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Compare Monsgeek M1 V5 vs M1W Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two Monsgeek 75% aluminum keyboards. The choice hinges on your willingness to build versus your desire for a complete, out-of-the-box experience. Both share core features like gasket mount construction, triple-mode connectivity, and hotswap sockets, making the decision nuanced. The M1 V5 is sold as a barebones kit requiring assembly, while the M1W arrives prebuilt with switches and keycaps.

81
Monsgeek M1 V5 VIA DIY Kit (ISO)
93
MonsGeek M1W Aluminum Wireless Gasket DIY Kit

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  • Released in 2025
  • Available in a Unknown layout
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-DE, ANSI, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic layout standard
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1875 g
  • Sized at 33 x 333 x 146 mm
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Clicky, Linear, Tactile switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO layout standard
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Equipped with a 6000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 2200 g
  • Sized at 33 x 146 x 333 mm
Scores
  • Performance: 65.2
  • Build Quality: 79.9
  • Productivity: 85
  • Customizability: 85.7
  • Portability: 66.9
Scores
  • Performance: 70.7
  • Build Quality: 84.4
  • Productivity: 97.1
  • Customizability: 97.2
  • Portability: 91.7
Name
Monsgeek M1 V5
Name
Monsgeek M1W
Release year
2025
Release year
2023
Switch Options
-
Switch Options
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
Unknown
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-DE, ANSI, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO
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
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
8000 mAh
Battery capacity
6000 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, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
33 x 333 x 146 mm
Dimensions
33 x 146 x 333 mm
Weight
1875g
Weight
2200g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice depends primarily on your desired involvement level. Opt for the Monsgeek M1 V5 if you enjoy the process of building and tuning a keyboard from a kit and prioritize maximum battery life. Choose the Monsgeek M1W if you want a high-quality, pre-assembled keyboard with extensive sound dampening ready to use out of the box, and are willing to accept a shorter battery life.

Monsgeek M1 V5

  • +Larger 8000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
  • +Specifically designed as a DIY kit with a tool-less disassembly mechanism.
  • +Includes a polycarbonate plate and PORON plate foam in the kit.
  • +Vendor confirms a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired and 2.4 GHz modes.
  • −Requires purchasing and installing your own switches and keycaps.
  • −Vendor description lists Bluetooth polling at approximately 125 Hz, which is slower.
  • −Available layout support (ISO/ANSI) may vary by vendor kit version.

Monsgeek M1W

  • +Comes prebuilt with switches, keycaps, and screw-in stabilizers.
  • +Includes extensive sound-dampening: Poron case foam, plate foam, IXPE switch pad, and VHB layer.
  • +Features a physical switch under CAPS LOCK for quick OS mode changes.
  • +Confirmed N-key rollover (NKRO) for accurate simultaneous key presses.
  • −Smaller 6000mAh battery compared to the M1 V5.
  • −Heavier at 2200g, which reduces portability.
  • −No specific polling rate is mentioned in the provided vendor description.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The M1W is the clear choice for office users and content creators who value a prebuilt, quiet keyboard with convenient OS switching. The M1 V5 wins for modders and travelers due to its DIY nature and lighter weight with a larger battery. For gaming and programming, the decision is closer, tied to specific needs like confirmed high polling rates or shared programmability features.

GamingMonsgeek M1 V5
  • •The M1 V5 has a specified 1000 Hz polling rate in wired/2.4 GHz mode, which is stated in its vendor description.
  • •Its lighter weight of 1875g may offer slightly more desk mobility compared to the 2200g M1W.
OfficeMonsgeek M1W
  • •The M1W is prebuilt, requiring no assembly before use in an office setting.
  • •It includes a physical switch under the CAPS LOCK key to swap between macOS and Windows modes, as noted in its listing.
  • •Both offer wireless connectivity for a clean desk setup.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both keyboards support QMK/VIA for key remapping, essential for custom layers and macros.
  • •Both use a 75% layout, preserving arrow and navigation keys while saving space.
  • •Both feature south-facing RGB LEDs, ensuring compatibility with Cherry-profile keycaps often preferred by typists.
TravelMonsgeek M1 V5
  • •The M1 V5 is lighter at 1875g compared to the M1W's 2200g.
  • •Its larger 8000mAh battery, per its specs, may offer longer wireless use between charges.
ModdingMonsgeek M1 V5
  • •The M1 V5 is explicitly a DIY kit, designed from the ground up for builders and includes a tool-less 'Rapid Disassemble' ball-catch mechanism.
  • •It comes with a polycarbonate plate and PORON plate foam, providing a foundation for customization.
  • •Both boards are hot-swappable and support VIA for firmware customization.
Content CreationMonsgeek M1W
  • •The M1W is prebuilt and ready for immediate use with media shortcuts.
  • •Its vendor description lists extensive sound-dampening materials like Poron case foam, plate foam, an IXPE switch pad, and a VHB insulation layer for a quieter typing experience during recording.
  • •Both include a knob for quick volume or scrub control.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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