
This comparison is for buyers choosing between two Keychron 96% keyboards with QMK, VIA, hot-swap support, and Mac and Windows keycaps. The K4 V3 separates itself with Bluetooth, wired connectivity, and a 4000mAh battery. The V5 requires a wired connection but adds knob support and offers a listed steel or polycarbonate plate. Both provide a compact full-featured layout, so the main decision is wireless flexibility versus a more desk-oriented setup.
91 Overall/ Value 90.7Build Quality 84.0Customizability 96.2Performance 82.1Productivity 95.1Portability 53.9![]() | 96 Overall/ Value 95.9Build Quality 88.7Customizability 98.3Performance 91.0Productivity 97.7Portability 44.9![]() | Select a keyboard to compare |
5.0 stars (4 reviews) | 3.4 stars (9 reviews) | |
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Name Keychron K4 V3 | Name Keychron V5 | |
Release year 2025 | Release year 2022 | |
Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky | Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky | |
Profile Normal Profile | Profile Normal Profile | |
Hot Swappable | Hot Swappable | |
Layout Size 96% | Layout Size 96% | |
Layout Standard ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-CH, ISO-Nordic, ANSI | Layout Standard ISO, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW | |
Layout Ergonomics Normal | Layout Ergonomics Normal | |
Knob Support | Knob Support | |
Display Support | Display Support | |
Mac/Win Support | Mac/Win Support | |
Multi-Media Keys | Multi-Media Keys | |
USB-C | USB-C | |
USB passthrough | USB passthrough | |
Connection Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless | Connection Wired, Wired only | |
Polling Rate 1000 Hz | Polling Rate 1000 Hz;8000 Hz | |
Battery capacity 4000 mAh | Battery capacity - | |
Hall Effect Support | Hall Effect Support | |
QMK Support | QMK Support | |
VIA Support | VIA Support | |
VIAL Support | VIAL Support | |
N-Key Rollover | N-Key Rollover | |
Rapid Trigger | Rapid Trigger | |
Mount Style Tray Mount | Mount Style Tray Mount | |
Screw in Stabilizers | Screw in Stabilizers | |
Sound Dampening | Sound Dampening | |
Backlight Rgb, White, South-face, White South-face, North-face | Backlight Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face | |
Case Colors | Case Colors | |
Case Material Plastic | Case Material Plastic, ABS | |
Keycaps Material PC, PBT | Keycaps Material ABS, PBT | |
Dimensions - | Dimensions 19 x 142 x 389 mm | |
Weight - | Weight 1170g |
Pick the K4 V3 if Bluetooth, multi-device wireless use, and its 4000mAh battery are priorities. Choose the V5 if you prefer a wired desk setup and want knob support or the listed plate-material options. Both share QMK, VIA, hot-swap support, and a 96% layout, so those features alone do not settle the choice.
The K4 V3 is the more flexible pick for office use and travel because it supports Bluetooth and has a battery. The V5 has the edge for a wired gaming setup and for buyers who value its knob support or listed plate choices. Programming is a close call: both share QMK, VIA, hot-swap sockets, and screw-in stabilizers. Content creators may favor the V5's knob, while those who move between devices may prefer the K4 V3.
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