Compare
Pick two boards from the directory and see how they differ.
Shaded rows are where they differ.
| Spec |  Keychron Keychron K5 Max $95–$115 “Slim low-profile full-size with 2.4 GHz and QMK/VIA” |  Keychron Keychron K5 $90–$110 “K5, from Keychron's store” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $95–$115 | $90–$110 |
| Size | Full | Full |
| Type | Pre-built | Pre-built |
| Connectivity | Wireless + Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released | 2024 | 2024 |
| Mounting , different | Integrated Plate | Tray Mount |
| Case | ABS with aluminum frame | ABS with aluminum frame |
| Colors , different | Black, White | See the store |
| Weight , different | 720 g | 732 g |
| Dimensions | 424 x 119 mm | 424 x 119 mm |
| Typing angle | Not listed | Not listed |
| Front height | Not listed | Not listed |
| Switches | Low Profile | Low Profile |
| Profile | Low Profile | Low Profile |
| Keycaps , different | Low-profile double-shot PBT | Shine-through ABS |
| PCB | Hot-swap | Hot-swap |
| Plates | Not listed | Not listed |
| Battery , different | 2000 mAh, up to 95 hours | 2000 mAh, up to 160 hours |
| Compatible switches | Keychron low-profile | Keychron low-profile |
| Software | QMK, VIA, Keychron Launcher | QMK, VIA, Keychron Launcher |
| NKRO | Yes | Yes |
| RGB | No | No |
| Features , different | Full layout, Tri-mode, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA, Low profile | Full layout, Bluetooth 5.2 + USB-C, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA, Low profile |
| Good for , different | Office and home users who want a slim numpad board with a dongle QMK/VIA users who want a low-profile keyboard Buyers who want a lightweight full-size | Spreadsheet and office users who want a numpad Buyers who want a low-profile mechanical board People who like illuminated legends |
| Skip if , different | Travelers who need a compact board (see the K3 Max or K7 Max) Buyers who want bright RGB through the legends Gamers who need 8 kHz polling | Gamers who need low-latency wireless Buyers who want PBT keycaps Anyone who needs a heavy, deep-sounding desk board |
| Pros , different | 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth and wired (maker) IXPE foam gives a more refined sound than older low-profile Keychrons (Phandroid) Light for a full-size (Phandroid) Web-based remapping (GameRevolution) MX-style stems on the low-profile switches (Phandroid) | Full-size with a numpad in a slim body (maker) Shine-through ABS keycaps Battery rated up to 160 hours Hot-swappable low-profile switches QMK firmware |
| Cons , different | Keycaps are not shine-through, so RGB looks muted (GameRevolution) Some legend fonts look odd (GameRevolution) Only low-profile switches fit (GameRevolution) Too bulky to travel with, per Phandroid Battery rated at 95 hours | No review of this specific version was found Bluetooth plus wired only ABS keycaps rather than PBT Only low-profile switches fit Wired-only 1000 Hz polling, 90 Hz on Bluetooth (Forbes, on the K5 Pro) |
| Research take , different | The K5 to pick for most buyers; both reviewers liked it. | A basic slim full-size with QMK and shine-through ABS keycaps. The Pro adds PBT keycaps; the Max adds PBT and a dongle. |