Keychron V5 Ultra vs V6 Ultra96% vs Full-Size Layout Choice
Choose the V5 Ultra for a compact layout with a full numpad, or the V6 Ultra for a dedicated, standard full-size keypad.
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4.5 (2)4.5 · 2 reviews
from$119at MK
5.0 (7)5.0 · 7 reviews
from$119at MK
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron V5 Ultra
96%
Build quality in the top 15% of 96% boards under $150.
- Compact 96% layout includes a numpad in a smaller footprint.
- Explicitly supports QMK and VIA firmware for advanced customization.
- Lighter weight and narrower dimensions improve portability.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- Missing ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR. The other board is sold in those layouts.
- Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.
Get the
Keychron V6 Ultra
Full-Size Layout Choice
Build quality in the top 15% of 100% boards under $150.
- Traditional 100% full-size layout with a dedicated numpad.
- Supports ANSI, ISO-DE, and ISO layouts for broader regional compatibility.
- Standard key spacing is familiar and may reduce typing errors for some users.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
Your need for a dedicated numpad and standard key spacing is the deciding factor. If you require a full-size layout for data entry or prefer a traditional format, the V6 Ultra is the straightforward choice. If you want to save desk space while keeping a numpad and value explicit QMK/VIA firmware support, the more compact V5 Ultra is the better option. Both deliver identical high-performance wireless and core build 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 Ultra
Keychron V6 Ultra
Layout size
96%
100%
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wired, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Case material
ABS, Metal, Plastic
ABS, Aluminum, Metal, Plastic
Weight
983 g
1,130 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
QMK
Yes
No
The deep option when you want to remap every key
- Keychron V5 Ultra
- Keychron V6 Ultra
- Performance
- 9189
- Build quality
- 8377
- Productivity
- 9891
- Customizability
- 9478
- Portability
- 5656
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 4,000 mAh
- Max polling rate: 8,000 Hz
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- Knob
What will you mostly use it for?
The V6 Ultra is the clear choice for office and data-centric work due to its full-size numpad and ISO support. The V5 Ultra wins for gaming and travel thanks to its space-saving 96% layout and lighter weight. For programming and modding, the decision is closer, leaning towards the V5 for its explicit QMK/VIA support, but both offer deep customization.
Pick the Keychron V5 Ultra
- Identical 8000 Hz polling rate for low latency.
- Smaller 96% footprint frees up more mouse space.
- Same hot-swappable PCB for switch customization.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron V5 Ultra
2 owner reviews
“I gave it four stars for build quality, but knocked one for the massive height of this thing. I sent it back. It had great feel to it, but again, it was just way too tall. Noise level was a bit on the mid level, not bad. In the end I ended up with a 60…”
Keychron V6 Ultra
7 owner reviews
“This thing is great the backlight is exactly how I want it and I don't got to download an app to change the light the keys are really responsive”
Keychron V5 Ultra vs V6 Ultra specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
8 of 27 specs differ
Keychron V5 Ultra
Keychron V6 Ultra
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
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Keychron V5 Ultra
Keychron (DE)
ISO-ES
In stockDoes not ship to you
Keychron V6 Ultra
Input Gear
ISO-DE
Out of stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-FR, ISO-ES
In stockDoes not ship to you
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Keychron V5 Ultra vs V6 Ultra: your questions
The main difference is the layout size. The V5 Ultra is a 96% keyboard, which condenses the numpad and navigation cluster into a compact form. The V6 Ultra is a traditional 100% full-size keyboard with a dedicated, spaced-out numpad and navigation keys.
Yes. Both the V5 Ultra and V6 Ultra support 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.3, and wired USB-C connections. They also share the same 8000 Hz polling rate in their 2.4 GHz and wired modes.
The Keychron V5 Ultra is better for a small desk. It is 56mm narrower (392mm vs 448mm) and 147 grams lighter than the V6 Ultra, offering a significant space saving while still including a numpad.
Yes, both keyboards feature hot-swappable PCBs. According to Keychron, you can install almost any 3-pin or 5-pin MX-style mechanical switch without soldering, including switches from Cherry, Gateron, and Kailh.
The V5 Ultra has more explicitly stated software support. Its product listing includes QMK and VIA support, while the V6 Ultra listing does not mention these. Both are programmable via the web-based Keychron Launcher app.
Both keyboards come with OSA profile double-shot PBT keycaps, which are oil-resistant and designed to prevent legend fading. Both also include extra keycaps for Mac and Windows compatibility.
Both keyboards have a 4000mAh battery. Keychron claims up to 660 hours of use on a single charge with the backlight turned off, or up to 200 hours with RGB lighting at its lowest brightness.
Yes. The product metadata for the V6 Ultra lists support for ANSI, ISO-DE, and ISO layouts, making it suitable for users in Europe and other regions that use the ISO standard. The V5 Ultra only lists ANSI support.
Both the V5 Ultra and V6 Ultra use a gasket mount design with a polycarbonate plate. This design aims to reduce acoustic resonance and provide a softer, more flexible typing feel compared to tray-mounted boards.
Yes, both the 'Fully Assembled Knob' versions of the V5 Ultra and V6 Ultra include a control knob. The vendor descriptions highlight an 'All New Knob Design' as part of the V Ultra series features.
Both are available with pre-lubed Keychron Silk POM switches. The available options at purchase include linear Red, tactile Brown, and tactile Banana variants, all with POM housing and stems for a smooth feel.
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