Keychron V5 Max vs Skyloong GK96Programmable vs Budget 96%
Choose the Keychron V5 Max for extensive firmware customization and a complete package, or the Skyloong GK96 for a lower-cost barebones starting point.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron V5 Max
Programmable
- Extensive programmability with open-source QMK and VIA firmware support.
- Includes a control knob, screw-in stabilizers, and sound-dampening foam.
- Offers wide ISO layout compatibility (UK, German, Nordic, French, Spanish, Swiss).
- Heavier at 925 grams, which may affect portability.
- Higher price point compared to the GK96.
- ABS plastic case, though this contributes to its sound signature.
Get the
Skyloong GK96
Budget 96%
- More affordable entry point, especially as a barebones kit.
- Features a unique replaceable space bar that can be split into three keys via software.
- Hot-swappable PCB supports 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches.
- Lacks advanced programmability features like QMK or VIA support.
- Only ANSI layout is confirmed, with no mention of ISO support.
- No mention of a polling rate, knob, or screw-in stabilizers.
The Keychron V5 Max is the recommended choice for users who value deep customization, professional features, and a polished out-of-box experience. Its QMK/VIA support, knob, and international layout options make it vastly more capable. Consider the Skyloong GK96 only if your budget is strictly limited and you plan to source your own switches and keycaps for a basic wireless 96% keyboard, accepting its limitations in firmware and features.
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 V5 Max
Skyloong GK96
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, Wired, 2.4 GHz
Mount style
Gasket Mount, Plate Mount
Gasket Mount
Knob
Yes
No
QMK
Yes
No
VIA
Yes
No
- Keychron V5 Max
- Skyloong GK96
- Performance
- 8363
- Build quality
- 8664
- Productivity
- 9751
- Customizability
- 9868
- Portability
- 5348
- Layout size: 96%
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 4,000 mAh
- Case material: ABS, Plastic
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
What will you mostly use it for?
The Keychron V5 Max is the stronger choice for most specialized uses due to its programmable firmware, broader layout support, and included features like a knob and premium stabilizers. It wins clearly for gaming, office work, programming, modding, and content creation. The Skyloong GK96's primary advantage is its lower price point as a barebones kit, but it lacks the detailed programmability and refined feature set of the V5 Max. For travel, both are similarly compact and wireless.
Pick the Keychron V5 Max
- The V5 Max specifies a 1000 Hz polling rate for its 2.4 GHz and wired modes, which is not mentioned for the GK96.
- The V5 Max includes N-key rollover for reliable simultaneous key presses.
- Its south-facing RGB LEDs avoid interference with Cherry-profile keycaps, a common choice for gamers.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
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.”
Skyloong GK96
No owner reviews collected yet.
Keychron V5 Max vs Skyloong GK96 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
15 of 27 specs differ
Keychron V5 Max
Skyloong GK96
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
Compare prices
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Keychron V5 Max vs Skyloong GK96: your questions
The Keychron V5 Max supports both QMK and VIA, which are open-source, powerful firmware solutions for remapping every key, creating layers, and programming macros. The Skyloong GK96's vendor page mentions a driver for RGB and key customization but does not specify support for QMK or VIA.
Yes. The Keychron V5 Max is listed with Mac/Win support. Its vendor description confirms it includes keycaps for both macOS and Windows and has a system toggle to switch between layouts. The Skyloong GK96's compatibility is not specifically detailed.
The Keychron V5 Max is available as a fully assembled unit with Gateron Jupiter switches and double-shot PBT keycaps, or as a barebones kit. The Skyloong GK96 is listed and described as a 'kit' (case, PCB, plate, stabilizers) and does not include switches or keycaps in the base package.
The Keychron V5 Max is likely better suited. Its specifications list sound dampening, and its gasket mount design with a polycarbonate plate is described as reducing acoustic resonance for a quieter typing experience. The GK96's acoustic properties are not detailed.
According to Skyloong's description, the GK96 has a replaceable space bar that can be split into three separate keys using their driver software. This is intended to map other functions (like Shift or Delete) to the thumb keys to improve typing rhythm.
The Keychron V5 Max uses screw-in PCB stabilizers, which are typically easier to remove, lube, and replace. The vendor also states it supports third-party screw-in stabilizers. The Skyloong GK96 includes stabilizers in the kit, but the type (plate-mounted vs. screw-in) is not specified.
Both keyboards offer tri-mode connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless with a dongle, and wired USB-C. The Keychron V5 Max specifies Bluetooth 5.1 and includes both a Type-C and Type-A receiver.
The Keychron V5 Max lists features beneficial for gaming, including a 1000 Hz polling rate in its 2.4 GHz and wired modes, N-key rollover, and south-facing RGB that avoids interference with aftermarket keycaps. The Skyloong GK96 does not list a polling rate.
Yes, but only with the Keychron V5 Max. Its metadata lists support for ISO-DE (German) and ISO-UK layouts, among others. The Skyloong GK96 is listed only with an ANSI layout.
Both keyboards have a 4000mAh battery. The Keychron V5 Max vendor page provides estimated wireless working times of up to 190 hours with backlighting off. The Skyloong GK96 does not provide specific battery life estimates.
Skyloong describes this as their exclusive patent, a gasket mount design that uses flexible connections and plane fixation to provide stability while avoiding hard contact between screws and the plate to reduce noise.
Both share the same 96% footprint. The Keychron V5 Max has a specified weight of 925g, which is relatively heavy. The Skyloong GK96's weight is not provided, so a direct comparison on portability cannot be fully made, though size is identical.
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