Keychron V5 Max vs Vgn V98 ProCustomization vs Battery Life
Choose the Keychron V5 Max for deep software customization and layout flexibility, or the VGN V98 Pro for significantly longer wireless battery life.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron V5 Max
Customization
- 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.).
- 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.
Get the
Vgn V98 Pro
Battery Life
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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
Vgn V98 Pro
Layout size
96%
98%
Battery
4,000 mAh
8,000 mAh
Mount style
Gasket Mount, Plate Mount
Gasket Mount
Knob
Yes
No
QMK
Yes
No
- Keychron V5 Max
- Vgn V98 Pro
- Performance
- 8359
- Build quality
- 8657
- Productivity
- 9787
- Customizability
- 9868
- Portability
- 5364
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
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.
Pick the Keychron 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.
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.”
Vgn V98 Pro
No owner reviews collected yet.
Keychron V5 Max vs Vgn V98 Pro specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
11 of 27 specs differ
Keychron V5 Max
Vgn V98 Pro
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
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Keychron V5 Max vs Vgn V98 Pro: your questions
The Keychron V5 Max has far superior software customization. It supports open-source QMK firmware and the VIA configurator, allowing you to remap every key, create layers, and program macros. The VGN V98 Pro's listing does not mention any comparable advanced software support.
The VGN V98 Pro has an 8000mAh battery, double the 4000mAh capacity of the Keychron V5 Max. The V98 Pro vendor claims up to 40 days of use with lights off. The V5 Max listing cites up to 190 hours (about 8 days) in a lab test with backlighting off.
Yes, but only the Keychron V5 Max. It is explicitly sold as a barebones kit, which includes the case, PCB, plate, and stabilizers without switches or keycaps. The VGN V98 Pro vendor description only mentions it as a pre-built keyboard.
Yes, both the Keychron V5 Max and VGN V98 Pro support macOS and Windows systems. The Keychron includes a system toggle and an extra set of keycaps for Mac modifiers, allowing you to save a separate layout for each OS.
The Keychron V5 Max is likely better for gaming. Its specifications and vendor description confirm a 1000 Hz polling rate in its 2.4 GHz and wired modes, which can mean lower latency. The VGN V98 Pro listing does not specify its polling rate.
Both are hot-swappable. The Keychron V5 Max PCB supports both 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches. The VGN V98 Pro listing states it has full-key hot-swappable sockets but does not specify pin compatibility, though it comes with Kailh Box switches which are typically 3-pin.
The Keychron V5 Max (fully assembled) comes with double-shot PBT keycaps in an OSA profile. The VGN V98 Pro also comes with PBT keycaps, listed as MDA or KOP profile. ABS keycaps are listed as a material option for the Keychron, but only for its barebone housing, not its included keycaps.
No. The Keychron V5 Max listing shows knob support and offers versions with a knob. The VGN V98 Pro vendor description and listed features do not mention a knob or encoder.
Only the Keychron V5 Max supports ISO layouts. It is available with UK, German, Nordic, French, Spanish, and Swiss ISO layouts. The VGN V98 Pro is listed as ANSI layout only.
The Keychron V5 Max uses an ABS plastic case with a gasket-mounted polycarbonate plate. It includes sound-dampening foam and screw-in PCB stabilizers. The vendor highlights that the plastic construction can contribute to a deeper sound signature compared to aluminum.
According to its vendor page, the VGN V98 Pro comes with pre-lubed Kailh Box mechanical switches. Specific models mentioned include the Cream Pro POM (linear), Steam Wave, and BOX Summer (tactile) switches.
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