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 $75–$83 “K5, from Keychron's store” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $95–$115 | $75–$83 |
| Size | Full | Full |
| Type , different | Pre-built | Barebones |
| Connectivity | Wireless + Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released , different | 2024 | 2021 |
| Mounting , different | Integrated Plate | Tray Mount |
| Case , different | ABS with aluminum frame | Aluminum & Plastic |
| Colors , different | Black, White | See the store |
| Weight , different | 720 g | 770 g +/- 10 g |
| Dimensions , different | 424 x 119 mm | 435 x 120 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 | LSA ABS keycaps, not shine-through |
| PCB | Hot-swap | Hot-swap |
| Plates | Not listed | Not listed |
| Battery , different | 2000 mAh, up to 95 hours | 2000 mAh, up to 90 hours |
| Compatible switches | Keychron low-profile | Keychron low-profile |
| Software , different | QMK, VIA, Keychron Launcher | QMK |
| NKRO | Yes | Yes |
| RGB | No | No |
| Features | Full layout, Tri-mode, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA, Low profile | Full layout, Tri-mode, 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 | Office users who want a slim full-size board Buyers who want optical switch options People who value Bluetooth multi-device pairing |
| 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 | Anyone who wants a lighter case (see the SE) Gamers who want 2.4 GHz Buyers who need verified reviews of this exact model |
| 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) | Slim full-size with a numpad (maker) Optical or mechanical low-profile switches Hot-swappable Aluminum-and-plastic tray-mount case Bluetooth plus wired |
| 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 | Heavier than the SE at about 770 g Battery rated at only 90 hours Non-shine-through ABS keycaps No dongle No review of this model was found |
| Research take , different | The K5 to pick for most buyers; both reviewers liked it. | An alternative to the SE with a mixed case. Evidence is thin. |