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Compare Keychron K4 V3 vs V5 Differences Side by Side

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
Keychron K4 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 3
96
Keychron V5 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard

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5.0 (4)
3.4 (9)
  • Released in 2025
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-CH, ISO-Nordic, ANSI layout standard
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • 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 2022
  • Built with the ISO, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 1170 g
  • Sized at 19 x 142 x 389 mm
  • Made with a Plastic, ABS case
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 82.1
  • Build Quality: 84
  • Productivity: 95.1
  • Customizability: 96.2
  • Portability: 53.9
Scores
  • Performance: 91
  • Build Quality: 88.7
  • Productivity: 97.7
  • Customizability: 98.3
  • Portability: 44.9
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
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
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Pros and Trade-offs

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.

Keychron K4 V3

  • +Bluetooth and wired connectivity, plus a 4000mAh battery.
  • +Keychron says it can connect wirelessly to up to three devices.
  • +Hot-swap support, QMK, and VIA are listed.
  • +Keychron specifies double-shot PBT keycaps and enhanced acoustic foam layers, including IXPE, EPDM, and PET foam.
  • +The vendor lists three adjustable typing angles: 5°, 8°, and 11°.

  • −The K4 V3 is listed with a 1000 Hz polling rate, while the V5 metadata also lists 8000 Hz.
  • −It does not list knob support.
  • −At about 813 g, it is lighter than the V5 but remains a full-size 96% layout keyboard.

Keychron V5

  • +Knob support is listed, and the keyboard uses a 96% layout.
  • +The vendor specifies hot-swap support for 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches.
  • +The product metadata lists steel and polycarbonate plate materials.
  • +QMK, VIA, screw-in stabilizers, and sound dampening are listed.
  • +The vendor specifies double-shot PBT OSA-profile keycaps and south-facing RGB.

  • −The V5 is wired-only, with no Bluetooth or battery listed.
  • −At about 1170 g, it is heavier than the K4 V3.
  • −Its PBT keycaps are described by the vendor as not shine-through.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingKeychron V5
  • •The V5 is wired-only, which suits a fixed desktop setup.
  • •Its metadata lists polling rates of 1000 Hz and 8000 Hz, while the K4 V3 lists 1000 Hz.
  • •Both keyboards offer linear, tactile, and clicky switch options.
OfficeKeychron K4 V3
  • •The K4 V3 supports Bluetooth and wired connections, while the V5 is wired-only.
  • •Keychron says the K4 V3 can connect wirelessly to up to three devices.
  • •Both have a 96% layout, multimedia keys, and Mac/Windows support.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both keyboards support QMK and VIA for key remapping and macros.
  • •Both have hot-swappable switches and screw-in stabilizers.
  • •The K4 V3 offers Bluetooth, while the V5 adds knob support, so the choice depends on preferred workflow.
TravelKeychron K4 V3
  • •The K4 V3 has Bluetooth connectivity and a 4000mAh battery; the V5 is wired-only.
  • •The K4 V3 is listed at about 813 g, compared with the V5 at about 1170 g.
  • •Both use a 96% layout, so neither is a smaller layout option in this comparison.
ModdingKeychron V5
  • •Keychron describes the V5 as designed for component customization and assembly.
  • •The V5 supports 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches without soldering, and metadata lists steel and polycarbonate plate options.
  • •The K4 V3 is also hot-swappable and supports QMK and VIA, so it remains a capable alternative for switch and keymap changes.
Content CreationKeychron V5
  • •The V5 listing includes knob support, which may suit workflows that use a physical control.
  • •Both keyboards have multimedia keys and QMK/VIA support for customization.
  • •The K4 V3 adds Bluetooth, while the V5 requires a wired connection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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