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Compare Keychron V4 vs V5 Differences Side by Side

This comparison helps you decide between two wired mechanical keyboards from Keychron's V series: the compact 60% V4 and the full-featured 96% V5. The decision is challenging because both offer hot-swappable switches, QMK and VIA support, south-facing RGB, and screw-in stabilizers. The core trade-off comes down to size versus utility: the V4 is more portable and minimalist, while the V5 includes a numpad and function row.

91
Keychron V4 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
96
Keychron V5 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard

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5.0 (18)
3.4 (8)
  • Available in a 60% layout
  • Built with the ISO, JIS, ANSI, ISO-DE layout standard
  • Weighs about 730 g
  • Sized at 20 x 117 x 304 mm
  • Features ABS, PBT, keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Built with the ISO, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW layout standard
  • Features N-key rollover
  • 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: 66.4
  • Build Quality: 86.3
  • Productivity: 94.6
  • Customizability: 99.8
  • Portability: 74.9
Scores
  • Performance: 91
  • Build Quality: 89.4
  • Productivity: 98.1
  • Customizability: 99.7
  • Portability: 47.3
Name
Keychron V4
Name
Keychron V5
Release year
2022
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
96%
Layout Standard
ISO, JIS, ANSI, ISO-DE
Layout Standard
ISO, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
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
Wired, Wired only
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz;8000 Hz
Battery capacity
-
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
Tray Mount
Mount Style
Tray Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT,
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Dimensions
20 x 117 x 304 mm
Dimensions
19 x 142 x 389 mm
Weight
730g
Weight
1170g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

Choose the Keychron V4 if you prioritize a compact, travel-friendly board with the same great customization and sound dampening as its larger sibling. Choose the Keychron V5 if you need a numpad, function row, and optional gasket or 8000 Hz polling for gaming or productivity. Both offer exceptional value with QMK and VIA support.

Keychron V4

  • +Compact 60% layout saves desk space and is easy to transport
  • +Lightweight at 730g for the fully assembled version
  • +Includes an acoustic silicone pad for sound dampening out of the box
  • +High portability score due to small size and wired simplicity
  • −No function row, numpad, or dedicated arrow keys without layer usage
  • −Tray mount design only, no gasket mount option

Keychron V5

  • +96% layout with numpad and function row improves workflow for data and editing tasks
  • +Offers a gasket mount option for a softer typing feel with polycarbonate plate
  • +Supports optional 8000 Hz polling rate for competitive gaming
  • +Knob versions available for quick media or tool control
  • −Heavier at 1170g, less suitable for frequent travel
  • −Larger footprint may not fit in tight desk setups or bags

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron V5 wins in gaming due to its optional 8000 Hz polling and gasket mount, as well as for office and content creation tasks that benefit from a full numpad and knob. For programming and modding, the keyboards tie because both share the same core firmware, switch support, and customization features. The V4 is the clear choice for travel, where its compact 60% form factor and lighter weight are key advantages.

GamingKeychron V5
  • •Specs list an 8000 Hz polling rate option for faster input
  • •Gasket mount design provides a softer, more responsive typing feel
  • •Larger layout with numpad and function row for game-specific bindings
OfficeKeychron V5
  • •96% layout includes a numpad for data entry and accounting tasks
  • •Knob support allows quick volume or scrolling adjustments
  • •Higher productivity score per the manufacturer's relative scoring
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both support QMK and VIA for full key remapping and macro creation
  • •Both use the same switch types and screw-in stabilizers for consistent feel
  • •Both have double-shot PBT keycaps and an acoustic silicone pad for sound dampening
TravelKeychron V4
  • •60% size is significantly smaller and lighter at 730g
  • •Compact dimensions fit easily in a backpack or carry-on bag
  • •No numpad means more desk space in tight setups
ModdingTie
  • •Both have hot-swappable PCBs supporting 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches
  • •Both use screw-in stabilizers that accept third-party replacements
  • •Both offer barebone versions with QMK/VIA firmware for full customization
Content CreationKeychron V5
  • •Numpad and function row speed up timeline scrubbing and numeric input in editing software
  • •Knob support can be mapped to zoom, brush size, or timeline control
  • •Larger layout reduces reliance on function layers for shortcuts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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