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Compare Keychron V4 Max vs V4 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two of Keychron's 60% customizable keyboards. The choice hinges on whether wireless connectivity and a specific mounting style are worth the higher cost. Both share core features like QMK/VIA programmability, hot-swap sockets, and screw-in stabilizers, making the decision a trade-off between premium modern features and straightforward value.

92
Keychron V4 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
  • 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 645 g
  • Sized at 28 x 123 x 305 mm
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Released in 2022
  • Built with the ISO, JIS, ANSI, ISO-DE layout standard
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • 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: 78.6
  • Build Quality: 85.7
  • Productivity: 94.7
  • Customizability: 97.4
  • Portability: 88.4
Scores
  • Performance: 66.6
  • Build Quality: 86.1
  • Productivity: 94.7
  • Customizability: 99.8
  • Portability: 74.7
Name
Keychron V4 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
60%
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
28 x 123 x 305 mm
Dimensions
20 x 117 x 304 mm
Weight
645g
Weight
730g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

Your budget and need for wireless operation are the primary deciding factors. If you value the freedom to connect wirelessly to multiple devices and prefer the acoustics of a gasket-mounted board, the Keychron V4 Max is the justified upgrade. If your setup is stationary, you prefer a traditional tray mount, and you want to minimize cost for a highly customizable 60% keyboard, the standard Keychron V4 remains an excellent and proven choice.

Keychron V4 Max

  • +Tri-mode connectivity with Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4 GHz wireless, and wired USB-C.
  • +Gasket mount design with a polycarbonate plate for a potentially softer typing sound and feel.
  • +Includes a large 4000mAh rechargeable battery for extended wireless use.
  • +Comes with dual wireless receivers (Type-C and Type-A) and has onboard magnetic storage for them.
  • +Lighter weight (645g) compared to the V4.

  • Typically commands a higher price than the wired-only V4.
  • The gasket mount design may be less familiar to modders accustomed to tray mount.
  • Battery dependence means it requires charging, unlike a purely wired keyboard.

Keychron V4

  • +Generally more affordable than the V4 Max, offering strong value.
  • +Available in a translucent frosted black case option, according to the vendor page.
  • +Tray mount design is a classic and widely understood construction method.
  • +The product listing shows it has received positive user reviews.
  • +Offers ISO layout support including UK, German, Nordic, and other regional variants.

  • Wired-only connectivity, lacking Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz wireless options.
  • Uses a steel plate and tray mount, which can result in a firmer, more rigid typing feel than gasket mounts.
  • Heavier at 730g, which is less ideal for portability.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The V4 Max is the clear choice for mobile and multi-device workflows, winning in Office and Travel use cases due to its wireless features and lighter weight. It also takes a slight edge for Gaming with its wireless polling rate. For Modding on a budget, the standard V4 is the better starting point. For stationary, cable-bound tasks like Programming and Content Creation, both keyboards offer equivalent core functionality, making the decision one of budget versus desired typing feel.

GamingKeychron V4 Max
  • The V4 Max offers a 1000 Hz polling rate over both its 2.4 GHz wireless and wired connections.
  • Its gasket mount with a polycarbonate plate may provide a more consistent typing feel across the board.
  • Wireless operation with a dedicated 2.4 GHz receiver reduces cable clutter on the desk.
OfficeKeychron V4 Max
  • Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity allows for easy switching between multiple devices like a computer, phone, and tablet.
  • The included 4000mAh battery supports long wireless usage, with the manufacturer citing up to 190 hours with lighting off.
  • The system toggle and included keycaps for both macOS and Windows simplify use in multi-OS environments.
ProgrammingTie
  • Both keyboards have a 60% layout, requiring reliance on layers for function keys and navigation, which is identical.
  • Full QMK and VIA support is present on both models for deep key remapping and macro programming.
  • Both feature south-facing RGB LEDs to avoid interference with Cherry-profile keycaps, a popular choice for custom sets.
TravelKeychron V4 Max
  • The V4 Max is lighter at 645g compared to the V4's 730g.
  • Wireless functionality eliminates the need to carry or connect a cable when moving.
  • It includes a magnetic storage slot on the keyboard body for its wireless receivers.
ModdingKeychron V4
  • The V4 is available at a lower price point, making it a more affordable base for switch and keycap experiments.
  • It offers a tray mount design, which is a common and straightforward mounting style for modders.
  • The product listing confirms support for third-party screw-in PCB stabilizers, just like the V4 Max.
Content CreationTie
  • Both support extensive macro programming via QMK/VIA, which can streamline editing shortcuts.
  • The compact 60% layout frees up desk space for drawing tablets or other peripherals on both models.
  • Neither keyboard includes dedicated media keys, relying on layer-based shortcuts instead.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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