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Compare Keychron Q5 vs V5 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for anyone deciding between the premium full-metal Keychron Q5 and the budget-friendly plastic Keychron V5. The decision is hard because both keyboards offer a very similar feature set: a space-saving 96% layout, hot-swappable PCBs, south-facing RGB, and full QMK/VIA programmability. The Q5 delivers a superior typing experience with its full CNC machined aluminum case and double-gasket mount design. The V5 provides a highly accessible entry point into custom mechanical keyboards, using an ABS plastic case and a tray mount design while retaining many of the same core features.

95
Keychron Q5 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
96
Keychron V5 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard

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4.8 (49)
3.4 (6)
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK layout standard
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Weighs about 2310 g
  • Sized at 20 x 145 x 390 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Built with the ISO, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW layout standard
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Weighs about 1170 g
  • Sized at 19 x 142 x 389 mm
  • Made with a Plastic, ABS case
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 71.8
  • Build Quality: 89.4
  • Productivity: 97.6
  • Customizability: 99.7
  • Portability: 45
Scores
  • Performance: 91.1
  • Build Quality: 89.4
  • Productivity: 98.1
  • Customizability: 99.7
  • Portability: 47.1
Name
Keychron Q5
Name
Keychron V5
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
96%
Layout Size
96%
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK
Layout Standard
ISO, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
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;8000 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
Tray Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Dimensions
20 x 145 x 390 mm
Dimensions
19 x 142 x 389 mm
Weight
2310g
Weight
1170g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice between the Keychron Q5 and V5 depends on your budget and priorities. If you value a premium typing feel, a solid build, and a quieter acoustic profile, the full metal Q5 is worth the investment. If you want the most feature-rich experience for the lowest cost, or need a lighter keyboard for travel, the V5 is an exceptional value that doesn't skimp on core features like QMK/VIA support and hot-swappable switches.

Keychron Q5

  • +Full CNC machined 6063 aluminum case provides a premium, sturdy feel and excellent build quality.
  • +Double-gasket mounting design with silicone pads reduces metal resonance for a better typing sound.
  • +Comes with a programmable rotary encoder knob for enhanced workflow control.
  • −Much heavier than the V5 at 2310g, making it less portable.
  • −The fully assembled version uses ABS keycaps, which may be a downgrade for some users compared to PBT.
  • −Listed at a higher price point than the V5.

Keychron V5

  • +Offers a higher maximum polling rate of 8000 Hz for potentially lower input latency in games.
  • +Significantly lighter at 1170g, making it easier to transport or move on a desk.
  • +The fully assembled version comes with more durable double-shot PBT keycaps.
  • +Available at a lower price point, providing a great value for a fully customizable keyboard.
  • −ABS plastic case does not feel as premium or sturdy as the Q5's full aluminum construction.
  • −Tray mount design (as opposed to the Q5's double-gasket) results in a different, less flexible typing feel.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

For competitive gaming, the V5 takes the lead due to its higher polling rate and lighter weight. The Q5 pulls ahead for office and content creation work, where its solid metal build, superior acoustics, and programmable knob offer a more premium and focused experience. For programming and modding, the two keyboards are tied, as both provide identical core functionality in QMK/VIA support and hot-swappability. If travel is a primary concern, the V5's significantly lighter weight makes it the clear winner.

GamingKeychron V5
  • •The V5 supports a polling rate up to 8000 Hz, exceeding the Q5's 1000 Hz, which is a key advantage for competitive gaming.
  • •Its lighter weight of 1170g makes it easier to reposition on a desk.
  • •The V5's overall performance score relative to its price tier is higher than the Q5's.
OfficeKeychron Q5
  • •The Q5's full aluminum body and double-gasket design create a more solid, premium feel that is satisfying for daily typing.
  • •Its heavier weight (2310g) ensures it will not slide around on a desk.
  • •The Q5's build quality contributes to a quieter, more refined acoustic profile, which is beneficial in shared office spaces.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both keyboards offer the same essential features for programmers: QMK/VIA support for full key remapping and macros, and a 96% layout that retains a numpad.
  • •Both support hot-swappable switches, allowing the user to choose their preferred switch type.
  • •Both come with screw-in PCB stabilizers for stable and smooth typing on large keys.
TravelKeychron V5
  • •The V5 is significantly lighter at 1170g compared to the Q5's 2310g, making it much easier to transport in a bag.
  • •Its ABS plastic case is less prone to cosmetic damage from bumps during travel than a metal case.
ModdingTie
  • •Both keyboards are designed to be fully customizable, with hot-swappable PCBs and open-source QMK firmware.
  • •Both support a variety of switch types (3-pin and 5-pin MX) and aftermarket stabilizers.
  • •Both offer a barebones kit option, allowing users to build from the ground up without buying pre-installed switches and keycaps.
Content CreationKeychron Q5
  • •The Q5's programmable rotary encoder knob is a feature explicitly designed for creative workflows, such as zooming, adjusting brush size, or scrubbing through video.
  • •The premium feel and solid build of the Q5's full aluminum case can provide a more enjoyable and confident user experience during long editing sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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