Keychron K5 QMK V2 vs K6 Pro: Full Size or Compact?

Compare Keychron K5 QMK V2 vs K6 Pro Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a full-size low-profile keyboard and a compact 65% board. The K5 QMK V2 offers a 100% layout with a low profile, making it a rare full-size option for those who need a numpad. The K6 Pro is a compact, modder-friendly board with a large battery and extensive switch compatibility. The decision hinges on your need for a numpad versus a portable, customizable form factor.

Model
Rating	5.0 stars (2 reviews)	1.6 stars (7 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	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 Uses a PCB Mount mounting style Equipped with a 2000 mAh battery Made with a ABS, Aluminum case Features ABS keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting	Released in 2022 Available in a 65% layout Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-SW, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ANSI, JIS layout standard Includes screw-in stabilizers Has built-in sound dampening Uses a Tray Mount mounting style Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery Weighs about 890 g Sized at 27 x 317 x 107 mm Made with a Aluminum, Plastic, ABS case Features ABS, PBT keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 81.6 Build Quality: 78.4 Productivity: 80.2 Customizability: 89.7 Portability: 53.9	Scores Performance: 73.9 Build Quality: 88.5 Productivity: 90.8 Customizability: 97.1 Portability: 88.1
Name	Name Keychron K5 QMK V2	Name Keychron K6 Pro
Release year	Release year 2024	Release year 2022
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile	Profile Low Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 100%	Layout Size 65%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO, ANSI	Layout Standard ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-SW, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ANSI, JIS
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 2000 mAh	Battery capacity 4000 mAh
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style PCB Mount	Mount Style Tray Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, White, North-face	Backlight Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material ABS, Aluminum	Case Material Aluminum, Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material ABS	Keycaps Material ABS, PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions 27 x 317 x 107 mm
Weight	Weight -	Weight 890g

Keychron K5 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 2

Keychron K6 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

Select a keyboard to compare

5.0 stars (2 reviews)

1.6 stars (7 reviews)

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
Uses a PCB Mount mounting style
Equipped with a 2000 mAh battery
Made with a ABS, Aluminum case
Features ABS keycaps
Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting

Released in 2022
Available in a 65% layout
Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-SW, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ANSI, JIS layout standard
Includes screw-in stabilizers
Has built-in sound dampening
Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
Weighs about 890 g
Sized at 27 x 317 x 107 mm
Made with a Aluminum, Plastic, ABS case
Features ABS, PBT keycaps
Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting

Scores

Performance: 81.6
Build Quality: 78.4
Productivity: 80.2
Customizability: 89.7
Portability: 53.9

Scores

Performance: 73.9
Build Quality: 88.5
Productivity: 90.8
Customizability: 97.1
Portability: 88.1

Name

Keychron K5 QMK V2

Name

Keychron K6 Pro

Release year

2024

Release year

2022

Switch Options

Linear, Tactile, Clicky

Switch Options

Linear, Tactile, Clicky

Profile

Low Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

100%

Layout Size

65%

Layout Standard

ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO, ANSI

Layout Standard

ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-SW, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ANSI, JIS

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

USB passthrough

Connection

Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless

Connection

Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless

Polling Rate

1000 Hz

Polling Rate

1000 Hz

Battery capacity

2000 mAh

Battery capacity

4000 mAh

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

PCB Mount

Mount Style

Tray Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb, White, North-face

Backlight

Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face

Case Colors

Case Material

ABS, Aluminum

Case Material

Aluminum, Plastic, ABS

Keycaps Material

ABS

Keycaps Material

ABS, PBT

Dimensions

27 x 317 x 107 mm

Weight

890g

Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice boils down to layout and priorities. If you need a numpad and prefer a slim, low-profile board for gaming or content creation, the Keychron K5 QMK V2 is the clear pick. If you value portability, battery life, and the ability to mod with almost any MX switch, the Keychron K6 Pro offers more flexibility and a better out-of-box typing experience with PBT keycaps and sound dampening.

