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

This comparison is for users deciding between Keychron's compact 96% layout and their modern low-profile full-size offering. The choice hinges on whether you prioritize saving desk space with a built-in numpad or desire a slimmer typing height with extensive firmware customization. Both are versatile wireless boards, making the decision difficult for multi-device users who value different forms of efficiency.

70
Keychron K4 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (UK ISO Layout) - Version 2
84
Keychron K5 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 2

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4.7 (2530)
5.0 (2)
  • Released in 2020
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Built with the ISO, JIS, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ANSI, ISO-Nordic, ISO-ES layout standard
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Made with a Aluminum, Plastic, ABS case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, 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
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Uses a PCB Mount mounting style
  • Equipped with a 2000 mAh battery
  • Made with a ABS, Aluminum case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 63.5
  • Build Quality: 69.9
  • Productivity: 67.5
  • Customizability: 70.4
  • Portability: 55
Scores
  • Performance: 81.6
  • Build Quality: 78.4
  • Productivity: 80.2
  • Customizability: 89.7
  • Portability: 53.9
Name
Keychron K4 V2
Name
Keychron K5 QMK V2
Release year
2020
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Low Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
96%
Layout Size
100%
Layout Standard
ISO, JIS, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ANSI, ISO-Nordic, ISO-ES
Layout Standard
ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO, ANSI
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
Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
2000 mAh
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
PCB Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, North-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, North-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum, Plastic, ABS
Case Material
ABS, Aluminum
Keycaps Material
ABS
Keycaps Material
ABS
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
-
Weight
-
Weight
-
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you want maximum wireless battery life and a numpad without sacrificing too much desk space, the Keychron K4 V2 is the logical pick. If your priority is a slim, ergonomic keyboard with deep customization through QMK/VIA and you prefer a standard full-size layout, the Keychron K5 QMK V2 is the superior tool. Consider how much you value programmability versus compactness.

Keychron K4 V2

  • +Compact 96% layout includes a numpad for data entry in a smaller footprint.
  • +Large 4000mAh battery promises extended wireless use, up to 240 hours per the manufacturer.
  • +Offers an aluminum frame option for increased rigidity in some configurations.
  • +Hot-swappable version supports a wide range of standard MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
  • +Includes an inclined bottom frame for a more comfortable typing angle.
  • −Uses ABS keycaps which may develop shine over time.
  • −Lacks advanced programmability features like QMK or VIA support.
  • −Wireless polling rate is listed at 90Hz, which is lower than the K5's wireless rate.

Keychron K5 QMK V2

  • +Fully programmable with open-source QMK and VIA firmware via the Keychron Launcher web app.
  • +Low-profile design with Keychron Milk POM switches for a slimmer typing height.
  • +Features enhanced acoustic foams (IXPE, EPDM, latex) and redesigned stabilizers for improved sound and feel.
  • +Confirms N-Key Rollover in both wireless and wired modes.
  • +Offers three adjustable typing angles (3.37°, 4.36°, 6.56°) for ergonomic support.
  • −Smaller 2000mAh battery compared to the K4 V2.
  • −Full 100% layout requires more desk space.
  • −Hot-swappable socket is currently limited to specific low-profile mechanical switches like Keychron Milk POM or Gateron low-profile, as per the vendor note.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The K5 QMK V2 takes clear leads in gaming due to its confirmed NKRO and in programming and modding thanks to its QMK/VIA firmware and detailed acoustic construction. The K4 V2 wins for travel primarily because of its compact size and much larger battery. For office use and content creation, the choice is a draw, hinging on your preference for a space-saving layout with a numpad versus a low-profile, ergonomic full-size board.

GamingKeychron K5 QMK V2
  • •The K5 QMK V2 lists N-Key Rollover for both wireless and wired modes, a feature not explicitly mentioned for the K4 V2.
  • •Both have a 1000Hz polling rate in wired mode, but the K5's vendor page highlights its low latency for competitive games.
  • •The K5's low-profile design and redesigned stabilizers, as described by Keychron, may offer a different feel for fast key presses.
OfficeTie
  • •Both support Bluetooth for multi-device connectivity and include Mac/Windows keycaps.
  • •The K4 V2's 96% layout saves desk space while keeping a numpad, which the vendor notes is useful for data entry.
  • •The K5 QMK V2's low-profile design and three adjustable typing angles, per its description, may improve ergonomics for long sessions.
ProgrammingKeychron K5 QMK V2
  • •The K5 QMK V2 supports QMK and VIA firmware for deep key remapping and macro creation, a significant advantage for custom shortcuts.
  • •Its full 100% layout provides dedicated navigation keys without layers, which some programmers prefer.
  • •The vendor description for the K5 highlights the Launcher web app for easy customization across operating systems.
TravelKeychron K4 V2
  • •The K4 V2's 96% layout is more compact than a full-size board, taking up less bag space.
  • •It features a substantially larger 4000mAh battery, which Keychron claims lasts up to 240 hours with the backlight off.
  • •Both are wireless, but the K4's smaller footprint is generally more portable.
ModdingKeychron K5 QMK V2
  • •The K5 QMK V2's QMK/VIA support offers unparalleled firmware customization compared to the K4 V2's standard firmware.
  • •Its vendor description details multiple foam layers (IXPE, EPDM, latex) for acoustic mods, and it features redesigned stabilizers.
  • •While both are hot-swappable, the K5's PCB mount style and low-profile switch ecosystem present a distinct modding path.
Content CreationTie
  • •The K4 V2's numpad is valuable for shortcut macros in applications like Photoshop or video editors.
  • •The K5 QMK V2's programmable layers via QMK can be configured for complex application-specific shortcuts.
  • •Both have RGB backlighting and multimedia keys for controlling media playback.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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