Compare Keychron V1 Max vs V5 Max Differences Side by Side

The main difference is layout size. The V1 Max uses a 75% layout and weighs 770 g, while the V5 Max uses a 96% layout and weighs 925 g. The V5 Max also ships with dual Type-C and Type-A 2.4 GHz receivers and a magnetic storage slot, which the V1 Max listing does not mention.

Yes. The V5 Max uses a 96% layout, which includes a numpad according to the Keychron product page. The V1 Max uses a 75% layout and does not include a numpad.

The V1 Max is the more travel-friendly option because it weighs 770 g and measures 329 mm long. The V5 Max weighs 925 g and measures 392 mm long. Both offer Bluetooth 5.1 and a 4000 mAh battery, so the size and weight difference is the deciding factor.

Both the V1 Max and V5 Max listings state QMK support and compatibility with the Keychron Launcher web app for key remapping and macros. Keychron notes that the Launcher requires a wired connection and a recent Chrome, Opera, or Edge browser. The product names also reference VIA, but the vendor pages focus on QMK and the Launcher.

Yes. Both keyboards have hot-swappable PCB sockets that support 3-pin and 5-pin MX mechanical switches. This means you can change switches without soldering on either model.

Both keyboards use a 4000 mAh battery and Keychron rates them for up to 190 hours with the backlight off. With RGB at the lowest brightness, Keychron lists up to 100 hours. Actual results will vary with use.

Both list a 1000 Hz polling rate on 2.4 GHz and wired connections, so raw latency specs are the same. The V5 Max has an edge for multi-device gaming setups because it includes both Type-C and Type-A 2.4 GHz receivers and a magnetic storage slot. The V1 Max listing does not mention dual receivers.

Yes. Both keyboards include a system toggle and additional keycaps for macOS and Windows, and Keychron lists compatibility with Windows, macOS, and Linux. You can save separate layouts for each system.

Both use an ABS plastic case with a polycarbonate plate and double-shot PBT keycaps on the fully assembled versions. The gasket mount design is intended to reduce acoustic resonance. Neither model uses an aluminum case.

Yes. Both are available in a Fully Assembled Knob version and a Barebone Knob version according to the Keychron product pages. The knob provides media control, and both boards also include multi-media keys.

The V5 Max is generally the better office pick because its 96% layout includes a numpad, which helps with spreadsheets and data entry. Both offer Bluetooth 5.1 for connecting to three devices and a 4000 mAh battery. The V1 Max is smaller, so it suits tighter desks but lacks the numpad.

Some customer reviews on the Keychron V1 Max page report key chatter, repeated letters, and dongle connection problems after several months of use. The V5 Max page shows fewer reviews and does not show the same pattern in the visible reviews. As with any product, user experiences vary.