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Compare Keychron K5 Pro vs V5 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a low-profile full-size wireless keyboard and a wired 96% board with a knob. Both support hot-swappable switches, QMK, VIA, and Mac/Windows use, so the main choice is not whether they can be customized, but how you want to use and modify them. The K5 Pro is lighter and supports Bluetooth, while the V5 adds a knob and steel or polycarbonate plate options. Neither is a clear fit for every desk, especially if wireless use or carrying weight matters.

87
Keychron K5 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
96
Keychron V5 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard

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4.8 (8)
3.4 (9)
  • Released in 2023
  • Features a low-profile design
  • Available in a 100% layout
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, JIS, ISO-SW, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ANSI layout standard
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 2000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 720 g
  • Sized at 18 x 120 x 435 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Plastic, ABS case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face, White, White North-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2022
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Built with the ISO, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 1170 g
  • Sized at 19 x 142 x 389 mm
  • Made with a Plastic, ABS case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 79.7
  • Build Quality: 78.8
  • Productivity: 81.3
  • Customizability: 88.8
  • Portability: 55.5
Scores
  • Performance: 91
  • Build Quality: 88.7
  • Productivity: 97.7
  • Customizability: 98.3
  • Portability: 44.9
Name
Keychron K5 Pro
Name
Keychron V5
Release year
2023
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Low Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
100%
Layout Size
96%
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, JIS, ISO-SW, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, 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
2000 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, North-face, White
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum, Plastic, ABS
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Dimensions
18 x 120 x 435 mm
Dimensions
19 x 142 x 389 mm
Weight
720g
Weight
1170g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Choose the Keychron K5 Pro if you want Bluetooth, a low-profile full-size layout, and a lighter board. Choose the Keychron V5 if a knob, 96% layout, and broader documented switch and plate customization matter more than wireless use or lower weight. Both support hot-swapping and QMK/VIA, so let connectivity and physical design settle the decision.

Keychron K5 Pro

  • +Bluetooth and wired connectivity, with the vendor specifying wireless connections to up to three devices.
  • +Low-profile design with a 100% full-size layout.
  • +Listed at 720 g, substantially lighter than the V5.
  • +Hot-swappable switches, QMK support, and VIA support.
  • +Vendor specifies low-profile double-shot PBT keycaps.

  • −Does not include the V5's knob.
  • −Its low-profile design and Gateron low-profile switches limit it to a different switch and keycap style than the V5's conventional-height OSA keycaps.
  • −The metadata lists tray mount only, while the V5 also lists plate and gasket mount options.

Keychron V5

  • +Includes a knob and a 96% layout that retains the function row and numpad, according to Keychron.
  • +Hot-swappable sockets support 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches.
  • +The vendor specifies double-shot OSA PBT keycaps and screw-in stabilizers.
  • +Listed with tray, plate, and gasket mount styles, plus steel and polycarbonate plate options in the metadata.
  • +Supports QMK and VIA for remapping and macros.

  • −Wired only, with no Bluetooth connectivity listed.
  • −Its listed 1170 g weight is higher than the K5 Pro's 720 g.
  • −Its OSA keycaps are not shine-through, according to the vendor.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The K5 Pro is the more convenient pick when wireless use, lower weight, or a low-profile full-size layout is central. The V5 takes the lead in the wired gaming, programming, and modding comparisons because it combines a knob with a wider set of explicitly listed customization details. For content creation, its knob and 96% layout offer a distinct control and layout choice. These recommendations depend on preferring those features, since both keyboards share hot-swap support and QMK/VIA.

GamingKeychron V5
  • •The V5 is wired and lists a 1000 Hz polling rate, with the vendor describing that rate as suitable for competitive play.
  • •The V5 includes a knob and hot-swappable sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
  • •The K5 Pro also lists a 1000 Hz wired polling rate, but its Bluetooth connection offers a different setup option rather than a wired-only gaming configuration.
OfficeKeychron K5 Pro
  • •The K5 Pro supports Bluetooth and wired connectivity, and the vendor says it can connect wirelessly to up to three devices.
  • •Its low-profile design and 720 g listed weight suit buyers seeking a slimmer, lighter full-size board.
  • •The V5 is wired only and weighs 1170 g.
ProgrammingKeychron V5
  • •Both boards support QMK and VIA, while the V5 adds a knob for another physical control.
  • •The V5's 96% layout retains a function row and numpad according to Keychron.
  • •The V5 supports hot-swappable 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches.
TravelKeychron K5 Pro
  • •The K5 Pro weighs 720 g, compared with the V5's 1170 g.
  • •The K5 Pro is low profile and supports Bluetooth as well as wired use.
  • •The V5 is wired only and has a listed 96% layout.
ModdingKeychron V5
  • •The V5 is listed with tray, plate, and gasket mount styles, and its metadata lists steel and polycarbonate plate options.
  • •Its hot-swappable sockets support both 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches.
  • •The vendor describes the V5 as designed for component assembly and customization, and specifies screw-in stabilizers.
Content CreationKeychron V5
  • •The V5 includes a knob, which provides a physical control alongside its keyboard keys.
  • •Its 96% layout retains the function keys and numpad while using a more compact layout than a full-size board.
  • •The V5 supports QMK and VIA for key remapping and macros.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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