Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare Keychron V5 Ultra vs V6 Ultra Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Keychron's two largest wireless Ultra models. The V5 Ultra uses a 96% layout that condenses the numpad, while the V6 Ultra is a traditional 100% full-size board. Both share core features like 8K wireless polling, ZMK firmware, and a gasket mount, making the choice purely about layout preference, desk space, and specific key accessibility.

92
Keychron V5 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
84
Keychron V6 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

Select a keyboard to compare

3.0 (1)
5.0 (3)
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Weighs about 983 g
  • Sized at 30 x 392 x 149 mm
  • Made with a Metal, Plastic, ABS case
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 100% layout
  • Built with the ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-UK, ANSI layout standard
  • Supports Wired, Wired only, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wireless connectivity
  • Weighs about 1130 g
  • Sized at 31 x 448 x 149 mm
  • Made with a Plastic, ABS, Aluminum, Metal case
Scores
  • Performance: 91.1
  • Build Quality: 82.1
  • Productivity: 97.6
  • Customizability: 95.1
  • Portability: 56.3
Scores
  • Performance: 89.3
  • Build Quality: 77
  • Productivity: 90.9
  • Customizability: 79
  • Portability: 56.1
Name
Keychron V5 Ultra
Name
Keychron V6 Ultra
Release year
2026
Release year
2026
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
96%
Layout Size
100%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-UK, 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
Wired, Wired only, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wireless
Polling Rate
8000 Hz
Polling Rate
8000 Hz
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, White, South-face, White South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, South-face, White South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Metal, Plastic, ABS
Case Material
Plastic, ABS, Aluminum, Metal
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
30 x 392 x 149 mm
Dimensions
31 x 448 x 149 mm
Weight
983g
Weight
1130g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

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.

Keychron V5 Ultra

  • +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.
  • +Vendor description details multiple sound-dampening foam layers (EPDM, PET, Acoustic).

  • Condensed layout may require adjustment for users accustomed to full spacing.
  • Lacks the explicit ISO layout support listed for the V6 Ultra.
  • One user review criticizes legend visibility and backlight design in low light.

Keychron V6 Ultra

  • +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.

  • Larger and heavier, taking up more desk space.
  • Vendor description does not explicitly list QMK or VIA support.
  • No user reviews are available to confirm real-world experience.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingKeychron 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.
OfficeKeychron V6 Ultra
  • Full-size layout with dedicated numpad is standard for data entry.
  • Supports ISO layouts (DE, ISO) for international users.
  • Includes all standard navigation keys without compromise.
ProgrammingTie
  • Both offer full programmability via the Keychron Launcher web app.
  • Both feature hot-swappable PCBs and screw-in stabilizers.
  • Choice depends on personal preference for a compact or full layout.
TravelKeychron V5 Ultra
  • Smaller dimensions (392mm vs 448mm width).
  • Lighter weight (983g vs 1130g).
  • Maintains a numpad in a more portable form factor.
ModdingKeychron V5 Ultra
  • V5 Ultra listing explicitly mentions QMK and VIA support.
  • Both are hot-swappable with polycarbonate plates and gasket mounts.
  • V5 Ultra's vendor description details more foam layers (EPDM, PET, Acoustic).
Content CreationKeychron V6 Ultra
  • Full-size layout provides dedicated macro and media key programming space.
  • Standard key spacing may be preferable for shortcut memorization.
  • Larger chassis may offer more stability during intensive editing sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

97
$99
Keychron V5 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V5 Max
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

92
$114
Keychron V3 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3 Ultra
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

94
$94
Keychron V3 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3 Max
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

96
$89
Keychron V6 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V6 Max
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

96
$49
Keychron V5 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron V5
96%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

94
$112
Keychron V2 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron V2 Max
65%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

98
$44
Keychron V6 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V6
100%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

96
$54
Keychron V3 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3
80%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

95
$100
Keychron Q6 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q6
100%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

99
$129
Keychron K2 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard
Keychron K2 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Tray Mount