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  1. Table of Contents
  2. Top
  3. Main Differences
  4. Design
    1. Dimensions
    2. Build Quality
    3. Ergonomics
    4. Hardware Customizability
    5. Backlight Features
    6. Backlight Clarity
    7. Cable & Connector
    8. Wireless Versatility
    9. Macro Keys And Programming
    10. Extra Features
    11. In The Box
  5. Typing Experience
    1. Typing Quality
    2. Typing Noise
    3. Switches
    4. Keystrokes
  6. Performance
    1. Single-Key Latency
    2. Multi-Key Latency
    3. Data Transmission
    4. Chord Split
  7. Software and Operating System
    1. Configuration Software
    2. Computer Compatibility
    3. Wireless Mobile Compatibility
  8. Comments

Keychron V5 Max [V1 Max, V2 Max, etc.] vs Keychron K5 Max [K1 Max, K3 Max, etc.]

Side-by-Side Comparison

Products

Keychron V5 Max [V1 Max, V2 Max, etc.]
Keychron K5 Max [K1 Max, K3 Max, etc.]

Tested using Methodology v1.3.1

Updated Apr 23, 2025 07:36 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com

Tested using Methodology v1.3.1

Updated Apr 24, 2025 01:33 PM

SEE PRICE
B&H
Keychron V5 Max [V1 Max, V2 Max, etc.] Picture
Keychron K5 Max [K1 Max, K3 Max, etc.] Picture
ConnectivityWireless
Size
Compact (96%)
Switch Type
Mechanical
N-Key Rollover (NKRO)
Yes
Hot-Swappable Switches
Yes
ConnectivityWireless
Size
Full-size (100%)
Switch Type
Mechanical
N-Key Rollover (NKRO)
Yes
Hot-Swappable Switches
No
  1. Recommended in 7 articles:
  2. Mechanical
  3. Wireless
  4. Budget Gaming
  5. Programming
  6. Keychron
  7. Budget Mechanical
  8. TKL
  1. Recommended in 1 article:
  2. Office

Variants

  • V6 Max (Carbon Black - 100%)
  • V4 Max (Carbon Black - 60%)
  • V2 Max (Carbon Black - 65%)
  • V8 Max (Carbon Black - 65%/Alice)
  • V1 Max (Carbon Black - 75%)
  • V10 Max (Carbon Black - 75%/Alice)
  • V3 Max (Carbon Black - 80%)
  • V5 Max (Carbon Black - 96%)
  • K5 Max (Gray - 100%)
  • K7 Max (Gray - 65%)
  • K11 Max (Gray - 65% (Alice))
  • K3 Max (Gray - 75%)
  • K15 Max (Gray - 75% (Alice))
  • K1 Max (Gray - 80%)
  • K17 Max (Gray - 96%)
  • K13 Max (Gray - Numpad 80%)

Review

See Keychron V5 Max [V1 Max, V2 Max, etc.] Review
See Keychron K5 Max [K1 Max, K3 Max, etc.] Review
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Our Verdict

Keychron V5 Max [V1 Max, V2 Max, etc.]

Keychron K5 Max [K1 Max, K3 Max, etc.]

The Keychron V5 Max and the Keychron K5 Max are wireless mechanical keyboards; both are also part of wider lineups with different size variants available. The V Max keyboards have a taller, standard profile, a plastic chassis, and a gasket mount design that lends a softer, slightly springy typing quality. Additionally, they provide significantly better hardware customizability and come with a toolkit for disassembly. The K Max keyboards, on the other hand, have much slimmer, low-profile designs.

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Check Price

Carbon Black - 100%
V6 Max
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Gray - 100%
K5 Max
Searching
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Carbon Black - 60%
V4 Max
Searching
Finding store
Gray - 65%
K7 Max
Searching
Finding store
Carbon Black - 65%
V2 Max
Searching
Finding store
Gray - 65% (Alice)
K11 Max
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Finding store
Carbon Black - 65%/Alice
V8 Max
Searching
Finding store
Gray - 75%
K3 Max
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Finding store
Carbon Black - 75%
V1 Max
Searching
Finding store
Gray - 75% (Alice)
K15 Max
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Finding store
Carbon Black - 75%/Alice
V10 Max
Searching
Finding store
Gray - 80%
K1 Max
Searching
Finding store
Carbon Black - 80%
V3 Max
Searching
Finding store
Gray - 96%
K17 Max
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Finding store
Carbon Black - 96%
V5 Max
Searching
Finding store
Gray - Numpad 80%
K13 Max
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Finding store

Main Differences for
Gaming

Threshold 

0.10

Gaming 

8.4
8.4
No major differences between these keyboards for gaming. See full list of tests below.

