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Compare Keychron Q4 HE vs Q5 HE Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a compact wireless gaming keyboard and a full-size wireless gaming keyboard, both using Hall Effect magnetic switches. Both keyboards share the same core technology, including Gateron double-rail magnetic switches, adjustable actuation, rapid trigger, and a 4000mAh battery. The decision is hard because you must trade off a small footprint for a complete layout and a faster 8000 Hz polling rate in wired mode. The Q4 HE is nearly 900g lighter and built for travel, while the Q5 HE delivers desk-bound performance with more keys and a knob.

-13% off
92
Keychron Q4 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard
96
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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0.0 (0)
5.0 (3)
  • Released in 2025
  • Available in a 60% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Weighs about 1415 g
  • Sized at 33 x 121 x 303 mm
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Released in 2024
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-CH, ANSI layout standard
  • Weighs about 2301 g
  • Sized at 32 x 408 x 145 mm
  • Features PBT keycaps
Scores
  • Performance: 91
  • Build Quality: 86.8
  • Productivity: 94.1
  • Customizability: 92.3
  • Portability: 89.1
Scores
  • Performance: 100
  • Build Quality: 89.3
  • Productivity: 97.6
  • Customizability: 97.4
  • Portability: 56.4
Name
Keychron Q4 HE
Name
Keychron Q5 HE
Release year
2025
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Magnetic
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Magnetic
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
60%
Layout Size
96%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-CH, ANSI
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, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz;8000 Hz
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
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
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
33 x 121 x 303 mm
Dimensions
32 x 408 x 145 mm
Weight
1415g
Weight
2301g
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Pros and Trade-offs

If you need a keyboard that travels well and saves desk space, the Keychron Q4 HE's 60% layout and lighter weight make it the practical choice. For desktop use where every key counts and competitive latency matters, the Keychron Q5 HE delivers with a full number pad, a knob, and an 8000 Hz polling rate. Both share the same Hall Effect magnetic switch technology, so your final decision hinges on layout preference and portability needs.

Keychron Q4 HE

  • +Compact 60% layout saves desk space and is highly portable at 1415g.
  • +Uses Hall Effect Gateron double-rail magnetic switches with adjustable actuation (0.2 to 3.8 mm) and rapid trigger.
  • +All-aluminum 6063 case with double-gasket design and acoustic foam for a premium build feel.
  • +Supports 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.2, and wired connections with a 1000 Hz polling rate in wireless and wired mode.
  • −60% layout lacks dedicated arrow keys, number pad, and function row, requiring layer usage.
  • −Polling rate is limited to 1000 Hz, no 8000 Hz option available even when wired.
  • −Only compatible with Gateron double-rail magnetic switches, limiting switch options to those sold by Keychron.

Keychron Q5 HE

  • +96% layout provides a full number pad, arrow cluster, and function row without taking up a full-size footprint.
  • +Features an 8000 Hz polling rate in wired mode, the highest available in this comparison.
  • +Includes a pre-installed knob for volume or custom controls, programmable via QMK.
  • +Comes in both ANSI and ISO layout options, catering to international users.
  • −Weighs 2301g, making it one of the heaviest keyboards in its class and less portable.
  • −Only compatible with Gateron double-rail magnetic switches, limiting switch choices to Keychron's offerings.
  • −Larger dimensions (32 x 408 x 145 mm) may not fit smaller desk setups or bags easily.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Q5 HE wins for gaming due to its 8000 Hz polling rate, and for office and content creation thanks to its full number pad and knob. The Q4 HE is the clear choice for travel, being lighter and more compact. Both keyboards tie for programming because they share the same magnetic switch customization and QMK/VIA support. For modding, the Q4 HE's smaller form factor is easier to work on, while the Q5 HE offers a more complete layout out of the box for desk-bound workflows.

GamingKeychron Q5 HE
  • •Offers an 8000 Hz polling rate in wired mode, compared to the Q4 HE's 1000 Hz limit.
  • •Includes a knob for quick volume or in-game adjustments.
  • •Provides a full 96% layout with a dedicated number pad for MMO or sim gaming.
OfficeKeychron Q5 HE
  • •96% layout includes a number pad and navigation keys, speeding up data entry.
  • •Comes with an integrated knob for volume control without reaching for mouse or software.
  • •Available in ISO layouts for international office users.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both support QMK and VIA for full key remapping and macro creation via Keychron Launcher.
  • •Both use the same Gateron double-rail magnetic switches with adjustable actuation from 0.2 to 3.8 mm.
  • •Both have a 1000 Hz polling rate in 2.4 GHz and wired modes, adequate for coding with no latency advantage.
TravelKeychron Q4 HE
  • •60% layout is significantly smaller (33 x 121 x 303 mm) and easier to pack.
  • •Weighs 1415g, which is roughly 886g lighter than the Q5 HE's 2301g, making it more portable.
  • •Includes Bluetooth 5.2 and 2.4 GHz wireless for use with phones, tablets, and laptops.
ModdingKeychron Q4 HE
  • •Lighter and more compact chassis is easier to handle on a workbench.
  • •Uses the same hot-swappable Gateron double-rail magnetic switches and screw-in stabilizers as the Q5 HE.
  • •Vendor description notes a double-gasket design and acoustic foam layers that can be further modded.
Content CreationKeychron Q5 HE
  • •96% layout includes a number pad essential for spreadsheet work and timeline navigation.
  • •Knob can be programmed for zoom, scrub, or volume control in editing software via QMK.
  • •Larger layout reduces reliance on layers, speeding up shortcuts for creative workflows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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