Keychron V5 Max Review

Not only does this keyboard justify the appeal of mechanical keyboards, but it's also highly versatile. Across multiple tests, it proved that it can be a one-stop-shop for typing functionality with its range of convenient features.

Performance Comparison

Typing Experience

The Keychron V5 Max has multiple available switch types, but we tested using the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch. We enjoyed the more tactile feel of these switches for this particular keyboard, and the result was a typing experience as fun and juicy as the switches' namesake.

This keyboard required an average operating force of 55.1 gram force, making it slightly easier than average to press each button. Our testing machine also showed us that the actuation bump was only 0.56mm into the press, though the actuation point was some distance after that at 2.38mm.

I found the tactile bump and actuation point distances to be satisfying, though some typists might consider it strange that they are so far apart.

There's a crisp bump at the start of each keystroke. Pressing with enough effort to overcome this bump caused me to hit the actuation point and bottom out quickly. While this design choice requires the typer to be more deliberate with each button press, I found that it led to a more satisfying typing experience with fewer misclicks.

A smooth-feeling button press, combined with keys shaped perfectly to hug your fingers, makes for joyful typing sessions that are only improved further by constant tactile responses that feel just right.

Comfort

The Keychron V5 Max cuts a standard figure in terms of its profile and shape. The keys tower above the board, but they feel good and are comfortable to use due mostly to a “hugging” shape that almost grips your fingertips gently as you type.

It can be difficult to reach all of the stretched-out keys without moving your wrists, especially if you have smaller hands, but adjusting the keyboard's angle between 3.5º, 7º, and 9º angles can help you find the setup that works best for you.

After putting more than a dozen wireless keyboards through a gauntlet of practical tests, we found the Keychron V5 Max to be very middle-of-the-road in terms of comfort. It does not have the universally easy-to-reach keys that we appreciated in other boards from this category. While it does feature high-quality keycaps, our methodology showed that accommodating the fingertip is not as important as easing the burden on the typist's wrists.

Choosing to use a palm rest can make all the difference with this keyboard. Doing so will elevate your hands such that your fingers will reach the tall keys without issue. Without a palm rest, you are liable to strain your wrists very quickly due to the harsh angle you have to assume just to raise your fingers high enough. It is a point against the Keychron V5 Max that it does not come with a palm rest out of the box, but to its benefit, you can conveniently purchase a suitable one from the manufacturer.

Performance

In our wireless keyboard performance tests, we meticulously monitored how each keyboard affected our testers' typing speeds and accuracy. We also took exacting measurements of each board's average operating force and actuation point distance and then examined how these metrics affected performance.

On these fronts, the Keychron V5 Max proved that it is a top performer that rivals any and all other mechanical keyboards in this category. Our testers achieved lower-than-average typing speeds on this keyboard relative to other wireless boards. Our fastest typer averaged 80 words per minute on the V5 despite reaching 90+ WPM with other options. However, it is entirely possible to become faster on this keyboard after getting used to it.

It is a unique mechanical keyboard with curved keys and an unusually high keycap profile, but someone who prefers tall keyboards may feel right at home. Also worth noting is the awkward number pad on this board; it includes a much smaller 0 key compared to a traditional Numpad, forcing your hand into a cramped or claw-like position when you are engaged in fast-paced number entry tasks.

The Keychron V5 Max is not a standout when it comes to accuracy. While our testers did find that the need to overcome a tactile bump before actuating the keystroke could lead to fewer misclicks, it also creates an effect of fully registering any mistakes that do happen. This is because overcoming that initial bump requires notable force — if you are in the habit of applying that much force when typing, you will find that it is always too late to “pull back” out of the keystroke by the time you realize you hit the wrong key.

Typing Noise

There is no denying that the Keychron V5 Max perpetuates the reputation of mechanical keyboards as loud clickety-clackers. Whether it adds or detracts from the typing experience, though, is a matter of personal preference.

One tester described the sound as rich and full but felt that it took away from the experience, while another tester felt that the loud yet satisfying sound was an enhancer.

The V5 produces a “creamy” sound when typing. We measured the volume at 47 decibels, just a few notches below the loudest wireless keyboards we tested. The spacebar on the V5 has that same muted “creamy” sound but is still slightly louder than the other keys.

Overall, the Keychron V5 Max is not likely to be the first pick if you need a wireless keyboard for your quiet office environment. If you like a strong and satisfying sound when you type, though, this keyboard will give you what you want.

Convenience

Convenience is the primary selling point of the Keychron V5 Max. While it isn't the top performer, and the noise of a mechanical keyboard may be off-putting to some, there is no denying that this product simply does everything you could ask of it. This starts, most notably, with the ability to connect with up to 5 devices simultaneously over wired, wireless (via USB-A or USB-C), or Bluetooth connections.

Our testers were particularly keen on emphasizing the convenience of a volume knob to fine-tune the sound levels of any device connected to the V5. Through the free Keychron Launcher web software, you can personalize Keychron boards with remapping, macros, and basic changes to the built-in RGB backlighting.

Not only does the V5 feature hot-swappable keycaps and switches, but it comes packaged with a keycap puller, a switch puller, and a few extra keys that you might use if you transition between Windows and iOS devices. If you decide to change switch types, you can choose between two basic variations and one tactile variation.

Should You Buy the Keychron V5 Max?

This is a keyboard for anyone who loves everything about mechanical keyboards. It's wireless, convenient, versatile, and simply fun to use. It works best in a home environment where nobody will complain about the noise and is also great for gaming thanks to a generous 6-key or N-key rollover. As with most mechanical keyboards, though, it might be worth thinking twice before buying this for use in an office or collaborative workspace.

What Other Wireless Keyboards Should You Consider?

The Keychron V5 Max is our favorite wireless mechanical keyboard, but there are some amazing wired mechanical keyboards on the market too. We love the Corsair K100 RGB as a top-tier gaming keyboard. If you're looking for an excellent wireless keyboard without the mechanical element, we highly recommend the Logitech MX Keys S as an all-around excellent typing tool.