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Compare Keychron V4 vs V5 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Keychron's entry-level custom 60% and a premium 96% wireless board. Both offer QMK/VIA support, hot-swap sockets, and screw-in stabilizers, making the choice difficult. The core trade-off is between the V4's extreme portability and lower cost versus the V5 Max's integrated number pad, tri-mode wireless, and more advanced gasket mount design.

91
Keychron V4 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
97
Keychron V5 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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5.0 (18)
4.8 (16)
  • Released in 2022
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • 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
  • Made with a Plastic, ABS case
  • Features ABS, PBT, keycaps
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO, 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 925 g
  • Sized at 22 x 149 x 392 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Plastic case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
Scores
  • Performance: 66.5
  • Build Quality: 85.9
  • Productivity: 94.6
  • Customizability: 99.8
  • Portability: 74.6
Scores
  • Performance: 83.2
  • Build Quality: 86.4
  • Productivity: 97.4
  • Customizability: 99.5
  • Portability: 53.2
Name
Keychron V4
Name
Keychron V5 Max
Release year
2022
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, 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-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO, ANSI
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
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
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
Gasket 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
ABS, Plastic
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT,
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
20 x 117 x 304 mm
Dimensions
22 x 149 x 392 mm
Weight
730g
Weight
925g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If a tiny footprint, lower cost, and simple wired operation are paramount, the Keychron V4 is an excellent, highly customizable starter board. If you require a number pad, value wireless freedom to switch between devices, and prefer the typing feel of a gasket mount, the V5 Max is worth the extra investment for its full feature set.

Keychron V4

  • +Extremely compact 60% layout saves substantial desk space.
  • +Lower starting price point for an entry into custom keyboards.
  • +Includes sound-dampening foam and screw-in stabilizers in its tray-mount design.
  • +Available in a translucent frosted black case option.
  • +Supports a wide range of ISO and JIS layouts.
  • −Wired-only connectivity lacks wireless flexibility.
  • −60% layout requires using layers for arrows, function keys, and a number pad.
  • −Tray mount design is typically less flexible than a gasket mount.

Keychron V5 Max

  • +Tri-mode connectivity with Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4 GHz wireless, and wired operation.
  • +96% compact layout includes a number pad and arrow keys without a full-size footprint.
  • +Gasket mount design with a polycarbonate plate for a softer typing feel and reduced acoustic resonance.
  • +Includes a 4000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
  • +Comes with both USB-A and USB-C 2.4 GHz receivers with magnetic storage in the case.
  • −Larger and heavier (925g) design is less portable.
  • −Higher price point than the V4.
  • −Bluetooth mode operates at a 90 Hz polling rate, lower than the 1000 Hz of the 2.4 GHz and wired modes.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The V5 Max is the clear choice for office work and content creation due to its number pad and wireless features. It also has a slight edge for gaming with its versatile layout. The V4 dominates for travel due to its small size and lighter weight. For programming and modding, the decision is a tie, hinging on whether you prioritize a compact desk footprint or immediate access to arrow keys and a number pad.

GamingKeychron V5 Max
  • •The V5 Max offers a 1000 Hz polling rate in both its 2.4 GHz wireless and wired modes for low latency.
  • •Its 96% layout includes dedicated arrow keys and a number pad useful for macros or in-game commands.
  • •The gasket mount design with a polycarbonate plate may provide a softer, more consistent typing feel during long sessions.
OfficeKeychron V5 Max
  • •The 96% layout includes a full number pad, which is essential for data entry and spreadsheet work.
  • •Tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4 GHz, wired) allows easy switching between multiple office devices.
  • •The 4000mAh battery provides long wireless working time, reducing cable clutter on a desk.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both keyboards support QMK and VIA for extensive key remapping and macro creation.
  • •The V5 Max's 96% layout offers dedicated arrow keys and a number pad without a full-size footprint.
  • •The V4's 60% layout maximizes desk space for notebooks or other peripherals, relying on layers for arrows and function keys.
TravelKeychron V4
  • •The V4's 60% size (304mm length) is significantly more compact and portable than the V5 Max (392mm length).
  • •It is lighter at 730g compared to the V5 Max's 925g.
  • •As a wired-only board, it requires no charging, simplifying use on the go.
ModdingTie
  • •Both are hot-swappable, supporting 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches.
  • •Both feature screw-in PCB stabilizers and support for third-party stabs.
  • •Both have south-facing RGB LEDs to prevent interference with Cherry-profile keycaps and offer sound-dampening foam.
Content CreationKeychron V5 Max
  • •The inclusion of a knob (on the knob version) and dedicated media keys on the V5 Max provides direct control for audio/video editing.
  • •The 96% layout's number pad is useful for timeline scrubbing and shortcut entry in creative software.
  • •Wireless connectivity offers more flexibility for a clean desk setup often preferred for streaming or recording.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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