Full Comparison

Design

Dimensions 
 

Top Picture  

Keychron V5 Max [V1 Max, V2 Max, etc.] Top Picture
Keychron K5 Max [K1 Max, K3 Max, etc.] Top Picture

Size 
 

Compact (96%)
Full-size (100%)

Height 
 

1.6" (4.1 cm)
0.9" (2.4 cm)

Width  

15.4" (39.0 cm)
16.5" (42.0 cm)

Depth 
 

5.9" (14.9 cm)
4.7" (12.0 cm)

Depth With Wrist Rest 
 

N/A
N/A

Weight 
 

2.02 lbs (0.918 kg)
1.60 lbs (0.727 kg)
Show Text 

Build Quality 
 

8.0
8.5

Build Quality Close Up  

Keychron V5 Max [V1 Max, V2 Max, etc.] Build Quality Close Up
Keychron K5 Max [K1 Max, K3 Max, etc.] Build Quality Close Up

Keycap Material  

PBT
PBT
Show Text 

Ergonomics 
 

6.0
7.0

Side Picture  

Keychron V5 Max [V1 Max, V2 Max, etc.] Side Picture
Keychron K5 Max [K1 Max, K3 Max, etc.] Side Picture

Curved/Angled 
 

No
No

Split Keyboard 
 

No
No

Key Alignment 
 

Staggered
Staggered

Minimum Incline 
 

3.5°
3.3°

Medium Incline 
 

6.5°
4.5°

Maximum Incline 
 

9.3°
6.6°

Home Row Height 
 

32.8 mm (1.3")
20.9 mm (0.8")
Show Text 

Hardware Customizability 
 

9.8
4.4

Customizability Overview  

Keychron V5 Max [V1 Max, V2 Max, etc.] Customizability Overview
Keychron K5 Max [K1 Max, K3 Max, etc.] Customizability Overview

Replaceable Cherry Stabilizers 
 

Yes
No

Stabilizer Fixation 
 

Screw-in
Plate-Mounted

Spacebar Stabilizer Size 
 

6.25u
6.25u

Size Of Right Mod Keys 
 

1u
1.25u

Hot-Swappable Switches 
 

Yes
No

Switch Stem Shape 
 

Cherry MX Style
Low Profile Cherry MX Style

Switch PCB Socket 
 

5-pin Cherry
Soldered

North-Facing Cherry MX Interference 
 

No
Yes
Show Text 

Backlight Features 
 

10
10

Backlighting Picture  

Keychron V5 Max [V1 Max, V2 Max, etc.] Backlighting Picture
Keychron K5 Max [K1 Max, K3 Max, etc.] Backlighting Picture

Brightness Max  

Keychron V5 Max [V1 Max, V2 Max, etc.] Brightness Max
Keychron K5 Max [K1 Max, K3 Max, etc.] Brightness Max

Backlighting  

Yes
Yes

Brightness Min  

Keychron V5 Max [V1 Max, V2 Max, etc.] Brightness Min
Keychron K5 Max [K1 Max, K3 Max, etc.] Brightness Min

RGB 
 

Yes
Yes

Per-Key Backlighting 
 

Yes
Yes

Effects 
 

Yes
Yes

Software Controllable 
 

Yes
Yes
Show Text 

Backlight Clarity 
 

4.0
4.0

White Shot  

Keychron V5 Max [V1 Max, V2 Max, etc.] White Shot
Keychron K5 Max [K1 Max, K3 Max, etc.] White Shot
Show Text 

Cable & Connector  

Connectivity  

Wireless
Wireless

Detachable 
 

Yes (Wired Mode and Charge)
Yes (Wired Mode and Charge)

Length  

5.9 ft (1.8 m)
3.9 ft (1.2 m)

Connector (Keyboard side) 
 

USB type-C
USB type-C
Show Text 

Wireless Versatility 
 

10
10

Bluetooth 
 

Yes
Yes

Bluetooth Multi-Device Pairing 
 

3
3

Proprietary Receiver 
 

Yes
Yes

Battery Type 
 

Rechargeable
Rechargeable
Show Text 

Macro Keys And Programming 
 

4.0
6.7

Dedicated Macro Keys Count  

0
4

Onboard Macro Programming 
 

No
No

Macro Programming With Software 
 

Yes
Yes
Show Text 

Extra Features 
 

Extra Features  

Keychron V5 Max [V1 Max, V2 Max, etc.] Extra Features
Keychron K5 Max [K1 Max, K3 Max, etc.] Extra Features

Media Keys 
 

Non-Dedicated
Non-Dedicated

Trackpad / Trackball  

No
No

Scroll Wheel 
 

No
No

Control Knob 
 

Yes
No

USB Passthrough 
 

No
No

Numpad  

Yes
Yes

Windows Key Lock 
 

Yes
No

Lock Indicator  

Caps & Num Lock
Caps Lock
Show Text 

In The Box  

Bundle Picture  

Keychron V5 Max [V1 Max, V2 Max, etc.] Bundle Picture
Keychron K5 Max [K1 Max, K3 Max, etc.] Bundle Picture
Show Text 
Typing Experience

