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Compare Keychron V2 Max vs V4 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two of Keychron's popular custom mechanical keyboards. The choice hinges on whether you prioritize a wireless 65% layout with a gasket mount or a more compact, wired-only 60% layout with a tray mount. Both offer extensive customization through QMK/VIA, hot-swap sockets, and screw-in stabilizers, making the decision about core form factor and connectivity.

94
Keychron V2 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
91
Keychron V4 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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0.0 (0)
5.0 (18)
  • Released in 2024
  • Available in a 65% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 696 g
  • Sized at 23 x 123 x 330 mm
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Released in 2022
  • Available in a 60% layout
  • Built with the ISO, JIS, ANSI, ISO-DE layout standard
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 730 g
  • Sized at 20 x 117 x 304 mm
  • Features ABS, PBT, keycaps
Scores
  • Performance: 77.8
  • Build Quality: 85.5
  • Productivity: 94.3
  • Customizability: 99.8
  • Portability: 88.6
Scores
  • Performance: 66.6
  • Build Quality: 86.1
  • Productivity: 94.6
  • Customizability: 99.8
  • Portability: 74.4
Name
Keychron V2 Max
Name
Keychron V4
Release year
2024
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
65%
Layout Size
60%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO, JIS, ANSI, ISO-DE
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
Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
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
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT,
Dimensions
23 x 123 x 330 mm
Dimensions
20 x 117 x 304 mm
Weight
696g
Weight
730g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice depends primarily on your need for wireless operation and your preferred layout size. The Keychron V2 Max is the clear option if you want the freedom of wireless connectivity, the utility of arrow keys, and the popular gasket-mount sound profile. Opt for the Keychron V4 if you prioritize a smaller, more portable 60% form factor, want to spend less, and are content with a wired connection and tray mount design.

Keychron V2 Max

  • +Triple-mode connectivity with 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.1, and wired USB-C.
  • +Gasket mount design with a polycarbonate plate for a potentially softer typing sound and feel.
  • +Includes a 4000mAh rechargeable battery for extended wireless use.
  • +65% layout retains dedicated arrow keys and a few navigation keys.
  • +Comes with dual 2.4 GHz receivers (Type-C and Type-A) and has magnetic storage for them on the keyboard.

  • Larger footprint than a 60% keyboard, taking up more desk space.
  • Relies on battery life for wireless functionality, requiring periodic charging.
  • The manufacturer's description notes that no discount codes can be used for this model.

Keychron V4

  • +More compact 60% layout for a minimalist desk setup.
  • +Available at a generally lower price point than the V2 Max.
  • +Offers a translucent frosted black case option according to the vendor page.
  • +Includes pre-lubed Keychron K Pro switches in the assembled version for a smoother out-of-box feel.
  • +Supports a wide range of ISO layouts including UK, German, Nordic, and others.

  • Wired-only connectivity, lacking Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz wireless options.
  • Tray mount design may offer a different, often firmer, typing feel compared to gasket mounts.
  • 60% layout lacks dedicated arrow keys, requiring a function layer for navigation.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The V2 Max wins in scenarios where wireless connectivity, dedicated arrow keys, or a knob for media control are valuable, such as for office work, programming, and content creation. Its gasket mount design is also a noted advantage for a customized typing feel. The V4's primary advantage is its more compact 60% form factor, making it a contender for travel or for users who strongly prefer a minimalist desk footprint. For modding, both are equally capable foundations.

GamingKeychron V2 Max
  • The V2 Max offers a 1000 Hz polling rate over its 2.4 GHz wireless connection for low-latency gameplay.
  • Its 65% layout retains dedicated arrow keys, which are useful for many game menus and controls.
  • The gasket mount with a polycarbonate plate may provide a softer, more consistent typing feel during long sessions.
OfficeKeychron V2 Max
  • Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity allows the V2 Max to pair with up to three devices, easing switching between a computer, phone, and tablet.
  • The 65% layout includes arrow keys and a few navigation keys, which are often helpful in spreadsheet and document work.
  • The 4000mAh battery and up to 190 hours of wireless use reduce the need for frequent charging.
ProgrammingKeychron V2 Max
  • The 65% layout provides dedicated arrow keys, which many developers prefer for navigating code.
  • Dual system support for macOS and Windows with included keycaps is beneficial for cross-platform work.
  • Wireless connectivity can reduce desk clutter when using multiple machines.
TravelKeychron V4
  • The V4's 60% layout is more compact, with dimensions of 304mm x 117mm compared to the V2 Max's 330mm x 123mm.
  • Its wired-only design means one less component (a battery) that could be subject to travel regulations or wear.
  • It is slightly heavier at 730g, but its smaller footprint may fit more easily in a bag.
ModdingTie
  • Both keyboards are hot-swappable, supporting 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches.
  • Both support QMK and VIA firmware for extensive key remapping and macro programming.
  • Both feature screw-in PCB stabilizers and are available in barebone kits.
  • They differ in mount style (gasket vs. tray) and plate material (polycarbonate vs. steel), offering different modding starting points.
Content CreationKeychron V2 Max
  • The inclusion of a knob on the V2 Max (in some configurations) can be mapped to media controls or timeline scrubbing in editing software.
  • Wireless connectivity offers more flexibility for a clean desk setup, which is often important for content creators.
  • The 65% layout's arrow keys are useful for precise timeline navigation in video or audio editing applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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