Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless Review | 64 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£110
  • Avg. price in US: ~$90
  • Layout size: 65%
  • Connection type: USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth
  • Switch type: mechanical
  • Polling rate: 1000 Hz

Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless review. Compare 64 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among keyboards and if it is worth buying.

6.8

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the keyboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best keyboards on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

6.8

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
6.8

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the keyboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as switch feel, typing and gaming performance, layout and features, connectivity, build quality, backlighting, software, and comfort.

When it matters: When you want to compare keyboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

34.0%

7.9

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

3.2

Switches

20.0%

10

Materials

12.0%

7.7

Features

6.0%

5.2

Design

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the keyboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a keyboard performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of typing feel, noise level, comfort, and long-term durability.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 3.5
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Polling rate

    24.0%

    1.0

    Rapid trigger

    20.0%

    1.0

    Adjustable actuation

    16.0%

    10

    Hot-swappable switches

    12.0%

    10

    Onboard memory

  • 8.2
    Typing

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.0

    Wrist rest included

    24.0%

    10

    Legend method

    20.0%

    10

    Adjustable feet

    15.0%

    8.9

    Typing angle

    13.0%

    10

    Pre-lubed stabilizers

  • 10
    Programming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    10

    QMK support

    26.0%

    10

    VIA support

    18.0%

    10

    Mac compatibility

    14.0%

    10

    Multi-device pairing

    12.0%

    10

    Connection type

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Keychron V2 Max is a compact 65% layout wireless mechanical keyboard that features a premium gasket mount design and a PC plate for a flexible, cushioned typing experience. It offers tri-mode connectivity via Bluetooth 5.1, a high-speed 1000 Hz 2.4 GHz wireless connection, and USB-C wired mode, supported by a 4000 mAh battery that lasts up to 225 hours with the backlight off. Key technical highlights include hot-swappable Gateron Jupiter switches, south-facing RGB LEDs, OSA profile double-shot PBT keycaps, and full QMK/VIA support for extensive remapping. While it excels with its budget-friendly price point and dual USB-C/USB-A receivers, its main drawbacks include a plastic ABS body that may feel less premium than aluminum alternatives and a relatively bulky, heavy build for a portable 65% layout.

Technical Specifications of Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the keyboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as switch feel, typing and gaming performance, layout and features, connectivity, build quality, backlighting, software, and comfort.

When it matters: When you want to compare keyboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

34.0%

?

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

?

Switches

20.0%

?

Materials

12.0%

?

Features

6.0%

?

Design

6.8
Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless has a technical score of 6.84 points, which is higher than that of 52.7% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the keyboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a keyboard performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of typing feel, noise level, comfort, and long-term durability.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the keyboard.
When it matters: When you prefer a keyboard that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
1.0
Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 79.8% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the keyboard's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a keyboard that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.8

Overall score

40.0%

9.9

Price

7.8
Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.8 points, which is higher than 46.2% of products in this category.
Switch type
What it is: Identifies the switch technology used by the keyboard, such as mechanical, optical, or Hall effect.
When it matters: When you are choosing between different response technologies and their long-term behavior.

Importance: HIGH

mechanical
Switch feel
What it is: Describes the keypress character, such as linear, tactile, or clicky.
When it matters: When the sensation of each keypress changes comfort, control, and noise level for your use.

Importance: HIGH

Linear
Switch name
What it is: States the specific switch model used by the keyboard.
When it matters: When the exact switch model matters because small tuning differences affect your preference.

Importance: MEDIUM

Gateron Jupiter
Actuation force
What it is: Measures how much force is needed to actuate a key.
When it matters: When finger fatigue, accidental presses, or key resistance matters to your typing style.

Importance: HIGH

45 g
Min actuation distance
What it is: Measures the shortest key travel needed to register an input.
When it matters: When faster key response matters and you want the shortest possible trigger point under your fingers.

Importance: MEDIUM

2 mm
Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless has a minimum actuation distance of 2 mm, which is longer than 66.3% of keyboards and equal to 33.4% of keyboards.
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Keyboard type
What it is: Identifies the keyboard technology, such as mechanical, membrane, optical, or Hall effect.
When it matters: When you need a keyboard built around a specific switch technology or feel profile.

Importance: HIGH

mechanical
Layout size
What it is: States the keyboard form factor and how much of the standard keyset it includes.
When it matters: When desk space, portability, or access to a full key set affects how you work or play.

Importance: HIGH

65%
Layout standard
What it is: Specifies the regional layout standard, such as ANSI, ISO, or JIS.
When it matters: When you need a regional key layout that matches your language habits or keycap set.

Importance: MEDIUM

ANSI
N. of keys
What it is: States how many keys are present on the keyboard.
When it matters: When you need a certain number of keys for shortcuts, navigation, or a numpad.

Importance: MEDIUM

67
Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless has 67 keys, which is fewer than 82.2% of keyboards and equal to 4.5% of keyboards.
Profile
What it is: Describes whether the keyboard uses a low-profile or standard-height design.
When it matters: When key height changes your typing comfort, travel distance, or the overall desk setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

standard
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Connection type
What it is: Specifies how the keyboard connects, such as USB, 2.4 GHz wireless, or Bluetooth.
When it matters: When latency, cable management, or wireless flexibility is part of your buying decision.

