4 V3 or K5 QMK V2 with Mac and Windows?

Both product listings include Mac and Windows support, and both vendor descriptions mention keycaps for the two operating systems. Their Launcher descriptions also name macOS, Windows, and Linux.

Keychron K4 V3 vs K5 QMK V2: Compact or Low-Profile

Compare Keychron K4 V3 vs K5 QMK V2 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers choosing between a space-saving 96% keyboard and a full-size low-profile model. Both Keychron boards offer QMK, VIA, wireless and wired connectivity, and hot-swappable options, but the K4 V3 has a 4000mAh battery while the K5 QMK V2 is physically slimmer. Layout and key profile are the main trade-offs, with the K4 V3 also listing sound dampening and a wider range of keycap materials. Check the specific hot-swap version before ordering, since switch compatibility differs.

Model
Rating	5.0 stars (4 reviews)	4.5 stars (8 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2025 Available in a 96% layout Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-CH, ISO-Nordic, ANSI layout standard Includes screw-in stabilizers Has built-in sound dampening Uses a Tray Mount mounting style Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery Made with a Plastic case Features PC, PBT keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, White, South-face, Rgb South-face, White South-face, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting	Released in 2024 Features a low-profile design Available in a 100% layout Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO, ANSI layout standard Uses a PCB Mount mounting style Equipped with a 2000 mAh battery Made with a ABS, Aluminum case Features ABS keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 82.1 Build Quality: 84 Productivity: 95.1 Customizability: 96.2 Portability: 53.9	Scores Performance: 81.7 Build Quality: 78.6 Productivity: 80.2 Customizability: 88.5 Portability: 53.7
Name	Name Keychron K4 V3	Name Keychron K5 QMK V2
Release year	Release year 2025	Release year 2024
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 ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-CH, ISO-Nordic, ANSI	Layout Standard ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, 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, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
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 PCB 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, North-face	Backlight Rgb, White, North-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Plastic	Case Material ABS, Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PC, PBT	Keycaps Material ABS
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight -	Weight -

Keychron K4 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 3

Keychron K5 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 2

Select a keyboard to compare

5.0 stars (4 reviews)

4.5 stars (8 reviews)

Released in 2025
Available in a 96% layout
Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-CH, ISO-Nordic, ANSI layout standard
Includes screw-in stabilizers
Has built-in sound dampening
Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
Made with a Plastic case
Features PC, PBT keycaps
Offers Yes, Rgb, White, South-face, Rgb South-face, White South-face, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting

Released in 2024
Features a low-profile design
Available in a 100% layout
Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO, ANSI layout standard
Uses a PCB Mount mounting style
Equipped with a 2000 mAh battery
Made with a ABS, Aluminum case
Features ABS keycaps
Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting

Scores

Performance: 82.1
Build Quality: 84
Productivity: 95.1
Customizability: 96.2
Portability: 53.9

Scores

Performance: 81.7
Build Quality: 78.6
Productivity: 80.2
Customizability: 88.5
Portability: 53.7

Name

Keychron K4 V3

Name

Keychron K5 QMK V2

Release year

2025

Release year

2024

Switch Options

Linear, Tactile, Clicky

Switch Options

Linear, Tactile, Clicky

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Low Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

96%

Layout Size

100%

Layout Standard

ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-CH, ISO-Nordic, ANSI

Layout Standard

ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO, ANSI

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

2000 mAh

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Tray Mount

Mount Style

PCB Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

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

Backlight

Rgb, White, North-face

Case Colors

Case Material

Plastic

Case Material

ABS, Aluminum

Keycaps Material

PC, PBT

Keycaps Material

ABS

Dimensions

Weight

Pros and Trade-offs

Pick the K4 V3 if you want a more compact 96% layout, a larger battery, or broader switch options in its hot-swappable version. Choose the K5 QMK V2 if a full-size layout and low-profile typing feel matter more than a smaller footprint or greater battery capacity. Before buying, confirm the selected configuration's hot-swap and foam details, since availability and included features vary by version.

