Keychron K4 V2 vs K5 V2Compact 96% vs Low-Profile 100%

The Keychron K4 V2 has a significantly larger 4000mAh battery compared to the K5 QMK V2's 2000mAh. Keychron's product page for the K4 claims it can last up to 240 hours of typing with the backlight off, suggesting it will generally have longer wireless battery life.

No. The Keychron K4 V2 does not list support for QMK or VIA firmware. The Keychron K5 QMK V2 is specifically designed with these open-source programming platforms in mind, offering deep key remapping and macro creation through the Keychron Launcher web app.

Both keyboards offer hot-swappable versions. The K4 V2's hot-swappable socket is compatible with most MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin switches. The K5 QMK V2's hot-swappable version is currently compatible with specific low-profile mechanical switches like Keychron Milk POM or Gateron low-profile switches, according to its product description.

The Keychron K4 V2 uses a 96% layout, which condenses the numpad, arrow keys, and navigation cluster into a compact form with minimal gaps, saving desk space. The Keychron K5 QMK V2 is a standard 100% layout, meaning it has a full numpad and a dedicated navigation cluster with traditional spacing between sections.

Both keyboards are compatible with macOS and Windows, and both include keycaps for each operating system. The K5 QMK V2's vendor description specifically notes it offers a Mac layout with the same multimedia and function keys as Apple keyboards, and you can configure different keymaps for Mac and Windows via its QMK firmware.

Yes, both the Keychron K4 V2 and K5 QMK V2 support a wired USB-C connection in addition to their Bluetooth wireless functionality. In wired mode, both feature a 1000Hz polling rate.

According to their specifications, the Keychron K4 V2 has a 90Hz polling rate in wireless (Bluetooth) mode. The Keychron K5 QMK V2 has a 125Hz polling rate in Bluetooth mode. Both switch to 1000Hz when connected via USB-C cable.

Both keyboards come with ABS keycaps. The vendor description for the K5 QMK V2 specifies they are shine-through ABS keycaps to better illuminate the RGB backlighting. The K4 V2's keycaps are also ABS but are not specifically described as shine-through in the provided text.

No, not standard Cherry MX switches. The K5 QMK V2 is a low-profile keyboard. Its vendor page states the hot-swappable version is currently compatible with Keychron Milk POM switches or Gateron/Keychron low-profile mechanical switches only. Standard profile switches will not fit the low-profile design.

The vendor description for the Keychron K5 QMK V2 states it comes with more than 22 types of RGB backlight settings. The description for the Keychron K4 V2 mentions it is engineered with more than 15 types of RGB backlight options. Therefore, the K5 QMK V2 lists a greater variety of lighting effects.

The K5 QMK V2 is designed with typing comfort in mind. Its vendor page highlights an ultra-slim, low-profile design, three levels of adjustable typing angle, and redesigned stabilizers for less wobble on large keys. These features aim to provide ergonomic support during long typing sessions.