Compare Keychron V5 vs V6 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for users deciding between Keychron's two largest wired, customizable keyboards. The choice is difficult because both share nearly identical core specs like QMK/VIA support, hot-swap sockets, and build quality. The decision hinges entirely on whether you prioritize a condensed 96% layout or a standard 100% full-size form factor, with minor differences in weight and sound dampening.

Model
	96	97	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	3.4 stars (6 reviews)	3.3 stars (41 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Available in a 96% layout Built with the ISO, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW layout standard Weighs about 1170 g Sized at 19 x 142 x 389 mm	Available in a 100% layout Built with the ISO, JIS, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK layout standard Weighs about 1360 g Sized at 19 x 141 x 448 mm
Score	Scores Performance: 91.1 Build Quality: 89.4 Productivity: 98.1 Customizability: 99.7 Portability: 47.2	Scores Performance: 90.6 Build Quality: 88.9 Productivity: 97.6 Customizability: 99.2 Portability: 46.7
Name	Name Keychron V5	Name Keychron V6
Release year	Release year 2022	Release year 2022
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 96%	Layout Size 100%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ISO, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW	Layout Standard ISO, JIS, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Wired, Wired only	Connection Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz;8000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz;8000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity -
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Tray Mount	Mount Style Tray Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face	Backlight Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Plastic, ABS	Case Material Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material ABS, PBT	Keycaps Material ABS, PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 19 x 142 x 389 mm	Dimensions 19 x 141 x 448 mm
Weight	Weight 1170g	Weight 1360g

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Pros and Trade-offs

Select the Keychron V5 if you want a numpad but need to conserve desk space with a condensed 96% layout. Opt for the Keychron V6 if you prefer a traditional full-size keyboard with all keys in their standard positions and value the mentioned sound dampening. Beyond the layout, their core features are virtually identical, making this a straightforward decision based on form factor preference.

Keychron V5

+More compact 96% layout saves desk space while retaining a numpad.
+Lighter weight at 1170 grams.
+Shorter length (389mm) for a smaller footprint.
+Available in a wider range of ISO language layouts according to its metadata.

−Condensed layout may lead to accidental key presses for some users.
−Lacks the explicit sound dampening feature mentioned for the V6.
−Fewer user reviews available compared to the V6.

Keychron V6

+Traditional 100% full-size layout with separated navigation cluster and numpad.
+Product listing mentions included sound dampening for a potentially quieter typing experience.
+Supports JIS layout in addition to ANSI and ISO, according to its metadata.
+Larger body may feel more substantial to some users.

−Larger and heavier (1350g, 448mm long) than the V5.
−Takes up more desk space.
−The full-size form factor is less portable.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The V6 wins for office use and content creation due to its traditional full-size layout and mentioned sound dampening. The V5 is the better choice for travel thanks to its smaller dimensions and lower weight. For gaming, programming, and modding, the keyboards are effectively tied, as they share the same critical performance and customization features. Your desk space and need for a dedicated numpad are the primary deciding factors.

GamingTie

•Both have a 1000 Hz polling rate for low latency.
•Both support N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
•Both feature the same south-facing RGB and hot-swap compatibility.

OfficeKeychron V6

•The V6's full-size layout provides dedicated navigation keys, which can be faster for data entry.
•The V6's product listing mentions included sound dampening, which may reduce noise in shared spaces.
•Both offer Mac/Windows keycaps and system toggles for multi-OS environments.

ProgrammingTie

•Both keyboards are fully programmable via QMK and VIA for custom layers and macros.
•Both include a full set of function keys.
•The choice depends on personal preference for a compact (V5) or spaced-out (V6) arrow/numpad cluster.

TravelKeychron V5

•The V5 is shorter (389mm vs 448mm), taking up less bag space.
•The V5 is lighter (1170g vs 1350g).
•Both are wired-only, so portability is limited to physical size and weight.

ModdingTie

•Both are hot-swappable for 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
•Both use screw-in PCB stabilizers for easy upgrades.
•Both have a steel plate and tray mount design, offering similar modding foundations.

Content CreationKeychron V6

•The V6's separate numpad is ideal for quick numerical input in editing software.
•The full-size layout may offer more intuitive shortcut mapping with isolated keys.
•Both support multimedia keys for playback control.