Compare Keychron V5 vs Lemokey X5 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers torn between two affordable 96% wired mechanical keyboards: the Keychron V5 and the Keychron Lemokey X5. The decision is hard because both share the same compact full layout and QMK support, but target different priorities. The V5 focuses on deep customization with hot-swap sockets and south-facing RGB, while the X5 emphasizes a gasket mount structure and a lower price point. Whether you want to mod your board or just get a solid typing experience, one of these will suit your needs.

Model
	96	72	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	3.4 stars (8 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2022 Supports hot-swappable switches Built with the ISO, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW layout standard Comes with a knob Provides dedicated media keys Supports VIA configuration Includes screw-in stabilizers Uses a Tray Mount mounting style Weighs about 1170 g Sized at 19 x 142 x 389 mm 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 Built with the ANSI layout standard Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style Weighs about 717 g Sized at 39 x 134 x 381 mm Made with a ABS, Plastic case Features ABS keycaps Offers Yes, North-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 90.9 Build Quality: 89.4 Productivity: 98.1 Customizability: 99.7 Portability: 47.2	Scores Performance: 68.8 Build Quality: 73.1 Productivity: 83.7 Customizability: 64 Portability: 45.6
Name	Name Keychron V5	Name Keychron Lemokey X5
Release year	Release year 2022	Release year 2024
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 96%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ISO, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW	Layout Standard ANSI
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
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 Gasket 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 North-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Plastic, ABS	Case Material ABS, Plastic
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material ABS, PBT	Keycaps Material ABS
Dimensions	Dimensions 19 x 142 x 389 mm	Dimensions 39 x 134 x 381 mm
Weight	Weight 1170g	Weight 717g

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Pros and Trade-offs

If you plan to heavily customize your keyboard with different switches and keycaps, the Keychron V5's hot-swap support and screw-in stabilizers make it the better investment. However, if you value a quieter typing experience out of the box and need a lighter, more portable board, the Lemokey X5 delivers great value at a lower price. Your final choice depends on whether you prioritize modding potential or immediate comfort and savings.

Keychron V5

+Hot-swappable PCB supports 3-pin and 5-pin switches for easy switch swapping.
+South-facing RGB LEDs illuminate keycaps without interfering with aftermarket keycap profiles.
+Available in multiple layouts including ISO and ANSI, catering to international users.
+Screw-in PCB stabilizers offer a more stable and consistent feel on larger keys.
+Choice of fully assembled or barebones versions for different budget levels.

−Heavier at 1170g, making it less portable than the Lemokey X5.
−Tray mount design may not dampen vibrations as effectively as a gasket mount.
−Limited to wired connectivity, no wireless option available.

Keychron Lemokey X5

+Gasket mount structure with EVA foam provides a softer, quieter typing experience.
+Significantly lighter at 717g, enhancing portability.
+Shine-through ABS keycaps with red backlight are great for use in dark environments.
+Three-level adjustable typing angle (4.5°, 7°, 9°) for ergonomic comfort.

−Uses plate-mounted stabilizers, which are less stable than screw-in stabilizers for modding.
−Not hot-swappable, requiring soldering to change switches.
−Only available in ANSI layout, limiting options for international users.
−Red backlight is monochromatic and lacks the RGB customization of the V5.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

For gaming and modding, the Keychron V5 is the clear winner due to its hot-swap capabilities and south-facing RGB. In office and travel scenarios, the Lemokey X5's lighter weight and quieter gasket mount design give it an edge. For programming, both keyboards are tied thanks to their shared QMK firmware and 96% layout. Content creators may prefer the V5 for its lighting and customization options.

GamingKeychron V5

•Offers a 1000 Hz polling rate out of the box, suitable for competitive gaming.
•Hot-swap sockets allow for easy switch changes to optimize for gaming feel.
•Includes south-facing RGB for underglow illumination without keycap interference.

OfficeKeychron Lemokey X5

•Gasket mount structure and EVA foam help reduce typing noise for a quieter office environment.
•Lightweight at 717g, making it easier to move between desks.
•Shine-through keycaps with red LED backlight are useful for low-light conditions.

ProgrammingTie

•Both keyboards offer QMK firmware for full key remapping and macro creation.
•Both have a 96% layout which retains the numpad and function row for efficient coding.
•Each supports Windows and macOS with dedicated system toggles.

TravelKeychron Lemokey X5

•Weighs only 717g, which is significantly lighter than the V5's 1170g.
•Smaller dimensions make it more portable for carrying in a bag.
•Wired-only design eliminates the need to worry about battery life on the go.

ModdingKeychron V5

•Fully hot-swappable PCB supports both 3-pin and 5-pin switches without soldering.
•Screw-in PCB stabilizers provide a more stable base for customization and upgrades.
•Available as a barebones kit, allowing users to choose their own switches and keycaps.
•Steel plate offers a different sound profile compared to the X5's PC plate.

Content CreationKeychron V5

•South-facing RGB lighting is better suited for video content, as it avoids harsh glare on camera.
•Hot-swap capability allows creators to test different switch sounds for ASMR or typing videos.
•Available with a knob option for quick volume or timeline scrubbing controls.