Keychron K5 QMK V2

+Full 100% layout with a dedicated numpad for data entry
+Ultra-slim low-profile design uses Keychron Milk POM switches, 33% slimmer than normal switches
+Enhanced acoustic foams (IXPE, EPDM, latex) for quieter typing
+108 keys with 12 multimedia keys for quick access
+Three adjustable typing angles (3.37°, 4.36°, 6.56°) for ergonomic comfort

−Low-profile switch compatibility is limited to Keychron/Gateron low-profile mechanical switches
−2000mAh battery is smaller than the K6 Pro, requiring more frequent charging
−ABS keycaps may shine faster than PBT alternatives

Keychron K6 Pro

+4000mAh battery offers extended wireless use
+Includes sound-absorbing foam, silicone dampening pad, and steel plate for refined acoustics
+OSA profile double-shot PBT keycaps provide oil resistance and comfortable feel
+Screw-in PCB stabilizers for less wobble on large keys
+Barebones version available for fully custom builds

−65% layout lacks a numpad and function row, which may require adaptation
−Some users report mouse key assignment issues in VIA per firmware limitations
−RGB lighting may not shine through opaque keycaps effectively

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The K6 Pro wins for office work and travel thanks to its compact size and large battery, while also leading in modding due to broad switch support and included sound dampening. The K5 QMK V2 takes gaming and content creation categories, driven by its full-size layout and low profile. For programming, both keyboards tie as they share QMK/VIA support and hot-swap capabilities, with the deciding factor being layout preference.

GamingKeychron K5 QMK V2

•1000 Hz polling rate on wired mode for lower latency
•Low-profile switches can be faster for rapid key presses
•Full-size layout includes dedicated keys for in-game binds

OfficeKeychron K6 Pro

•Compact 65% layout saves desk space for paperwork or a mouse
•4000mAh battery lasts longer between charges
•PBT keycaps offer better oil resistance for daily typing

ProgrammingTie

•Both support QMK and VIA for full key remapping and macros
•Both offer hot-swappable switches for preferred typing feel
•K5 provides a numpad for data entry, K6 Pro offers portability for on-the-go coding

TravelKeychron K6 Pro

•65% form factor is more compact and lighter at 890g
•4000mAh battery reduces charging frequency during trips
•Available barebones kit for custom portable builds

ModdingKeychron K6 Pro

•Compatible with almost all 3-pin and 5pin MX switches for broad choice
•Screw-in PCB stabilizers are easier to replace or tune
•Includes sound dampening foam and silicone pad for acoustic customization
•Available as a barebones kit to start from scratch

Content CreationKeychron K5 QMK V2

•Full-size 100% layout includes a numpad for quick number entry
•Low profile reduces wrist strain during long editing sessions
•12 multimedia keys for quick playback controls

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

$94

Keychron K5 Max

100%,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Wired,

RGB/ White LEDs,

VIA,

QMK,

Alu case,

PCB Mount

$59

Keychron K8 Pro

80%,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Wired,

RGB/ White LEDs,

VIA,

QMK,

Alu case,

Tray Mount

$106

Keychron K1 Max

80%,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Wired,

RGB/ White LEDs,

VIA,

QMK,

Alu case,

PCB Mount

$67

Keychron K2 Pro

75%,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Wired,

RGB/ White LEDs,

VIA,

QMK,

Alu case,

Tray Mount

$94

Keychron K1 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 6

Keychron K1 V6

80%,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Wired,

RGB/ White LEDs,

VIA,

QMK,

HE,

Alu case,

Top Mount

$54

Keychron V3

80%,

Hotswap,

Wired,

RGB/ White LEDs,

Knob,

VIA,

QMK,

Tray Mount

$109

Keychron K13 Max

80%,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Wired,

RGB/ White LEDs,

VIA,

QMK,

Alu case,

PCB Mount

$59

Keychron Q2

65%,

Hotswap,

Wired,

RGB,

Knob,

VIA,

QMK,

Alu case,

Gasket Mount

$115

Keychron K5 V2

100%,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Wired,

RGB/ White LEDs,

QMK,

Alu case

$59

Keychron Q4

60%,

Hotswap,

Wired,

RGB,

Knob,

VIA,

QMK,

Alu case,

Gasket Mount

Compare Keychron K5 QMK V2 vs K6 Pro Differences Side by Side

Pros and Trade-offs

Keychron K5 QMK V2

Keychron K6 Pro

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which keyboard has a better battery life?

Can I use any MX switch in the K5 QMK V2?

Does the K6 Pro support full QMK and VIA customization?

Which keyboard is better for programming?

What type of keycaps come with each keyboard?

Are these keyboards hot-swappable?

Which keyboard has better sound dampening out of the box?

Can I use these keyboards with both Mac and Windows?

Which keyboard is more portable?

Does the K5 QMK V2 have a low-profile design?

Are there any known issues with the K6 Pro's VIA support?

Which keyboard is better for gaming?

Discover similar products