Keychron K4 V2 vs V2 Max96% Numpad vs 65% Custom Keyboard
Choose the K4 V2 for a numpad and more layout options, or the V2 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
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K4 V2
96% Numpad
Build quality in the top 40% of 96% boards under $100.
- Includes a full numpad in a compact 96% layout.
- Offers extensive international layout support (ANSI, ISO, JIS, etc.).
- Available with an optional aircraft-grade aluminum frame.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.
Get the
Keychron V2 Max
65% Custom Keyboard
Build quality in the top 10% of 65% boards under $100.
- Features a gasket mount design with a polycarbonate plate for a softer typing feel.
- Fully programmable with open-source QMK and VIA firmware support.
- Includes high-quality double-shot PBT keycaps and screw-in PCB stabilizers.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
- 65% layout. No function row and no numpad.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require a numpad, arrow keys, and international layout support in a space-saving form, the Keychron K4 V2 is the logical pick. If you value a premium typing experience, deep programmability, and a highly portable form factor for customization, the Keychron V2 Max is the superior board, despite its lack of dedicated navigation keys.
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 V2 Max
Layout size
96%
65%
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 V2 Max
- Performance
- 6379
- Build quality
- 7086
- Productivity
- 6795
- Customizability
- 7099
- Portability
- 5589
- 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 V2 Max is the clear choice for modders, programmers, and travelers due to its superior build for customization, programmability, and portability. The K4 V2 wins for office work and content creation where its numpad and broader layout compatibility are critical. For gaming, the V2 Max's low-latency wireless and consistent feel give it an edge, though the K4 V2 remains a competent option.
Pick the Keychron V2 Max
- The V2 Max offers a 1000 Hz polling rate in both its 2.4 GHz wireless and wired modes.
- Its gasket mount and polycarbonate plate can provide a more consistent typing feel during long sessions.
- The compact 65% layout frees up more desk space for mouse movement.
Keychron K4 V2 vs V2 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 V2 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
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Keychron K4 V2
Keychron
ISO-UK
Out of stockShips to you
Keychron
ISO-DE
Out of stockShips to you
Keychron
ISO-Nordic
Out of stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE
Out of stockDoes not ship to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-UK
Out of stockDoes not ship to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-ES
Out of stockDoes not ship to you
Keychron V2 Max
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Keychron K4 V2 vs V2 Max: your questions
The Keychron K4 V2 features a 96% layout that includes a full number pad. The Keychron V2 Max, as a 65% keyboard, does not have a numpad or dedicated arrow keys.
Yes, the Keychron V2 Max fully supports both QMK and VIA firmware. This allows for extensive key remapping, macro creation, and layer customization through the Keychron Launcher web app.
The V2 Max uses a gasket mount, where the plate is suspended by rubber or silicone gaskets to absorb vibrations for a softer, more consistent typing sound. The K4 V2 uses a tray mount, where the plate is screwed directly into the case bottom, which is a more traditional and typically firmer mounting style.
Both keyboards are compatible with Mac and Windows systems. The V2 Max includes a system toggle and an extra set of keycaps for both OS layouts. The K4 V2 also includes keycaps for both operating systems in its listing.
No, the Keychron V2 Max comes with double-shot PBT keycaps that are not shine-through. Its south-facing RGB LEDs are designed to provide underglow lighting that works well with these and other Cherry-profile keycaps without interference.
The K4 V2 offers Gateron G Pro switches in Red, Blue, or Brown. The fully assembled V2 Max comes with exclusive Gateron Jupiter switches in Red, Brown, or Banana (tactile) variants. Both offer hot-swappable versions for easy switch changes.
Both have Bluetooth 5.1. The key difference is that the V2 Max also includes a 2.4 GHz wireless connection with a 1000 Hz polling rate for gaming, and it comes with both Type-C and Type-A receivers. The K4 V2 is limited to Bluetooth and wired modes.
Yes, the Keychron V2 Max is available as a 'Barebone Knob' version. This kit includes the ABS case, PCB with screw-in stabilizers, polycarbonate plate, and knob, but does not include keycaps or switches.
Both have a 4000mAh battery. According to manufacturer lab tests, the K4 V2 is rated for up to 240 hours with backlight off via Bluetooth. The V2 Max is rated for up to 190 hours with backlight off in wireless mode. Real-world usage will vary.
Yes, a hot-swappable version of the Keychron K4 V2 is available. This version supports altering switches without soldering and is compatible with most 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches.
The K4 V2 can be configured with an aircraft-grade aluminum frame option atop a plastic body, and it uses a plastic or aluminum plate. The V2 Max uses an ABS plastic case, a polycarbonate plate, and comes with PBT keycaps, while the K4 V2 uses ABS keycaps.
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