Compare Keychron V5 Max vs Vgn V98 Pro Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for users deciding between two popular, similarly sized wireless mechanical keyboards. The Keychron V5 Max and VGN V98 Pro both offer tri-mode connectivity, gasket mounts, and hot-swappable sockets, making the choice difficult. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize advanced programmability and international layout support or a larger battery and potentially lower cost.

Model
	97	68	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	4.8 stars (21 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	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 Comes with a knob Provides dedicated media keys Supports QMK firmware Supports VIA configuration Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate 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 Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting	Released in 2022 Has Clicky, Linear, Tactile switch options Available in a 98% layout Built with the ANSI layout standard Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery Features PBT keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 83.3 Build Quality: 86.3 Productivity: 97.3 Customizability: 99.4 Portability: 53.2	Scores Performance: 58.3 Build Quality: 57.8 Productivity: 87 Customizability: 68.7 Portability: 63.9
Name	Name Keychron V5 Max	Name Vgn V98 Pro
Release year	Release year 2023	Release year 2022
Switch Options	Switch Options Tactile, Linear, Clicky	Switch Options Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 96%	Layout Size 98%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO, ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
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 Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 4000 mAh	Battery capacity 8000 mAh
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 Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight Rgb
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material ABS, Plastic	Case Material -
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT, ABS	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 22 x 149 x 392 mm	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight 925g	Weight -

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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you value creating complex macros, using layered keys, or need a specific ISO layout, the Keychron V5 Max is the only option. If your priority is a keyboard that can last for weeks on a single charge without advanced software tweaks, the VGN V98 Pro is the better pick. Consider the V5 Max for a customizable project and the V98 Pro for a reliable, long-lasting pre-built.

Keychron V5 Max

+Full QMK and VIA firmware support for deep key remapping and macros.
+Available in a barebones kit for complete DIY customization.
+Supports a wide range of international ISO layouts (UK, German, Nordic, etc.).
+Includes both Type-C and Type-A 2.4 GHz receivers with magnetic storage.
+Features south-facing RGB LEDs to avoid interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.

−Smaller 4000mAh battery compared to the V98 Pro's 8000mAh.
−Heavier weight of 925g, which may affect portability.
−Case is constructed from ABS plastic, not a more premium material.

Vgn V98 Pro

+Massive 8000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
+Often available at a lower price point than the Keychron V5 Max.
+Comes with pre-lubed Kailh Box switches like the Cream Pro according to its listing.
+Features a gasket mount design with silicone cotton padding for sound dampening.

−Lacks support for QMK, VIA, or other advanced programming software.
−Only available in ANSI layout, with no ISO options.
−Vendor description does not specify a polling rate for performance comparison.
−No barebones kit option is mentioned, only pre-built configurations.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron V5 Max is the clear choice for programmers and modders due to its superior software support and barebones availability. Gamers will also prefer its specified high polling rate. The VGN V98 Pro wins for office use and travel, where its exceptional battery life is the most critical factor. For content creation, both keyboards are equally capable with their numpad-included layouts.

GamingKeychron V5 Max

•The Keychron V5 Max specifies a 1000 Hz polling rate in its 2.4 GHz and wired modes for lower latency.
•Its vendor description highlights a powerful ARM MCU for performance in competitive games.
•It includes both Type-C and Type-A 2.4 GHz receivers for flexible connectivity.

OfficeVgn V98 Pro

•The VGN V98 Pro has a massive 8000mAh battery, which its listing claims provides up to 40 days of use with lights off.
•Both keyboards support Windows and macOS, but the V98 Pro's longer battery life reduces charging interruptions.
•Its compact 98% layout saves desk space while retaining a numpad.

ProgrammingKeychron V5 Max

•The Keychron V5 Max supports QMK and VIA firmware for unlimited key remapping and macro creation.
•It offers extensive layout support including ANSI, ISO, and multiple European ISO variants.
•The vendor description mentions the ability to save separate layouts for macOS and Windows systems.

TravelVgn V98 Pro

•The VGN V98 Pro's larger 8000mAh battery requires less frequent charging when away from a power source.
•Both are similar in size and offer wireless connectivity, but longer battery life is a key travel advantage.
•Its listing does not specify a weight, but the Keychron V5 Max is a substantial 925g.

ModdingKeychron V5 Max

•The Keychron V5 Max is explicitly offered in a barebones kit version for DIY builds.
•It features screw-in stabilizers and supports both 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches.
•Its open-source QMK firmware and VIA support offer deeper software-level customization.

Content CreationTie

•Both keyboards feature compact layouts with numpads, useful for data entry and shortcuts.
•Both have RGB backlighting for low-light work environments.
•Each offers tri-mode connectivity for switching between multiple devices.