Typing Quality 
 

8.5
8.0

Key Spacing 
 

19.0 mm (0.748")
19.0 mm (0.748")
Show Text 

Typing Noise 
 

9.0
9.4

Typing Sample  

Average Loudness 
 

45.6 dBA
41.3 dBA

High Pitch Clicks 
 

No
No
Show Text 

Switches 
 

Wobble Video  

Switch Name 
 

Gateron Jupiter Red
Gateron Low-Profile MX 2.0 Mechanical Red

Switch Type 
 

Mechanical
Mechanical

Feel 
 

Linear
Linear

Analog 
 

No
No
Show Text 

Keystrokes 
 

Key Switch Actuation Graph  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Operating Force 
 

45 gf
48 gf

Actuation Force 
 

45 gf
48 gf

Pre-Travel 
 

2.5 mm
1.8 mm

Total Travel 
 

3.9 mm
2.9 mm
Show Text 
Performance

Single-Key Latency 
 

9.2
9.1

Single-Key Latency Graph  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Best Connection 
 

3.1 ms
2.9 ms

Best Connection Std Dev  

±0.4 ms
±0.5 ms

Wired 
 

3.1 ms
2.9 ms

Receiver 
 

4.8 ms
4.4 ms

Bluetooth 
 

11.4 ms
9.7 ms

PCB (Estimated) 
 

1.0 ms
1.5 ms
Show Text 

Multi-Key Latency 
 

8.7
8.6

Latency Video  

Multi-Key Latency Graph  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Connection Evaluated  

Receiver
Receiver

Key Press 
 

4.7 ms
4.5 ms

Key Release 
 

7.7 ms
8.7 ms
Show Text 

Data Transmission 
 

8.2
8.2

Multi-Key Raw USB  

Keychron V5 Max [V1 Max, V2 Max, etc.] Multi-Key Raw USB
Keychron K5 Max [K1 Max, K3 Max, etc.] Multi-Key Raw USB

Connection Evaluated  

Receiver
Receiver

USB Polling Rate 
 

1,000 Hz
1,000 Hz

Effective Update Rate 
 

1,000 Hz
1,000 Hz

N-Key Rollover (NKRO) 
 

Yes
Yes

Multiple Keys Per USB Report 
 

No
No
Show Text 

Chord Split 
 

7.8
7.4

Chord Split Graph  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

4 Chord Split Delay 
 

6.3 ms
6.5 ms

8 Chord Split Delay 
 

8.9 ms
17.6 ms
Show Text 
Software and Operating System

Configuration Software 
 

Software Tour  

Software Name  

VIA
VIA

Software Windows Compatible 
 

Yes
Yes

Software macOS Compatible 
 

Yes
Yes

Onboard Memory 
 

Yes
Yes

Profiles 
 

6+
6+
Show Text 

Computer Compatibility 
 

10
10

Windows 
 

Fully Compatible
Fully Compatible

macOS 
 

Fully Compatible
Fully Compatible

Linux (Ubuntu 22) 
 

Fully Compatible
Fully Compatible

Media Key Compatibility 
 

Windows, MacOS & Linux
Windows, MacOS & Linux
Show Text 

Wireless Mobile Compatibility 
 

10
10

Android 
 

Fully Compatible
Fully Compatible

iOS 
 

Fully Compatible
Fully Compatible

iPadOS 
 

Fully Compatible
Fully Compatible

Media Key Compatibility 
 

Android, iPhone & iPad
Android, iPhone & iPad
Show Text 

Check Price

Carbon Black - 100%
V6 Max
Searching
Finding store
Gray - 100%
K5 Max
Searching
Finding store
Carbon Black - 60%
V4 Max
Searching
Finding store
Gray - 65%
K7 Max
Searching
Finding store
Carbon Black - 65%
V2 Max
Searching
Finding store
Gray - 65% (Alice)
K11 Max
Searching
Finding store
Carbon Black - 65%/Alice
V8 Max
Searching
Finding store
Gray - 75%
K3 Max
Searching
Finding store
Carbon Black - 75%
V1 Max
Searching
Finding store
Gray - 75% (Alice)
K15 Max
Searching
Finding store
Carbon Black - 75%/Alice
V10 Max
Searching
Finding store
Gray - 80%
K1 Max
Searching
Finding store
Carbon Black - 80%
V3 Max
Searching
Finding store
Gray - 96%
K17 Max
Searching
Finding store
Carbon Black - 96%
V5 Max
Searching
Finding store
Gray - Numpad 80%
K13 Max
Searching
Finding store
Back to Top

Keychron V5 Max [V1 Max, V2 Max, etc.]

Keychron K5 Max [K1 Max, K3 Max, etc.]

Comments

  1. Comparison
 • Posted 10 months ago

Keychron V5 Max [V1 Max, V2 Max, etc.] vs Keychron K5 Max [K1 Max, K3 Max, etc.]: Main Discussion

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