Keychron K5 V2 vs K5 SEProgrammable vs Budget Low-Profile
Choose the K5 QMK V2 for deep firmware customization and enhanced acoustics, or the K5 SE for a more affordable entry into low-profile typing.
KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
5.0 (6)5.0 · 6 reviews
from$89at MK
4.8 (30)4.8 · 30 reviews
from$59at Keychron
90-day lowLowest price in 90 days
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K5 V2
Programmable
Build quality in the top 15% of 100% boards under $100.
- Supports QMK and VIA firmware for deep key remapping and macro programming.
- Includes multiple acoustic foams (IXPE, EPDM, latex) for improved sound and feel.
- Features a 1000Hz polling rate in wired mode for responsive input.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
Get the
Keychron K5 SE
Budget Low-Profile
Build quality in the top 30% of 100% boards under $100.
- Generally more affordable than the K5 QMK V2.
- Hot-swappable versions support both low-profile Gateron mechanical and Keychron optical switches.
- Features a reinforced aluminum top case with a plastic bottom.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
Your budget and need for customization should guide your choice. The Keychron K5 QMK V2 is the superior tool for enthusiasts who will leverage its programmable firmware, acoustic foams, and high-performance specs. The Keychron K5 SE is a practical, cost-effective alternative that retains core features like hot-swappability and a low-profile form factor for everyday use.
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 K5 V2
Keychron K5 SE
Case material
ABS, Aluminum
Aluminum, Plastic
Mount style
PCB Mount
Tray Mount
QMK
Yes
No
The deep option when you want to remap every key
VIA
Yes
No
GUI remapping without compiling firmware
Sound dampening
Yes
No
- Keychron K5 V2
- Keychron K5 SE
- Performance
- 8263
- Build quality
- 8066
- Productivity
- 8966
- Customizability
- 8869
- Portability
- 5455
- Layout size: 100%
- Connection: Bluetooth, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 2,000 mAh
- Low profile
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
What will you mostly use it for?
The K5 QMK V2 is the clear choice for gaming, programming, modding, and content creation due to its high polling rate, extensive firmware support, and acoustic enhancements. For general office use, both keyboards are equally capable with their shared low-profile design and wireless features. Neither keyboard has a distinct advantage for travel due to their shared full-size form factor.
Pick the Keychron K5 V2
- The K5 QMK V2 lists a 1000Hz polling rate in wired mode, which the K5 SE's description does not mention.
- The K5 QMK V2 vendor page states its latency is hardly noticeable in competitive games.
- Its PCB mount style may offer a more consistent typing feel compared to the K5 SE's tray mount.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron K5 V2
6 owner reviews
“Genuinely happy with the keyboard. Had a low-profile one from another brand that has been used for 12+ years, and it degraded over time. This K5 feels very good. Still have to get used to the distance between the "primary," arrows, and numpad blocks, but…”
Keychron K5 SE
30 owner reviews
“This is my favorite keyboard. After assembling my desktop pc, I had always felt a little awkward typing on normal sized mechanical keyboards. This keyboard solved that for me. I currently use mine for my desktop, and on the go with my Steam Deck.”
Keychron K5 V2 vs K5 SE specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
8 of 25 specs differ
Keychron K5 V2
Keychron K5 SE
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case 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 K5 V2
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW
In stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-SW
In stockDoes not ship to you
MonacoKeys
ISO-DE
In stockDoes not ship to you
Keychron K5 SE
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
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.
Keychron K5 V2 vs K5 SE: your questions
The primary difference is firmware and construction. The K5 QMK V2 supports QMK and VIA for extensive programming, includes multiple acoustic foams, and has a PCB mount. The K5 SE is a more budget-friendly model with a reinforced aluminum top case but lacks advanced firmware support and uses a tray mount.
Yes, both models offer hot-swappable versions. However, they are compatible with different switches. The K5 QMK V2 hot-swap version works with Keychron Milk POM or Gateron/Keychron low-profile mechanical switches. The K5 SE hot-swap version works with low-profile Keychron optical switches or low-profile Gateron mechanical switches.
The K5 QMK V2 is better suited for gaming. Its vendor description explicitly mentions a 1000Hz polling rate in wired mode and states the latency is hardly noticeable in competitive games. The K5 SE's gaming performance is not detailed in the available specifications.
Yes. The K5 QMK V2 vendor description states it is compatible with both Windows and macOS, includes keycaps for both systems, and even has specific multimedia keys for Mac users. The K5 SE is also listed as compatible with Mac and Windows.
Yes, both the Keychron K5 QMK V2 and K5 SE are 100% layout keyboards, which means they include a full number pad.
Both keyboards use low-profile switches. The K5 QMK V2 features Keychron Milk POM switches (linear, tactile, or clicky). The K5 SE offers low-profile Gateron mechanical switches or low-profile Keychron optical switches in various linear, tactile, and clicky variants.
The K5 QMK V2 is designed with enhanced acoustics in mind. Its vendor description highlights the inclusion of IXPE acoustic foam, EPDM foam, and latex foam to improve sound and comfort, suggesting a more refined typing sound profile compared to the K5 SE.
Yes, but with limitations. Both keyboards use low-profile keycaps with specific stems. The K5 QMK V2 vendor page shows optional low-profile PBT keycap sets for sale, indicating replaceability. The K5 SE uses MX-style stems on its low-profile switches, which should allow for compatibility with other low-profile MX-stem keycaps.
According to its specification list, the K5 SE has a 2000mAh battery. With the backlight off, it can last up to 90 hours. With RGB backlight at the lowest brightness, battery life is up to 30 hours. Lab results may vary with actual use.
The available information for the K5 SE does not mention any software or firmware for key remapping, macro programming, or QMK/VIA support. Its customization appears limited to the hot-swappable switches and adjustable backlighting.
The Keychron K5 QMK V2 offers more layout options. Its metadata lists support for ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO, and ANSI. The K5 SE is listed with ANSI and JIS layouts only.
Neither keyboard includes a wrist rest in the standard package. However, the K5 QMK V2 vendor page shows a separate Keychron Silicone Palm Rest for low-profile keyboards as a frequently bought together item.
Not sold on either?
Still torn?
Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.