Keychron V4 Max vs V5: Wireless 60% vs Wired 96% Layout Choice

Compare Keychron V4 Max vs V5 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Keychron's compact wireless offering and their larger wired model. The choice hinges on whether you prioritize a portable, wireless 60% layout or a stationary, full-featured 96% layout with a numpad. Both share high customizability with QMK/VIA and hot-swap sockets, making the decision about core size and connectivity.

Model
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	3.4 stars (8 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2024 Available in a 60% layout Built with the ANSI layout standard 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 Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting	Released in 2022 Available in a 96% layout Built with the ISO, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW layout standard Provides dedicated media keys Uses a Tray Mount mounting style Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity Weighs about 1170 g Sized at 19 x 142 x 389 mm Features ABS, PBT keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 78.6 Build Quality: 85.7 Productivity: 94.7 Customizability: 97.4 Portability: 88.4	Scores Performance: 90.9 Build Quality: 89.4 Productivity: 98.1 Customizability: 99.7 Portability: 47.2
Name	Name Keychron V4 Max	Name Keychron V5
Release year	Release year 2024	Release year 2022
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 60%	Layout Size 96%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ISO, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz;8000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 4000 mAh	Battery capacity -
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Gasket Mount	Mount Style Tray Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Plastic, ABS	Case Material Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material ABS, PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 28 x 123 x 305 mm	Dimensions 19 x 142 x 389 mm
Weight	Weight 645g	Weight 1170g

Keychron V4 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard

Keychron V5 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard

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0.0 stars (0 reviews)

3.4 stars (8 reviews)

Released in 2024
Available in a 60% layout
Built with the ANSI layout standard
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
Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting

Released in 2022
Available in a 96% layout
Built with the ISO, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW layout standard
Provides dedicated media keys
Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
Weighs about 1170 g
Sized at 19 x 142 x 389 mm
Features ABS, PBT keycaps
Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting

Scores

Performance: 78.6
Build Quality: 85.7
Productivity: 94.7
Customizability: 97.4
Portability: 88.4

Scores

Performance: 90.9
Build Quality: 89.4
Productivity: 98.1
Customizability: 99.7
Portability: 47.2

Name

Keychron V4 Max

Name

Keychron V5

Release year

2024

Release year

2022

Switch Options

Linear, Tactile, Clicky

Switch Options

Linear, Tactile, Clicky

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

60%

Layout Size

96%

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Standard

ISO, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

USB passthrough

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Connection

Wired, Wired only

Polling Rate

1000 Hz

Polling Rate

1000 Hz;8000 Hz

Battery capacity

4000 mAh

Battery capacity

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Mount Style

Tray Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb, South-face

Backlight

Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face

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

19 x 142 x 389 mm

Weight

645g

Weight

1170g

Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require a numpad, prefer a stationary setup, or need specific ISO keys, the Keychron V5 is the logical pick. If wireless freedom, a minimalist desk, or easy transport are higher priorities, the Keychron V4 Max is the better tool. Both deliver excellent customizability, so you aren't sacrificing that core feature either way.

Keychron V4 Max

+Tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4 GHz, wired) with dual receivers.
+Gasket mount design with polycarbonate plate for a potentially softer typing feel.
+Includes sound-dampening foam, according to the vendor description.
+Compact 60% size and lighter weight enhance portability.
+4000mAh battery enables extended wireless use.

−60% layout lacks dedicated arrow keys, function row, and numpad, requiring layers.
−Smaller size may not appeal to users who need many dedicated keys.
−Wireless functionality adds complexity with battery charging.

Keychron V5

+96% layout compactly includes a numpad, arrow keys, and function row.
+Extensive ISO layout support (UK, German, Nordic, etc.) for international users.
+Wired-only design simplifies setup with no battery to manage.
+Heavier steel plate and tray mount construction offer a solid, stable feel.
+Available in a translucent frosted black case option.

−Wired-only connectivity limits placement and adds cable clutter.
−Much larger and heavier (1170g), reducing portability.
−Tray mount design may offer a different, potentially less flexible typing feel than gasket mount.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The V5 is the clear choice for office and content creation where its numpad and full set of keys are assets. The V4 Max wins for travel and has an edge for gaming due to its wireless options. For programming and modding, both keyboards are equally capable foundations, shifting the decision to layout preference and wired versus wireless needs.

GamingKeychron V4 Max

•Wireless 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity offers cable-free flexibility.
•Smaller 60% footprint frees up desk space for mouse movement.
•Gasket mount with polycarbonate plate may provide a softer, more consistent typing feel.

OfficeKeychron V5

•96% layout includes a numpad and dedicated function keys, crucial for data entry.
•Larger, heavier build (1170g) feels more stable on a desk.
•Wired-only connection eliminates battery management concerns.

ProgrammingTie

•Both support full QMK and VIA for extensive key remapping and layers.
•Both feature hot-swappable PCBs for switch customization.
•Choice depends on personal preference for compact layers (V4 Max) vs dedicated keys (V5).

TravelKeychron V4 Max

•Significantly smaller and lighter (645g vs 1170g).
•Wireless operation removes the need to carry a cable for use.
•Built-in 4000mAh battery supports cordless use.

ModdingTie

•Both are hot-swappable, support QMK/VIA, and include screw-in stabilizers.
•Both are available in barebone kits without switches and keycaps.
•Both support a wide range of 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches.

Content CreationKeychron V5

•96% layout provides dedicated media keys for playback control.
•Numpad is valuable for timeline scrubbing and numerical input in software.
•The larger, heavier tray-mount design may feel more substantial during long sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Compare Keychron V4 Max vs V5 Differences Side by Side

Pros and Trade-offs

Keychron V4 Max

Keychron V5

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the main difference between the Keychron V4 Max and V5?

Is the Keychron V4 Max good for gaming?

Can I use the Keychron V5 with a Mac?

Which keyboard is more portable, the V4 Max or V5?

Do both keyboards support hot-swappable switches?

What firmware do these keyboards use for customization?

What type of keycaps come with these keyboards?

Does the Keychron V4 Max have a knob?

How long does the V4 Max battery last?

What is the mount style difference between these boards?

Which keyboard is better for data entry and accounting?

Are the stabilizers on these keyboards moddable?

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