Keychron K4 V3

+96% layout is more compact than the K5 QMK V2's 100% layout.
+4000mAh battery, twice the listed capacity of the K5 QMK V2.
+Hot-swappable version supports almost all 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches, according to Keychron.
+Vendor describes IXPE, EPDM, PET, and sound-absorbing foam, with variant-specific exclusions.
+PBT keycaps are listed, and the vendor identifies the included keycaps as double-shot PBT.

−At about 813g, it weighs more than the K5 QMK V2 at 732g.
−Its 96% layout does not provide the K5's full-size 100% layout.
−The K4 V3 hot-swap and acoustic features depend on the selected version.

Keychron K5 QMK V2

+Low-profile design offers a slimmer keyboard and key feel than the K4 V3.
+100% layout provides a full-size arrangement.
+At 732g, it is lighter than the K4 V3.
+Supports QMK, VIA, Launcher remapping, macros, wireless, and wired connections.
+Vendor describes IXPE, EPDM, and latex foam in the K5 QMK V2.

−2000mAh battery is smaller than the K4 V3's 4000mAh battery.
−The listed keycap material is ABS, while the K4 V3 listing includes PBT.
−Hot-swap compatibility is limited to low-profile mechanical switches, according to Keychron.
−Its 100% layout and 424 mm length take up more desk width than the K4 V3.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The K4 V3 edges ahead for desk work, programming, travel dimensions, modding flexibility, and content workflows, mainly through its 96% layout, larger battery, and broader MX-style switch support. The K5 QMK V2 makes a more focused case for users who specifically want a low-profile, full-size keyboard. Gaming is a close call: both list 1000 Hz polling and N-key rollover, but the K5's vendor description gives a lower wireless polling rate. For either board, wired use is the safer choice if polling behavior is a priority.

GamingTie

•Both list a 1000 Hz polling rate, N-key rollover, and wired connectivity.
•The K4 V3 lists MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin hot-swap compatibility, while the K5 hot-swap version is limited to low-profile mechanical switches.
•The K5 vendor description specifies 125 Hz polling in wireless mode, so wired use is the clearer fit when polling rate matters.

OfficeKeychron K4 V3

•The K4 V3's 96% layout retains a compact footprint while offering multimedia keys.
•Its 4000mAh battery is larger than the K5 QMK V2's 2000mAh battery.
•Keychron describes sound-absorbing, IXPE, EPDM, and PET foam in the K4 V3, though the listed variant affects which materials are included.

ProgrammingKeychron K4 V3

•Both support QMK and VIA, plus Keychron Launcher remapping and macros.
•The K4 V3 includes sound dampening and lists screw-in stabilizers, useful features for a customized typing setup.
•The K4 V3 listing includes PBT keycaps as an option, while the K5 QMK V2 lists ABS keycaps.

TravelKeychron K4 V3

•The K4 V3 measures 368.14 x 121.14 mm, shorter than the K5 QMK V2 at 424 x 119 mm.
•The K4 V3 has a 4000mAh battery compared with the K5's 2000mAh battery.
•The K5 QMK V2 is lighter at 732g, compared with the K4 V3 at about 813g.

ModdingKeychron K4 V3

•The K4 V3 supports almost all 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches in its hot-swappable version, according to Keychron.
•The K5 QMK V2 hot-swap option supports low-profile mechanical switches, with Keychron noting specific compatibility limits.
•Both offer QMK and VIA, while the K4 V3 additionally lists screw-in stabilizers and DIY kit or barebones availability.

Content CreationKeychron K4 V3

•The K4 V3's 96% layout includes multimedia keys while occupying less length than the K5 QMK V2's full-size layout.
•Both support QMK, VIA, and Launcher-based remapping and macros.
•The K4 V3's larger 4000mAh battery may suit wireless desk use better than the K5's 2000mAh battery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)