Keychron K5 V2 vs Vortex TYPELow-Profile vs Standard Full-Size
Choose the Keychron K5 for its low-profile design and deep QMK/VIA firmware customization, or the Vortex TYPE for its standard profile and triple wireless connectivity.
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4.5 (8)4.5 · 8 reviews
from$89at MK
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K5 V2
Low-Profile
Build quality in the top 15% of 100% boards under $100.
- Open-source QMK and VIA firmware support for deep customization via the Keychron Launcher web app.
- Low-profile design with ultra-slim Keychron Milk POM switches, 33% slimmer than standard switches.
- Includes multiple acoustic foam layers (IXPE, EPDM, latex) and redesigned stabilizers for improved sound and feel.
- 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
Vortex TYPE
Standard Full-Size
Build quality in the bottom 40% of 100% boards under $100.
- Offers triple connectivity: wired USB-C, Bluetooth 5.0, and a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle.
- Comes with dye-sublimated PBT keycaps in a Cherry profile for better durability and feel.
- Includes a sound absorption package with an IXPE switch pad and poron plate foam.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
For most users, the Keychron K5 QMK V2 is the recommended choice due to its superior customization through QMK/VIA, better gaming-oriented specs, and unique low-profile design. Choose the Vortex TYPE if your priority is having a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle for a potentially more stable connection, or if you strongly prefer standard-profile PBT keycaps and a traditional typing height over firmware tweaking.
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
Vortex TYPE
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Battery
2,000 mAh
1,000 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Low profile
Yes
No
Case material
ABS, Aluminum
ABS
Switch options
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
- Keychron K5 V2
- Vortex TYPE
- Performance
- 8249
- Build quality
- 8053
- Productivity
- 8978
- Customizability
- 8850
- Portability
- 5452
- Layout size: 100%
- Hot-swappable
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Keychron K5 QMK V2 is the more versatile choice, winning in gaming, programming, modding, and content creation due to its high polling rate, QMK firmware, and RGB lighting. It also has an edge for travel with its slimmer profile and larger battery. The keyboards tie for office use, offering similar core wireless functionality, though the Vortex TYPE's PBT keycaps are a durability advantage. The Vortex TYPE's primary strength is its inclusion of a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle alongside Bluetooth.
Pick the Keychron K5 V2
- The Keychron K5 lists a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode for lower latency.
- Its vendor description states the latency is hardly noticeable in competitive games.
- The Vortex TYPE does not list a specific polling rate for gaming performance.
Keychron K5 V2 vs Vortex TYPE specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
14 of 26 specs differ
Keychron K5 V2
Vortex TYPE
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
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 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
Vortex TYPE
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.
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Keychron K5 V2 vs Vortex TYPE: your questions
The Vortex TYPE offers more wireless options, including Bluetooth 5.0 and a dedicated 2.4 GHz wireless dongle alongside wired USB-C. The Keychron K5 supports Bluetooth 5.2 and wired connectivity, but does not include a 2.4 GHz dongle.
The Vortex TYPE vendor listing states it supports on-board macro functionality. However, it does not mention support for open-source firmware like QMK or VIA, which the Keychron K5 has for deep, layer-based reprogramming via a web app.
According to Keychron, the K5 V2 hot-swappable version is compatible with Keychron Milk POM switches or Gateron/Keychron low-profile mechanical switches only. It is not compatible with standard MX-style switches or low-profile optical switches due to its low-profile design and QMK firmware constraints.
Yes, both keyboards use a USB-C connection for wired mode, which implies a removable cable. The Vortex TYPE vendor page explicitly lists USB-C as its interface.
Both are listed as Mac compatible. The Keychron K5 specifically mentions it offers a Mac layout with matching multimedia keys and includes keycaps for both macOS and Windows, making the transition between operating systems easier.
The Keychron K5 uses shine-through ABS keycaps. The Vortex TYPE uses dye-sublimated PBT keycaps in a Cherry profile, which are generally more resistant to wear and shine over time compared to ABS.
Both keyboards include sound-dampening materials. The Keychron K5 features enhanced acoustic foams including IXPE, EPDM, and latex foam. The Vortex TYPE includes a sound absorption package with an IXPE switch pad and poron plate foam.
The Keychron K5 QMK V2 has a polling rate of 1000 Hz in wired mode, which its vendor description states makes latency hardly noticeable in games. Its wireless polling rate is 125 Hz. The Vortex TYPE does not list a specific polling rate.
The Keychron K5 has a larger 2000mAh battery, which should theoretically offer longer battery life between charges compared to the Vortex TYPE's 1000mAh battery, assuming similar power consumption.
Both keyboards use PCB-mounted stabilizers, which are typically easier to mod or replace than plate-mounted ones. The Keychron K5 specifically mentions its stabilizers have been redesigned for less wobble.
The product listings only confirm compatibility with Windows and macOS. Console compatibility for either keyboard is not stated in the provided specifications, so it cannot be guaranteed without further verification from the manufacturers.
The Keychron K5 QMK V2 is available in multiple ISO layouts, including UK-ISO, German DE-ISO, Swiss-ISO, and Nordic-ISO. The Vortex TYPE is listed with an ANSI (US QWERTY) layout only.
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