Keychron K4 (V2) vs Keychron Q5
The Keychron K4 (V2) and the Keychron Q5 are close alternatives. The main differences: the Keychron K4 (V2) is the cheaper of the two at $60 versus $90; the Keychron K4 (V2) runs wireless where the Keychron Q5 is wired-only; stock, the Keychron K4 (V2) sounds clacky stock and the Keychron Q5 deep thock.
- Lower priceKeychron K4 (V2)$60 versus $90
- Easier to modKeychron Q5hot-swap sockets and QMK/VIA
- More ways to connectKeychron K4 (V2)2 connection modes versus 1
Choose the Keychron K4 (V2) if
- you mainly want it for budget.
- you mainly want it for beginners.
- you want to spend less ($60).
- you need wireless.
Choose the Keychron Q5 if
- you mainly want it for enthusiast.
- you want QMK/VIA remapping.
Keychron K4 (V2) vs Keychron Q5, spec by spec
| Keychron K4 (V2) | Keychron Q5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | 96% | 96% |
| Height | Standard | Standard |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wired (stronger spec) | Wired |
| Hot-swap | Yes | Yes |
| Keycaps | ABS shine-through, OEM profile | PBT double-shot, OSA profile |
| Case | ABS plastic, optional aluminum frame | Full CNC 6063 aluminum |
| Mount | Tray | Gasket |
| Backlight | RGB | RGB |
| QMK / VIA | No | Yes (stronger spec) |
| Battery | 4000 mAh | n/a |
| Typical price | $60 (stronger spec) | $90 |
| Sound (stock) | clacky stock | deep thock |
| Released | 2020 | 2022 |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ; a check marks the objectively stronger spec (price, battery, modability). Feel and preference rows never get a check. Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.
Where they sit among all 509 boards we track
6% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Keychron K4 (V2); 26% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Keychron Q5.
34% of the 172 wireless boards tracked here carry a smaller battery than the Keychron K4 (V2).
Where to buy the Keychron K4 (V2)
Where to buy the Keychron Q5
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