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Compare Keychron V5 Max vs Skyloong GK96 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two 96% layout, gasket-mounted mechanical keyboards. The Keychron V5 Max and Skyloong GK96 share a compact form factor with a numpad and wireless connectivity, making the choice difficult. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize advanced programmability and a feature-rich pre-built experience or a more basic, budget-friendly DIY kit.

97
Keychron V5 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
64
SKYLOONG GK96 ABS Kits-White

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4.8 (21)
0.0 (0)
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO, ANSI layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Compatible with both Mac and Windows
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Connects via USB-C
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Weighs about 925 g
  • Sized at 22 x 149 x 392 mm
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2022
  • Has Clicky, Linear, Tactile switch options
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless, 2.4 GHz connectivity
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 83.3
  • Build Quality: 86.3
  • Productivity: 97.3
  • Customizability: 99.4
  • Portability: 53.2
Scores
  • Performance: 62
  • Build Quality: 64.4
  • Productivity: 51.3
  • Customizability: 68.8
  • Portability: 48.3
Name
Keychron V5 Max
Name
Skyloong GK96
Release year
2023
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Switch Options
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
96%
Layout Size
96%
Layout Standard
ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO, ANSI
Layout Standard
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
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless, 2.4 GHz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
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
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS, Plastic
Case Material
ABS, Plastic
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
22 x 149 x 392 mm
Dimensions
-
Weight
925g
Weight
-
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Pros and Trade-offs

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.

Keychron V5 Max

  • +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).
  • +South-facing RGB LEDs prevent interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.
  • +Comes in fully assembled and barebones versions with Gateron Jupiter switches.
  • −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.

Skyloong GK96

  • +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.
  • +Includes a proprietary O-Ring Mount Gasket design.
  • −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.
  • −No user reviews are available to gauge real-world experience.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingKeychron 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.
OfficeKeychron V5 Max
  • •The V5 Max offers extensive layout support for international ISO standards (UK, German, Nordic, etc.), while the GK96 is listed as ANSI only.
  • •It includes dedicated Mac and Windows keycaps and a system toggle for seamless switching between operating systems.
  • •The V5 Max's sound-dampening foam and gasket mount design contribute to a quieter typing experience.
ProgrammingKeychron V5 Max
  • •Full QMK and VIA support on the V5 Max allows for deep key remapping, layers, and macro creation, which is not stated for the GK96.
  • •The 96% layout on both provides a numpad for data entry without the full size.
  • •Screw-in stabilizers on the V5 Max can offer a more consistent feel on large keys like Enter and Shift.
TravelTie
  • •Both keyboards are the same 96% layout size and offer Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity.
  • •Both have the same 4000mAh battery capacity.
  • •The V5 Max is heavier at 925g, while the GK96's weight is not specified, making a direct portability comparison unclear.
ModdingKeychron V5 Max
  • •The V5 Max supports QMK/VIA for firmware customization, which is not mentioned for the GK96.
  • •It comes with screw-in stabilizers and a polycarbonate plate, and supports third-party screw-in stabs.
  • •While both are hot-swappable, the V5 Max's vendor description details compatibility with 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches.
Content CreationKeychron V5 Max
  • •The V5 Max includes a knob for media control and volume adjustment, a feature not listed for the GK96.
  • •Programmable macros via QMK/VIA can streamline editing workflows.
  • •The dedicated multimedia keys and system toggle support switching between macOS and Windows setups.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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