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Compare Keychron V5 vs V5 QMK Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers who want a 96% wired mechanical keyboard with a numpad and are deciding between two nearly identical models from Keychron. The core trade-off is availability versus layout flexibility, as the standard V5 supports multiple standards like ANSI and ISO, while the V5 QMK is limited to ANSI and a Russian layout. Both share the same ABS plastic case, steel plate, 1170g weight, and include QMK/VIA support, hot-swappable sockets, and screw-in stabilizers, making the decision hinge on which layout you need and the price difference.

96
Keychron V5 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
79
Keychron V5 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard (Russian RU Layout)

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3.4 (6)
0.0 (0)
  • Released in 2022
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ISO, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW layout standard
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Made with a Plastic, ABS case
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Tactile, Linear switch options
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Made with a ABS case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 91.1
  • Build Quality: 89.4
  • Productivity: 98.1
  • Customizability: 99.7
  • Portability: 47.1
Scores
  • Performance: 72
  • Build Quality: 71.3
  • Productivity: 89.6
  • Customizability: 83.1
  • Portability: 46.2
Name
Keychron V5
Name
Keychron V5 QMK
Release year
2022
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
96%
Layout Size
96%
Layout Standard
ISO, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
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
Wired, Wired only
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate
1000 Hz;8000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
-
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
Tray Mount
Mount Style
Tray Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Case Material
ABS
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
19 x 142 x 389 mm
Dimensions
19 x 142 x 389 mm
Weight
1170g
Weight
1170g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

For almost any buyer, the standard Keychron V5 is the better choice. It provides the same 96% layout and core QMK/VIA features as the V5 QMK but adds more layout options, multiple plate materials, gasket mount support, and sound dampening at a lower price. Only consider the V5 QMK if you specifically need the Russian layout option, as the standard V5 covers all other use cases more comprehensively.

Keychron V5

  • +Supports multiple layout standards including ANSI, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, and more for global compatibility.
  • +Offers both Steel and Polycarbonate plate materials for sound customization.
  • +Available in a barebones DIY kit for users who want to supply their own switches and keycaps.
  • +Includes N-Key Rollover for reliable simultaneous key presses.
  • +Has sound dampening features as an extra, which is not listed for the V5 QMK.
  • −Lower build quality score relative to price tier compared to some competitors.
  • −ABS plastic case may feel less premium than aluminum alternatives.

Keychron V5 QMK

  • +Available in a Russian RU layout, which is a unique option not offered by the standard V5 in the provided data.
  • +Includes a knob version as the primary option for quick volume control.
  • +Uses double-shot PBT keycaps standard for durability.
  • −Only supports ANSI layout standard, limiting regional keyboard configuration choices.
  • −Limited to a single mount style (Tray Mount), reducing modding potential compared to the standard V5.
  • −No current stock from vendors and no customer reviews available, making it harder to evaluate before purchase.
  • −Higher price than the standard V5 with fewer included features like sound dampening.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The standard Keychron V5 wins in gaming, office, programming, and modding due to its broader layout support, higher polling rate options, multiple plate materials, and gasket mount support. The V5 QMK ties in travel and content creation because both keyboards share the same dimensions, weight, 96% layout, and feature set like knobs and multimedia keys. Overall, the standard V5 offers significantly more flexibility across most use cases at a lower price point, making it the recommended choice for most buyers.

GamingKeychron V5
  • •Keychron V5 supports a 1000 Hz and 8000 Hz polling rate for lower latency, while V5 QMK only lists 1000 Hz.
  • •Broader switch type availability (Linear, Tactile, Clicky) across the standard V5 lineup.
  • •Standard V5 has a higher performance score relative to its price tier.
OfficeKeychron V5
  • •Standard Keychron V5 offers more layout standards (ANSI, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, etc.) to match regional typing preferences.
  • •Includes additional keycap material options (ABS and PBT) for varied feel and durability.
  • •Higher productivity score relative to price tier indicates better feature set for office work.
ProgrammingKeychron V5
  • •Both support QMK and VIA for key remapping, but standard V5 has a wider switch selection for personal preference.
  • •Standard V5 supports N-Key Rollover, which is beneficial for complex key combinations.
  • •Higher productivity score suggests a more complete feature set for heavy typing tasks.
TravelTie
  • •Both have identical dimensions (19 x 142 x 389 mm) and weight (1170g), offering the same portability.
  • •Neither has wireless connectivity, limiting travel convenience equally.
  • •Portability scores are nearly identical (47.1 vs 46.2), reflecting the same trade-offs.
ModdingKeychron V5
  • •Standard Keychron V5 supports three mount styles (Tray, Plate, Gasket) for more modding flexibility.
  • •Offers both Steel and Polycarbonate plate materials to tune typing feel and sound.
  • •Available as a DIY Kit/Barebones, giving modders a blank slate without switches or keycaps.
  • •Higher customizability score (99.7) reflects broader modding potential.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both share the same 96% layout with a numpad, essential for efficient data entry and editing.
  • •Both include a knob support and multimedia keys for quick volume and media control.
  • •Both have south-facing RGB and PBT keycaps from Keychron, with no difference in backlighting or keycap quality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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