Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare Keychron V2 Max vs V4 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Keychron's two most compact wireless Max-series keyboards. The V2 Max (65%) and V4 Max (60%) share nearly identical core specs like gasket mount design, QMK/VIA support, and triple-mode connectivity, making the choice difficult. The decision hinges entirely on whether you prioritize having dedicated arrow and navigation keys or the absolute smallest form factor.

94
Keychron V2 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
92
Keychron V4 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard

Select a keyboard to compare

0.0 (0)
0.0 (0)
  • Available in a 65% layout
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Weighs about 696 g
  • Sized at 23 x 123 x 330 mm
  • Available in a 60% layout
  • Weighs about 645 g
  • Sized at 28 x 123 x 305 mm
Scores
  • Performance: 77.9
  • Build Quality: 85.3
  • Productivity: 94.1
  • Customizability: 99.7
  • Portability: 88.8
Scores
  • Performance: 78.5
  • Build Quality: 85.7
  • Productivity: 94.8
  • Customizability: 97.4
  • Portability: 88.4
Name
Keychron V2 Max
Name
Keychron V4 Max
Release year
2024
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
65%
Layout Size
60%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
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
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
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
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
23 x 123 x 330 mm
Dimensions
28 x 123 x 305 mm
Weight
696g
Weight
645g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary workflow should dictate your choice. If you frequently use arrow keys for navigation, editing, or shortcuts, the Keychron V2 Max's 65% layout is the more practical and efficient daily driver. If saving every inch of desk space or prioritizing portability is your main goal, and you are comfortable using layered key commands, the Keychron V4 Max's 60% form factor is the better option. Both offer an otherwise identical premium custom keyboard experience.

Keychron V2 Max

  • +65% layout includes dedicated arrow keys and a navigation column (Delete, PgUp, etc.).
  • +Includes multimedia keys for quick media playback control.
  • +Larger layout may accommodate more user-programmable macro keys on the base layer.
  • +Comes in a 'Fully Assembled Knob' version for those who prefer a rotary encoder.

  • Larger footprint (330mm long) takes up more desk space.
  • Heavier at 696g, making it less portable.
  • Lack of a dedicated function row may still require layer usage for some commands.

Keychron V4 Max

  • +More compact 60% layout (305mm long) saves significant desk space.
  • +Lighter weight of 645g enhances portability.
  • +Plate material options include both polycarbonate and steel for different typing feels.
  • +Maintains full programmability via QMK/VIA to map arrows and functions to layers.

  • 60% layout lacks dedicated arrow keys and navigation cluster, requiring a function layer.
  • No mention of dedicated multimedia keys in its listed features.
  • The front height is taller at 28mm versus 23mm on the V2 Max, which may require a wrist rest for some users.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The V2 Max wins in scenarios where dedicated arrow keys and immediate access to navigation commands are critical, such as office work, programming, and content creation. The V4 Max is the clear choice for maximizing portability and desk space, winning for travel. For gaming and modding, the advantages are more nuanced or evenly matched, with the V2 Max offering a slight edge for gaming due to its arrow keys, while both are essentially equal for customization projects.

GamingKeychron V2 Max
  • The 65% layout retains dedicated arrow keys, useful for menu navigation in some games.
  • Both share the same 1000 Hz polling rate for low latency.
  • Both feature N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
OfficeKeychron V2 Max
  • Dedicated arrow keys and a column of navigation keys (Delete, PgUp, etc.) improve spreadsheet and document editing efficiency.
  • Includes multimedia keys, according to its listed features.
  • Both support system toggling and come with keycaps for macOS and Windows.
ProgrammingKeychron V2 Max
  • The dedicated arrow keys and navigation cluster are heavily used in code editing and IDE navigation.
  • Both offer full QMK and VIA support for complex macro and layer programming.
  • Both use south-facing RGB LEDs, preventing interference with Cherry-profile keycaps often used by enthusiasts.
TravelKeychron V4 Max
  • The 60% layout is more compact, with dimensions of 305mm length versus 330mm on the V2 Max.
  • It is slightly lighter at 645g compared to 696g.
  • Both have the same large 4000mAh battery for long wireless use.
ModdingTie
  • Both are hot-swappable, supporting 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches.
  • Both feature a gasket mount design, screw-in PCB stabilizers, and sound-dampening foam.
  • Both use a polycarbonate plate and have open-source QMK firmware for deep customization.
Content CreationKeychron V2 Max
  • Dedicated arrow keys provide precise timeline scrubbing in video and audio editing software.
  • The presence of multimedia keys (on the V2 Max) offers quick playback control.
  • The ability to program macros via QMK/VIA is equally present on both boards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

93
$114
Keychron V3 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3 Max
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

96
$89
Keychron V6 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V6 Max
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

92
$114
Keychron V3 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3 Ultra
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

97
$99
Keychron V5 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V5 Max
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

96
$54
Keychron V3 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3
80%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

92
$115
Keychron V5 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron V5 Ultra
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Metal case,
Gasket Mount

91
$39
Keychron V4 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V4
60%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

84
$119
Keychron V6 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V6 Ultra
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
Metal case,
Gasket Mount

98
$94
Keychron V1 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V1 Max
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

91
$44
Keychron V2 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V2
65%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount