Compare Keychron R5 vs V4 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a nearly full-size keyboard and a compact custom board. Both are wireless Keychron models with hot-swap, QMK, and similar battery life, making the choice difficult. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize a dedicated number pad and arrow keys or a smaller footprint with a premium gasket-mount design and deeper modding support.

Model
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Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2026 Has Tactile, Linear switch options Available in a 96% layout Provides dedicated media keys Uses a Plate Mount mounting style Made with a ABS case	Released in 2024 Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options Available in a 60% layout Comes with a knob Supports VIA configuration Includes screw-in stabilizers Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style Weighs about 645 g Sized at 28 x 123 x 305 mm Made with a Plastic, ABS case
Score	Scores Performance: 79.1 Build Quality: 63.7 Productivity: 84 Customizability: 79 Portability: 54.2	Scores Performance: 78.6 Build Quality: 85.7 Productivity: 94.7 Customizability: 97.4 Portability: 88.4
Name	Name Keychron R5	Name Keychron V4 Max
Release year	Release year 2026	Release year 2024
Switch Options	Switch Options Tactile, Linear	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 60%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
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 Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 4000 mAh	Battery capacity 4000 mAh
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 Plate 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 ABS	Case Material Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions 28 x 123 x 305 mm
Weight	Weight -	Weight 645g

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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require a numpad for data entry, finance, or content creation, the Keychron R5 is the logical pick. If you value desk space, a premium typing feel, and deep hardware and software customization, the Keychron V4 Max is the superior board. Consider the V4 Max's layers a worthwhile trade-off for its portability and modding potential.

Keychron R5

+96% layout includes a numpad, arrow keys, and navigation cluster.
+Includes an enhanced acoustic foam package with IXPE, EPDM, silicone, and PET layers.
+Comes with Cherry profile double-shot PBT keycaps for Windows and Mac.
+Offers triple connectivity (Bluetooth 5.3, 2.4GHz, wired) with a 1000Hz wireless polling rate.
+Pre-built and ready to use out of the box.

−Uses a plate mount design, which is typically less flexible than a gasket mount.
−Larger 96% footprint is less portable and takes up more desk space.
−Does not support VIA firmware, only QMK and Keychron Launcher.

Keychron V4 Max

+Gasket mount design with a polycarbonate plate for a softer, more customizable typing feel.
+Supports both QMK and VIA firmware for extensive programming.
+Compact 60% layout saves considerable desk space.
+Includes screw-in PCB stabilizers and is available as a barebones kit.
+Features a magnetic storage slot for its dual (Type-C and Type-A) 2.4GHz receivers.

−60% layout lacks dedicated arrow keys, numpad, and function row, requiring the use of layers.
−The listed OSA profile keycaps are not shine-through, which may limit RGB effects.
−May be more expensive, especially when configured from a barebones state.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron V4 Max wins for programming, travel, and modding due to its compact size, superior firmware support, and gasket-mount construction. The Keychron R5 is the clear choice for office work and content creation where a numpad and full navigation cluster are non-negotiable. For gaming, the boards are evenly matched on core performance specs, leaving the choice to layout preference.

GamingTie

•Both offer a 1000Hz polling rate in wired and 2.4GHz modes.
•Both feature N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
•The V4 Max's gasket mount may offer a softer typing feel, while the R5's larger layout provides dedicated macro keys.

OfficeKeychron R5

•The R5's 96% layout includes a full numpad and arrow keys, essential for data entry.
•It includes dedicated multimedia keys, according to its vendor description.
•Its larger size is less portable but provides all standard keys without layers.

ProgrammingKeychron V4 Max

•The V4 Max supports both QMK and VIA for extensive, easy key remapping.
•Its compact 60% size frees up desk space for a mouse and notepad.
•The gasket mount and polycarbonate plate can provide a more comfortable typing experience for long sessions.

TravelKeychron V4 Max

•The V4 Max is significantly more compact (60% vs 96%).
•It is lighter at 645g and has a smaller footprint (123mm x 305mm).
•It includes a magnetic storage slot for its wireless receivers.

ModdingKeychron V4 Max

•The V4 Max features a gasket mount design and a polycarbonate plate for a customizable typing feel.
•It comes with screw-in PCB stabilizers, which are generally more stable than plate-mount.
•It is available in a barebones kit (DIY Kit/Barebones) and explicitly supports third-party screw-in stabilizers.

Content CreationKeychron R5

•The R5's numpad is crucial for efficient shortcut input in video and photo editing software.
•Dedicated arrow keys and navigation cluster speed up timeline scrubbing and layer selection.
•The full layout reduces reliance on modifier key layers for common functions.