Keychron V5 vs V5 Ultra
Choose the V5 if you want full QMK customization, ISO layout options, and a lower price; choose the V5 Ultra if you need wireless connectivity and higher polling rates.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron V5
- Open-source QMK firmware with VIA support for deep key remapping and macros
- Multiple layout options including ANSI, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-FR, and more for international users
- Available as a barebone DIY kit for custom builds without switches and keycaps
- Wired-only connectivity limits desk cable management and portability
- Tray mount design may produce a harsher typing feel compared to gasket mount alternatives
- Heavier at 1170g, making it less ideal for travel
Get the
Keychron V5 Ultra
- Wireless connectivity with 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.3, and wired modes for flexibility
- 8000 Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes for minimal input lag
- Gasket mount design with PC plate and multiple acoustic foams for a softer, quieter typing experience
- Limited to ANSI layout only, no ISO variants available
- ZMK firmware offers less extensive customization compared to QMK's full open-source ecosystem
- Higher price point than the standard V5
If you prioritize deep firmware customization, layout variety, and a lower budget, the Keychron V5 is your best bet, especially for modding and programming. If you need wireless freedom, a smoother gasket mount feel, and top-tier 8K polling for gaming, the Keychron V5 Ultra is the clear upgrade. Choose based on whether your desk is wired or wireless.
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
Keychron V5 Ultra
Connection
Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Case material
ABS, Plastic
ABS, Metal, Plastic
Mount style
Gasket Mount, Plate Mount, Tray Mount
Gasket Mount
Weight
1,170 g
983 g
Layout standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-SW, ISO-UK
ANSI, ISO, ISO-ES
- Keychron V5
- Keychron V5 Ultra
- Performance
- 9191
- Build quality
- 8983
- Productivity
- 9898
- Customizability
- 9894
- Portability
- 4556
- Layout size: 96%
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 8,000 Hz
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
- Knob
- QMK
What will you mostly use it for?
The V5 Ultra wins for gaming and office use thanks to its wireless 8K performance and acoustic foam layers. The standard V5 takes the lead for programming and modding due to its open QMK firmware and wide layout support. For travel, the lighter weight and wireless connectivity of the V5 Ultra make it the better companion. In content creation, both keyboards offer similar customization and knob support, resulting in a tie.
Pick the Keychron V5 Ultra
- 8000 Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes for lower input lag
- Gasket mount design and PC plate for a softer, quieter typing experience
- ZMK firmware with wireless support for low-latency gaming without a cable
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron V5
8 owner reviews
“In love with it already. Only downside is how long it took to get the keyboard. Other then that its a great product for the price”
Keychron V5 Ultra
1 owner reviews
“Hi Keychron team, I wanted to share some feedback regarding your new Ultra line of keyboards. While the backlighting is present, the legends on most of your keyboards are not properly illuminated. I don’t quite understand the point of this design—these…”
Keychron V5 vs V5 Ultra specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
9 of 27 specs differ
Keychron V5
Keychron V5 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
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Keychron V5 vs V5 Ultra: your questions
Only the V5 Ultra supports wireless connectivity, offering both 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.3. It achieves an 8000 Hz polling rate in 2.4 GHz and wired modes. The standard V5 is wired only and cannot be used wirelessly.
No, the V5 Ultra is only available in ANSI layout. If you need ISO support such as UK, German, or Nordic layouts, the standard Keychron V5 offers multiple ISO variants including UK, German, Nordic, Swiss, French, and Spanish.
The Keychron V5 is better for modding due to its QMK firmware with 128KB Flash, which provides deep reprogramming capabilities and community support. It also offers a barebone option and tray mount design that is easier to customize with aftermarket plates.
Yes, the V5 Ultra is sold as a Fully Assembled Knob version, which includes a rotary knob for volume or function control. The standard V5 is also available in a knob version.
The V5 Ultra has a 4000mAh rechargeable battery that provides up to 660 hours of use with the backlight turned off. With RGB at the lowest brightness, it offers up to 200 hours of use.
The Keychron V5 Ultra is lighter at 983g compared to the standard V5 at 1170g. Combined with its wireless connectivity, the V5 Ultra is significantly better for travel.
Yes, both the Keychron V5 and V5 Ultra support hot-swappable PCBs that work with 3-pin and 5-pin MX style mechanical switches, allowing you to change switches without soldering.
The Keychron V5 uses QMK firmware with VIA support for customization. The V5 Ultra uses ZMK firmware, which is optimized for wireless operation and also supports the Keychron Launcher web app for configuration.
The V5 Ultra features multiple layers of acoustic foam including sound absorbing foam, PET film, EPDM foam, and bottom case acoustic foam for a quieter typing experience. The standard V5 uses a simpler tray mount design with sound dampening but fewer foam layers.
Yes, the Keychron V5 is available in a barebone version that does not include keycaps or switches, allowing you to build your own setup. The V5 Ultra is only sold as a fully assembled version with keycaps and switches included.
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