Keychron R5 vs V2Wireless 96% vs Wired 65% Custom Keyboard
Choose the Keychron R5 for wireless flexibility and a full number pad, or the V2 for deeper customization and a compact wired layout.
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4.9 (17)4.9 · 17 reviews
from$44at Keychron
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron R5
Wireless 96%
Build quality in the bottom 50% of 96% boards under $100.
- Triple-mode connectivity with Bluetooth 5.3, 2.4GHz wireless, and wired USB-C.
- 96% layout retains the number pad and arrow keys in a compact form factor.
- Includes an enhanced acoustic foam package with IXPE, EPDM, silicone, and PET layers.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
- Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.
Get the
Keychron V2
Wired 65% Custom Keyboard
Build quality in the top 5% of 65% boards under $50.
- Highly customizable with barebones kit option, screw-in stabilizers, and knob support.
- Built with a rigid steel plate for a solid typing feel.
- Programmable aluminum knob for macros and media control.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- 65% layout. No function row and no numpad.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require wireless operation and a full number pad for office or data entry tasks, the Keychron R5 is the logical pick. If your priority is a compact, wired keyboard with superior modding potential, a programmable knob, and a sturdier steel plate, the Keychron V2 offers more value for the enthusiast.
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 R5
Keychron V2
Layout size
96%
65%
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Case material
ABS
ABS, Plastic
Switch options
Linear, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Mount style
Plate Mount
Plate Mount, Tray Mount
- Keychron R5
- Keychron V2
- Performance
- 7968
- Build quality
- 6387
- Productivity
- 8396
- Customizability
- 7899
- Portability
- 5475
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- QMK
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Keychron R5 is the clear choice for office work and gaming where wireless connectivity and a number pad are prioritized. The Keychron V2 wins for travel due to its smaller size and for modding thanks to its barebones option and premium stabilizers. For programming, both are excellent, and content creators may prefer the V2 for its programmable knob.
Pick the Keychron R5
- Offers a 1000Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4GHz wireless modes for low latency.
- Includes a full set of arrow keys and a number pad for games that utilize them.
- The vendor description confirms a 1000Hz polling rate for competitive play.
Keychron R5 vs V2 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
13 of 27 specs differ
Keychron R5
Keychron V2
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
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 R5
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Keychron V2
Input Gear
ISO-DE
In stockShips to you
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES
In stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES
In stockDoes not ship to you
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Keychron R5 vs V2: your questions
Only the Keychron R5 offers wireless connectivity. It supports Bluetooth 5.3 and a 2.4GHz wireless dongle in addition to a wired USB-C connection. The Keychron V2 is a wired-only keyboard.
No, the Keychron V2 has a 65% layout. This means it does not include a number pad, a function row, or navigation cluster keys. You would need to use keyboard layers to access those functions.
Yes, both keyboards feature hot-swappable PCBs. This allows you to install or change mechanical switches without any soldering. The V2's product page specifies it supports both 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches.
Both are excellent for programming due to QMK support. The Keychron V2 also supports VIA for real-time remapping. The V2 has a slight edge for heavy macro users because its programmable knob can be assigned to complex commands, as highlighted by the manufacturer.
The Keychron R5 comes with Cherry profile double-shot PBT keycaps. The fully assembled Keychron V2 comes with OSA profile double-shot PBT keycaps, which the manufacturer describes as having OEM height with an SA-like shape.
The Keychron V2 has a 1000Hz polling rate, which is suitable for gaming. However, the Keychron R5 may be more versatile for gaming because it offers the same polling rate in a wireless mode and includes dedicated arrow keys, which some games require.
According to the vendor description, the Keychron R5 includes an enhanced acoustic foam package. This package consists of IXPE foam, EPDM foam, a silicone bottom pad, and PET film to reduce case reverberation and typing noise.
Yes. The Keychron V2 is offered in a barebone version. This kit includes the ABS case, PCB with screw-in stabilizers, and steel plate, but does not include keycaps or switches, allowing for complete personalization.
Based on the listed specifications, the Keychron V2 incorporates a steel plate and screw-in PCB stabilizers, which are generally associated with a more premium and stable build. The R5 uses a plastic plate and plate-mount stabilizers.
Yes, both the Keychron R5 and V2 are compatible with macOS and Windows systems. Each includes a toggle switch or key sequence to change between operating system layouts, and they come with extra keycaps for both Mac and Windows modifiers.
The vendor description for the Keychron R5 states it has a 1000Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4GHz wireless modes. The polling rate for its Bluetooth mode is not specified.
The Keychron V2 uses screw-in PCB stabilizers. The manufacturer notes that this design increases stability and makes upgrades easier, and the board also supports third-party screw-in stabilizers.
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