Keychron V3 Max vs V5 MaxTKL vs 96% Layout Comparison
Choose the V3 Max for a more compact, portable TKL layout, or the V5 Max for a space-saving 96% layout with a full numpad.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron V3 Max
TKL
- More compact TKL (80%) layout frees up desk space for mouse movement.
- Slightly lighter weight at 895g for better portability.
- Shorter length (368mm) is easier to fit in bags and on crowded desks.
- Lacks a dedicated numpad, which is essential for some data entry tasks.
- The ABS plastic case may feel less premium than metal alternatives to some users.
Get the
Keychron V5 Max
96% Layout Comparison
- 96% layout includes a full numpad while maintaining a compact footprint.
- Ideal for spreadsheet work, accounting, or any task requiring frequent number entry.
- Shares all high-end features of the V3 Max like QMK/VIA and gasket mount.
- Larger and heavier (925g, 392mm long) than the TKL V3 Max.
- The condensed key arrangement may require an adjustment period for some typists.
- The ABS plastic case may feel less premium than metal alternatives to some users.
Your choice hinges entirely on whether you need a numpad. If you prioritize a smaller footprint for gaming or portability, the Keychron V3 Max is the clear pick. If your work involves frequent number entry and you want those keys in a space-saving design, the Keychron V5 Max is the better tool. Both are exceptionally capable and customizable keyboards otherwise.
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 V3 Max
Keychron V5 Max
Layout size
80%
96%
Weight
895 g
925 g
Layout standard
ANSI, ISO
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK
Keycaps
PBT
ABS, PBT
Released
2024
2023
- Keychron V3 Max
- Keychron V5 Max
- Performance
- 8483
- Build quality
- 8786
- Productivity
- 9897
- Customizability
- 9998
- Portability
- 7353
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 4,000 mAh
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Case material: ABS, Plastic
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
What will you mostly use it for?
The layout is the decisive factor across most use cases. The V5 Max's 96% form factor wins for office work and content creation where a numpad is valuable, despite its larger size. The V3 Max is the better choice for gaming and travel due to its more compact TKL footprint and slightly lower weight. For programming and modding, the keyboards are functionally identical, making it a pure layout preference.
Pick the Keychron V3 Max
- The TKL layout of the V3 Max provides more space for large mouse movements.
- It is slightly lighter at 895g compared to the V5 Max's 925g.
- Both offer the same 1000 Hz polling rate for low latency.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron V3 Max
8 owner reviews
“This keyboard has been great. My first keyboard I've ever had. I had faulty switch, but you guys just gave me a whole new keyboard. Thanks a lot! -Mack”
“Stopped working in wired mode after a couple months. 2.4 connectivity spotty. I regret buying this keyboard”
Keychron V5 Max
5 owner reviews
“The keys feel smooth and easy as you type. It's probably the best keyboard I've used. I've had a number of mechanical keyboards, but, none of them can compare to the v5 max. The feel of the thing while typing, is hard to not constantly repeat.”
Keychron V3 Max vs V5 Max specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
6 of 27 specs differ
Keychron V3 Max
Keychron V5 Max
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
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Keychron V3 Max vs V5 Max: your questions
The main difference is the layout size. The V3 Max is an 80% Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard, while the V5 Max is a 96% keyboard. The 96% layout includes a numpad but condenses it and the navigation cluster into a more compact form factor than a full-size board.
Yes. Both keyboards offer tri-mode connectivity, supporting 2.4 GHz wireless with a 1000 Hz polling rate, Bluetooth 5.1, and wired USB-C connections. The manufacturer states they can connect to three devices via Bluetooth.
Yes. Both the V3 Max and V5 Max feature hot-swappable sockets on their PCBs. They support both 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches, allowing you to change switches without soldering.
Yes. Both keyboards are fully programmable using the open-source QMK firmware and the VIA configurator. This allows for extensive key remapping, macro creation, and layer customization.
The Keychron V3 Max has a smaller footprint, measuring 368mm in length compared to the V5 Max's 392mm. If you need maximum space for your mouse, the TKL layout of the V3 Max is the better choice for a small desk.
Yes. According to the manufacturer's description for both models, the fully assembled versions include double-shot OSA PBT keycaps with additional keycaps for both Mac and Windows systems. A physical toggle switch lets you switch between OS layouts.
Both keyboards use a gasket mount design with a polycarbonate (PC) plate. This design, along with sound-absorbing foam mentioned in the descriptions, aims to provide a softer typing feel and reduce acoustic resonance.
Yes. Both keyboards come with screw-in PCB stabilizers. The manufacturer notes that they also support third-party screw-in PCB stabilizers, making them easy to mod or replace.
Both keyboards have a 4000mAh rechargeable battery. The manufacturer claims up to 190 hours of wireless use with backlighting off, and up to 100 hours with RGB at its lowest brightness, based on lab tests.
For programming, it's a tie on features. Both offer identical programmability via QMK/VIA. Choose the V3 Max if you prefer a more standard TKL layout. Choose the V5 Max if you want a numpad for numerical input or use a keyboard with a numpad at work and want a similar home layout.
Yes. Both the V3 Max and V5 Max are listed with 'Knob Support' in their specifications and are sold in 'Fully Assembled Knob' and 'Barebone Knob' variants. The knob is typically used for media control.
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