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Compare Keychron Q4 vs Q5 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers who want a premium wired mechanical keyboard from Keychron's Q series and are deciding between two sizes. The Q4 is a 60% layout that saves significant desk space, while the Q5 is a 96% layout that keeps a numpad and function row. The decision is hard because both share the same all-aluminum build, double-gasket design, hot-swappable PCB, and QMK/VIA support. The main trade-off is portability and compactness versus having more keys ready without layers.

92
Keychron Q4 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
95
Keychron Q5 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard

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4.8 (18)
4.8 (49)
  • Available in a 60% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW layout standard
  • Weighs about 1500 g
  • Sized at 20 x 121 x 303 mm
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK layout standard
  • Weighs about 2310 g
  • Sized at 20 x 145 x 390 mm
Scores
  • Performance: 67.4
  • Build Quality: 89.7
  • Productivity: 95.3
  • Customizability: 100
  • Portability: 71.5
Scores
  • Performance: 71.8
  • Build Quality: 89.4
  • Productivity: 97.6
  • Customizability: 99.7
  • Portability: 45
Name
Keychron Q4
Name
Keychron Q5
Release year
2022
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
60%
Layout Size
96%
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK
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
Wired, Wired only
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
-
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, ABS
Dimensions
20 x 121 x 303 mm
Dimensions
20 x 145 x 390 mm
Weight
1500g
Weight
2310g
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Pros and Trade-offs

If desk space and portability are your priorities, the Keychron Q4 delivers a premium 60% experience with the same build quality as its larger sibling. If you need a numpad and function row for work or content creation, the Keychron Q5 offers those without jumping to a full-size board. Both are excellent wired choices for QMK/VIA customization, so let your layout needs decide.

Keychron Q4

  • +Compact 60% layout saves desk space and is highly portable at 1500g
  • +Double-shot PBT keycaps in OSA profile (OEM height, SA shape) offer oil resistance
  • +Full CNC machined aluminum body with double-gasket design for reduced resonance
  • +Screw-in PCB stabilizers support third-party replacements like Cherry or Durock
  • −No dedicated arrow keys or function row requires layer learning
  • −Typing angle is fixed at 7 degrees, no adjustable feet beyond 2.7mm risers

Keychron Q5

  • +96% layout retains numpad and function row for productivity tasks
  • +Includes a programmable knob on fully assembled versions for zoom, volume, or brush size
  • +South-facing RGB with ABS backlight shine-through keycaps for better lighting effects
  • +2300g weight provides a solid, stable typing platform
  • −Heavier and larger than the Q4, less suitable for travel
  • −Typing angle is slightly lower at 5 degrees, which may not suit all users
  • −ABS keycaps may develop shine over time compared to PBT

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Q4 wins for gaming, programming, and travel due to its lighter weight and smaller footprint. The Q5 takes the office and content creation categories because its 96% layout includes a numpad and function row, which speeds up data entry and creative workflows. For modding, both are tied since they share identical hot-swap PCBs, stabilizers, and firmware support.

GamingKeychron Q4
  • •Lighter at 1500g, easier to reposition during gaming sessions
  • •More desk space for low-sensitivity mouse movements with a 60% layout
  • •1000 Hz polling rate out of the box from both, same latency advantage
OfficeKeychron Q5
  • •96% layout includes a dedicated numpad for data entry and spreadsheets
  • •5.2 degree typing angle is slightly lower, comfortable for long typing sessions
  • •Pre-lubed Gateron G Pro switches available for smoother typing
ProgrammingKeychron Q4
  • •60% layout with QMK/VIA allows programmers to build custom layers for arrows and symbols
  • •Lighter weight makes it easier to carry between workstations
  • •7 degree typing angle from the Q4 (vs 5 degrees on Q5) may suit some coding postures
TravelKeychron Q4
  • •Significantly lighter at 1500g vs 2310g
  • •Smaller dimensions (303mm x 121mm) fit easily into bags
  • •60% layout takes up minimal desk space in coffee shops or co-working spaces
ModdingTie
  • •Both have hot-swappable PCBs supporting 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches
  • •Both feature screw-in PCB stabilizers that support third-party stabilizers like Cherry or Durock
  • •Both use steel plates and double-gasket design for sound experimentation
  • •QMK/VIA support on both offers equal firmware customization
Content CreationKeychron Q5
  • •96% layout includes a numpad for faster number entry in editing timelines
  • •Knob support on the fully assembled Q5 allows customization for zoom or brush size via VIA
  • •More dedicated keys reduce reliance on layers during creative work

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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