Keychron K5 QMK V2 vs Vgn V98 ProLow-Profile vs Gasket Mount
Choose the Keychron K5 for low-profile typing and deep QMK/VIA programmability, or the VGN V98 Pro for a premium gasket-mounted feel and exceptional battery life.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K5 QMK V2
Low-Profile
- Open-source QMK and VIA firmware support for deep key remapping and macros.
- Ultra-slim low-profile design with specific low-profile switch compatibility.
- Multiple ISO layout options (UK, German, Swiss, Nordic) for regional users.
- Limited to low-profile switches, restricting aftermarket switch options compared to standard mounts.
- Smaller 2000mAh battery offers less wireless runtime than many competitors.
- ABS keycaps may develop shine faster than the PBT caps on the V98 Pro.
Get the
Vgn V98 Pro
Gasket Mount
- Massive 8000mAh battery for extended wireless use, with vendor claims of up to 40 days.
- Gasket mount structure with silicone padding for a potentially more flexible, damped typing feel.
- Includes PBT keycaps, which are more durable and resistant to wear.
- Lacks support for QMK, VIA, or other open-source firmware for advanced programming.
- Only available in an ANSI layout, with no ISO options mentioned.
- The vendor description does not specify a polling rate for performance-sensitive use.
Your priority should guide this choice. If you value a thin keyboard, need specific ISO layouts, or plan to deeply customize your key mappings with QMK/VIA, the Keychron K5 QMK V2 is the appropriate tool. If your main concerns are exceptional battery life, a gasket-mounted typing experience, and durable PBT keycaps in a compact ANSI layout, the VGN V98 Pro is the stronger candidate.
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 QMK V2
Vgn V98 Pro
Layout size
100%
98%
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Battery
2,000 mAh
8,000 mAh
Low profile
Yes
No
Mount style
PCB Mount
Gasket Mount
- Keychron K5 QMK V2
- Vgn V98 Pro
- Performance
- 8259
- Build quality
- 7957
- Productivity
- 8087
- Customizability
- 8968
- Portability
- 5464
- Hot-swappable
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
What will you mostly use it for?
The Keychron K5 takes the lead for gaming due to its specified high polling rate, and is the clear winner for programming and modding thanks to its QMK/VIA support and ISO layout variety. The VGN V98 Pro is better suited for office environments where long battery life and durable PBT keycaps are paramount. For travel, the K5's low-profile design is an advantage, while content creators will find both keyboards equally capable with their hot-swap and RGB features.
Pick the Keychron K5 QMK V2
- The Keychron K5 specifies a 1000Hz polling rate in wired mode for low latency.
- Its low-profile switches and design may appeal to gamers accustomed to chiclet keyboards.
- The vendor page states its latency is 'hardly noticeable even in competitive games'.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron K5 QMK V2
8 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…”
“Got this keyboard so I could keep my K5 Pro at work and this one at home. Both are the RGB version with brown switches, the K5v2 is quieter than the Pro and just as good to use. It also reports battery state over Bluetooth, which is a nice QoL improvement…”
Vgn V98 Pro
No owner reviews collected yet.
Keychron K5 QMK V2 vs Vgn V98 Pro specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
14 of 23 specs differ
Keychron K5 QMK V2
Vgn V98 Pro
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Keycaps
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Keychron K5 QMK V2 vs Vgn V98 Pro: your questions
The VGN V98 Pro has a significantly larger 8000mAh battery compared to the Keychron K5's 2000mAh. The VGN vendor claims battery life of up to 40 days with lights off, which far exceeds the expected runtime of the K5.
No. The Keychron K5 QMK V2 supports open-source QMK and VIA firmware, allowing extensive key remapping and macro creation. The VGN V98 Pro description does not mention QMK, VIA, or similar advanced reprogramming support.
The Keychron K5 is a low-profile keyboard, meaning its switches and keycaps are significantly slimmer, resulting in a thinner overall board. The VGN V98 Pro uses normal-profile switches and keycaps, which are the standard height found on most mechanical keyboards.
Yes. The VGN V98 Pro features a gasket mount design. The vendor states its PCB positioning plate is suspended between the top and bottom covers using gasket mounts, which aims to reduce cavity resonance.
Both keyboards list Mac support. However, the Keychron vendor specifically notes it offers a Mac layout with matching multimedia keys and includes keycaps for both macOS and Windows, which may provide a more seamless experience for Mac users.
Yes, both the Keychron K5 QMK V2 and the VGN V98 Pro are hot-swappable. This allows you to change switches without soldering. Note that the K5 is only compatible with specific low-profile switches.
The Keychron K5 uses shine-through ABS keycaps. The VGN V98 Pro uses PBT keycaps, which are generally more resistant to shine and wear over time.
The Keychron K5 offers far more layout options. It is available in UK-ISO, German-ISO, Swiss-ISO, and Nordic-ISO layouts, in addition to ANSI. The VGN V98 Pro is listed only with an ANSI layout.
Both offer Bluetooth and wired USB-C. The VGN V98 Pro also includes 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity via a dongle, which the Keychron K5 does not have.
Yes, both the Keychron K5 QMK V2 and the VGN V98 Pro feature RGB backlighting. The Keychron vendor mentions over 22 RGB backlight settings, while the VGN vendor mentions pre-built effects and musical rhythm support.
The Keychron K5 vendor states it has a 1000Hz polling rate in wired mode and that its latency is 'hardly noticeable even in competitive games.' This makes it a viable option for gaming, especially for those who prefer a low-profile feel.
The Keychron K5 includes IXPE acoustic foam, EPDM foam, and latex foam. The VGN V98 Pro uses a gasket mount structure with silicone cotton padding layers to reduce resonance. Both are designed to dampen sound.
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