What is the main difference between the Keychron Q5 and Q7?

The Q5 uses a 96% layout with number keys, while the Q7 uses a 70% layout. The Q5 also lists knob support, whereas the Q7 is smaller and lighter.

Does the Keychron Q5 have a number pad?

The Q5 is listed as a 96% layout, and its vendor description says it retains number keys and essential functions. That makes it the better fit of these two for buyers who want number-key access.

Is the Keychron Q7 smaller than the Q5?

Yes. The Q7 measures 341 mm long by 121 mm wide, while the Q5 measures 390 mm by 145 mm.

Which keyboard is lighter, the Keychron Q5 or Q7?

The Q7 is listed at 1820 g, compared with 2310 g for the Q5. Both are aluminum keyboards, so the Q7 is lighter but remains a substantial board.

Are the Keychron Q5 and Q7 wireless?

No. Both are listed as wired-only keyboards with USB-C connectivity.

Do the Keychron Q5 and Q7 support hot-swappable switches?

Yes. Both support hot-swappable 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches, so switches can be changed without soldering.

Do the Keychron Q5 and Q7 support QMK and VIA?

Both list QMK and VIA support, and their vendor descriptions mention the Keychron Launcher web app for remapping and macros. The vendor says Launcher requires connecting the keyboard in wired mode.

Does the Keychron Q5 or Q7 have a knob?

The Q5 lists knob support, and its vendor description says the knob can be customized for controls such as volume, brush size, or selecting video clips. Knob support is not listed among the Q7’s extra features.

What keycaps come with the Keychron Q5 and Q7?

The Q5 ISO vendor listing specifies OSA-profile ABS shine-through keycaps. The Q7’s fully assembled version includes double-shot OSA PBT keycaps that the vendor describes as non-shine-through.

Do the Keychron Q5 and Q7 have RGB lighting?

Both list south-facing RGB lighting. The Q5’s ISO vendor listing pairs its RGB with shine-through ABS keycaps, while the Q7’s assembled PBT keycaps are described as non-shine-through.

Which Keychron keyboard is better for programming, the Q5 or Q7?

Both support QMK/VIA and hot-swappable switches, so either supports keyboard customization. The Q5’s 96% layout is the more suitable choice if you want number keys, while the Q7 saves space with a 70% layout.

Which keyboard is better for travel, the Keychron Q5 or Q7?

The Q7 is the more compact option at 341 mm long, 121 mm wide, and 1820 g. However, both keyboards are wired-only, and their listed weights make them substantial to carry.

Compare Keychron Q5 vs Q7 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a near-full-size layout and a more compact 70% board. The Q5 retains number keys and essential functions in a 96% layout, while the Q7 is narrower and shorter at 70%. Both share wired connectivity, CNC-machined aluminum cases, steel plates, gasket mounts, hot-swap support, and QMK/VIA support. The main trade-off is whether the Q5’s added layout space and knob support are worth choosing over the Q7’s smaller footprint.

Model
	94	91	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	4.8 stars (49 reviews)	1.3 stars (3 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Available in a 96% layout Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK layout standard Provides dedicated media keys Weighs about 2310 g Sized at 20 x 145 x 390 mm	Available in a 70% layout Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW layout standard Weighs about 1820 g Sized at 20 x 121 x 341 mm
Score	Scores Performance: 72.3 Build Quality: 89.3 Productivity: 97.3 Customizability: 98.3 Portability: 45.9	Scores Performance: 67.3 Build Quality: 89.7 Productivity: 95.1 Customizability: 96.3 Portability: 63.2
Name	Name Keychron Q5	Name Keychron Q7
Release year	Release year 2022	Release year 2022
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 96%	Layout Size 70%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
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 Wired, Wired only	Connection Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity -
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 Gasket Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight Rgb, South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum	Case Material Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT, ABS	Keycaps Material PBT, ABS
Dimensions	Dimensions 20 x 145 x 390 mm	Dimensions 20 x 121 x 341 mm
Weight	Weight 2310g	Weight 1820g

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Pros and Trade-offs

Choose the Keychron Q5 if you want a number pad, a 96% layout, or a programmable knob for productivity and creative controls. Choose the Keychron Q7 if you prefer a smaller, lighter 70% board and double-shot PBT keycaps on the assembled version. Both offer wired use, aluminum construction, hot-swap switches, and QMK/VIA support, so layout and footprint should drive the decision.

Keychron Q5

+96% layout retains number keys and essential functions.
+Programmable knob support and multi-media keys are listed features.
+CNC-machined aluminum case, steel plate, gasket mount, and sound dampening.
+Hot-swap support, QMK/VIA support, and south-facing RGB.
+Vendor listing offers ISO layout variants and assembled Gateron G Pro Red or Brown options.

−Larger and heavier than the Q7 at 390 mm long, 145 mm wide, and 2310 g.
−Wired-only connectivity limits use away from a cable.
−The vendor’s ISO version uses ABS shine-through keycaps, rather than the Q7’s double-shot PBT keycaps.

Keychron Q7

+70% layout and smaller dimensions than the Q5, measuring 341 mm long and 121 mm wide.
+Weighs 1820 g, less than the Q5.
+Double-shot OSA PBT keycaps are included with the fully assembled version.
+Hot-swap support, QMK/VIA support, and south-facing RGB.
+Vendor listing offers Gateron G Pro Red, Blue, or Brown switches, as well as a barebone option.

−The 70% layout is less suited to buyers who want the Q5’s 96% layout and number keys.
−Knob support is listed for the Q5, but not among the Q7’s extra features.
−Wired-only connectivity means it cannot be used wirelessly.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Q5 has the edge for office work, programming, and creative workflows where a number pad or programmable knob is useful. The Q7 is the more suitable pick when reducing keyboard dimensions and weight takes priority. Gaming and modding are close calls because both share wired operation, hot-swap support, QMK/VIA, and similar construction features. Neither is wireless, which limits their appeal for untethered travel.

GamingTie

•Both are wired and list a 1000 Hz polling rate.
•Both offer hot-swappable switches and south-facing RGB lighting.
•The Q5 includes knob support, while the Q7 has the smaller 70% layout.

OfficeKeychron Q5

•The Q5’s 96% layout retains number keys and essential functions.
•The Q5 includes knob support and multi-media keys in its listed features.
•Both vendor descriptions describe macOS and Windows support.

ProgrammingKeychron Q5

•Both support QMK and VIA, with hot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
•The Q5 keeps a 96% layout with number keys, unlike the Q7’s 70% layout.
•Both vendor descriptions identify QMK and the Keychron Launcher web app for remapping and macros.

TravelKeychron Q7

•The Q7 measures 341 mm long and 121 mm wide, compared with the Q5 at 390 mm by 145 mm.
•The Q7 weighs 1820 g, while the Q5 weighs 2310 g.
•Both are wired-only, so neither offers wireless connectivity.

ModdingTie

•Both offer hot-swap sockets compatible with 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches.
•Both support QMK/VIA and are described as having easily assembled components.
•Both list gasket mounting, steel plates, and screw-in stabilizers.

Content CreationKeychron Q5

•The Q5 has a programmable knob, which its product description says can be assigned to tasks such as adjusting brush size or selecting video clips.
•The Q5’s 96% layout includes number keys and essential functions.
•The Q7 is more compact, but its listed extra features do not include knob support.