Keychron K4 V2 vs V1 Max96% Layout vs 75% Customization
Choose the K4 V2 for a compact numpad, or the V1 Max for superior typing feel and deep firmware customization.
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4.8 (1,198)4.8 · 1,198 reviews
from$59at Keychron
90-day lowLowest price in 90 days
4.9 (14)4.9 · 14 reviews
from$94at MK
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K4 V2
96% Layout
Build quality in the top 40% of 96% boards under $100.
- Unique 96% layout includes a full number pad in a compact form factor.
- Offers an aluminum frame option according to its specifications.
- Bluetooth connectivity for cable-free use with multiple devices.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- Missing ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-SW. The other board is sold in those layouts.
- Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.
Get the
Keychron V1 Max
75% Customization
Build quality in the top 5% of 75% boards under $100.
- Features a gasket mount design with a polycarbonate plate for a softer typing feel.
- Full support for QMK and VIA open-source firmware for limitless customization.
- Includes both 2.4 GHz wireless (with 1000 Hz polling) and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- No numpad.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you regularly use a number pad for work or data entry and want a simpler, more affordable wireless keyboard, the Keychron K4 V2 is the practical option. If you value a premium typing feel, want to deeply customize your keyboard's behavior and sound, and can live without a numpad, the Keychron V1 Max is the superior, albeit more expensive, investment.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Keychron K4 V2
Keychron V1 Max
Layout size
96%
75%
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Case material
ABS, Aluminum, Plastic
ABS, Plastic
Mount style
Plate Mount, Tray Mount
Gasket Mount, Plate Mount
Knob
No
Yes
- Keychron K4 V2
- Keychron V1 Max
- Performance
- 6383
- Build quality
- 7086
- Productivity
- 6797
- Customizability
- 7098
- Portability
- 5578
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 4,000 mAh
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
What will you mostly use it for?
The V1 Max is the clear choice for gaming, programming, and modding due to its advanced wireless performance, extensive firmware support, and custom-focused construction. The K4 V2 wins for office and travel use, where its integrated numpad and Bluetooth-only wireless are significant advantages. For content creation, the decision is split between the K4's dedicated keys and the V1 Max's programmability.
Pick the Keychron V1 Max
- The V1 Max offers a 1000 Hz polling rate over its 2.4 GHz wireless connection, matching the K4's wired performance wirelessly.
- Its gasket mount design with a polycarbonate plate may provide a more consistent typing feel during rapid key presses.
- N-key rollover is confirmed for both wireless and wired modes on the V1 Max.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron K4 V2
1,198 owner reviews
“I'm a do it yourself pc builders and the ketron is perfect. I can do wired for my work Mac and back to windows for my gaming PC. Easy buy, easy typing. Love it.”
Keychron V1 Max
14 owner reviews
“Feels great, haven't got a new KB since my Novatouch. Great high end features and feel, DSA caps on it feel good.”
Keychron K4 V2 vs V1 Max specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
15 of 27 specs differ
Keychron K4 V2
Keychron V1 Max
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Keychron K4 V2
- Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic
Out of stockShips to you
- Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-ES
Out of stockDoes not ship to you
Keychron V1 Max
- Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW
Out of stockShips to you
- Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-IT, ISO-SW, ISO-PT
In stockDoes not ship to you
Keychron K4 V2 vs V1 Max: your questions
The Keychron K4 V2 features a 96% layout, which incorporates a number pad into a compact design. The Keychron V1 Max uses a 75% layout and does not include a number pad.
Yes, the Keychron V1 Max offers dual wireless modes. It has a 2.4 GHz connection with a 1000 Hz polling rate and Bluetooth 5.1 for connecting to up to three devices.
The product specifications and vendor description for the K4 V2 do not mention support for QMK, VIA, or extensive key remapping software. The V1 Max explicitly supports QMK and VIA firmware for full key remapping.
The V1 Max uses a gasket mount, where the plate is suspended by rubber or silicone gaskets to absorb vibration and create a softer typing feel. The K4 V2 uses a tray mount, where the plate is screwed directly into the bottom case, which typically results in a firmer feel.
The V1 Max is designed with sound in mind, featuring a gasket mount, a polycarbonate plate, and sound dampening foam. These components generally contribute to a deeper, less resonant sound compared to the tray-mounted K4 V2.
No, the Keychron V1 Max comes with double-shot PBT keycaps that are listed as non-shine-through. Its south-facing RGB LEDs are designed to work with these caps and to avoid interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.
Yes, both the Keychron K4 V2 and V1 Max offer hot-swappable versions. This allows you to change the mechanical switches without soldering, supporting most 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches.
The fully assembled Keychron V1 Max comes with Gateron Jupiter switches, which are pre-lubricated. Options include Red (linear), Brown (tactile), and Banana (tactile) switches.
Both have a 4000mAh battery. The K4 V2 manufacturer claims up to 240 hours with backlight off, while the V1 Max listing states up to 190 hours with backlight off in wireless mode. Real-world results will vary with usage.
Yes, the Keychron K4 V2 listing states it includes keycaps for both Windows and Mac operating systems and has Mac multimedia key layouts. The V1 Max also includes keycaps for both systems and has a system toggle.
According to its specs, the V1 Max includes a USB Type-C cable and a Type-A to Type-C adapter. The fully assembled version includes double-shot PBT keycaps, Gateron Jupiter switches, and screw-in stabilizers.
The Keychron K4 V2 is a 96% keyboard, while the V1 Max is a 75% keyboard. The 75% layout of the V1 Max is generally more compact in width, but the K4 V2's Bluetooth-only wireless may be more convenient for travel as it doesn't require a dongle.
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