Importance: HIGH

USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth
Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity, which is more versatile than 57.9% of keyboards and equal to 42.1% of keyboards.
Multi-device pairing
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard can stay paired with multiple devices for quicker switching.
When it matters: When you switch regularly between a laptop, tablet, and other devices on one desk.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless supports multi-device pairing. 4.5% of keyboards support multi-device pairing.
up to 3 devices.
Bluetooth version
What it is: States the Bluetooth generation supported for wireless pairing.
When it matters: When wireless stability, compatibility, and energy efficiency are part of what you compare.

Importance: MEDIUM

5.1
Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless uses Bluetooth 5.1, which is newer than 64.7% of keyboards and equal to 24.1% of keyboards.
Mac compatibility
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard is intended to work properly with macOS layouts, shortcuts, or legends.
When it matters: When you need the keyboard to work properly with macOS shortcuts and key mapping.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless is Mac compatible. 44.4% of keyboards are Mac compatible.
Battery life
What it is: Estimates how long the keyboard can run on a full charge.
When it matters: When the keyboard needs to last through workweeks, travel, or long gaming stretches without constant charging.

Importance: HIGH

190 h
Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless lasts 190 h on a charge, which is longer than 55.8% of keyboards and equal to 3.5% of keyboards.
backlight off.
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RGB lighting
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard includes customizable RGB lighting effects.
When it matters: When visual customization and desk aesthetics matter to your setup.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless has RGB lighting. 12.3% of keyboards have RGB lighting.
Per-key RGB
What it is: Shows whether each key can be lit and controlled independently instead of sharing one uniform lighting zone.
When it matters: When customizing each key individually matters for visuals, games, or shortcut visibility.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless has per-key RGB lighting. 23% of keyboards have per-key RGB lighting.
RGB zones
What it is: States how many RGB lighting zones can be controlled separately.
When it matters: When you want more lighting control than a simple all-at-once backlight can provide.

Importance: LOW

67
Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless has 67 RGB zones, which is fewer than 65.8% of keyboards and equal to 4.3% of keyboards.
Underglow / side lighting
What it is: Shows whether the case includes lighting around the underside or outer edges in addition to the keys themselves.
When it matters: When edge lighting is part of the visual style you want from the keyboard.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless does not include underglow lighting. 31.7% of keyboards include underglow lighting.
Backlight direction
What it is: Specifies whether the switches use north-facing or south-facing backlighting.
When it matters: When you care about switch compatibility, keycap interference, or lighting placement.

Importance: LOW

south-facing
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Case material
What it is: Describes the main material used for the keyboard case.
When it matters: When build feel, rigidity, and overall finish influence your sense of quality.

Importance: HIGH

plastic
Plate material
What it is: Describes the material used for the mounting plate beneath the switches.
When it matters: When keyboard stiffness, sound profile, and bottom-out feel matter more than the switch spec sheet alone.

Importance: HIGH

polycarbonate
Keycap material
What it is: Describes the material used to make the keycaps.
When it matters: When surface texture, wear resistance, and sound of the keycaps affect your choice.

Importance: HIGH

PBT
Keycap profile
What it is: Describes the shape and height profile of the keycaps.
When it matters: When key shape and sculpting affect comfort, wrist angle, and the sound of each press.

Importance: MEDIUM

OSA
Legend method
What it is: Describes how the legends are applied to the keycaps, which affects durability and visibility.
When it matters: When you care about how long key legends stay readable after heavy use.

Importance: MEDIUM

double-shot
Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless uses double-shot legends, which are more durable than 25.8% of keyboards and equal to 74.2% of keyboards.
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Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless vs the average keyboard

  • Volume control wheel
    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless includes a volume wheel, the average keyboard does not. 38.8% of keyboards include a volume wheel.
    What it is: Shows whether the keyboard includes a dedicated wheel or roller for hardware volume control.
    When it matters: When frequent hardware volume control matters enough that you do not want to rely on function-key shortcuts.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless includes a volume wheel, the average keyboard does not. 38.8% of keyboards include a volume wheel.
  • Supports QMK
    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless supports QMK, the average keyboard does not. 28.8% of keyboards support QMK.
    What it is: Shows whether the keyboard supports QMK firmware for deeper remapping and behavior customization.
    When it matters: When deep remapping, macros, and firmware-level customization matter to your workflow.

    Importance: HIGH

    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless supports QMK, the average keyboard does not. 28.8% of keyboards support QMK.
  • Supports VIA
    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless supports VIA, the average keyboard does not. 27.1% of keyboards support VIA.
    What it is: Shows whether the keyboard supports VIA for live remapping and configuration without rebuilding firmware manually.
    When it matters: When quick live remapping without rebuilding firmware is important to you.

    Importance: HIGH

    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless supports VIA, the average keyboard does not. 27.1% of keyboards support VIA.
  • 28.7% lower weight
    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless weighs less than the average keyboard (696 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.
    What it is: Measures the total mass of the keyboard.
    When it matters: When you care whether the keyboard feels easy to carry or heavy enough to stay planted on the desk.

    Importance: HIGH

    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless weighs less than the average keyboard (696 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.696 g vs 976 g
  • 231.7 mm narrower width
    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless is narrower than the average keyboard (123.3 mm vs 355 mm). The average keyboard width is 355 mm.
    What it is: Measures the keyboard from side to side.
    When it matters: When the keyboard has to match limited desk width or fit inside a specific setup.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless is narrower than the average keyboard (123.3 mm vs 355 mm). The average keyboard width is 355 mm.123.3 mm vs 355 mm
  • 1.5 ° lower typing angle
    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless has a lower typing angle than the average keyboard (3.5 ° vs 5 °). The average keyboard has a typing angle of 5 °.
    Adjustable to 7.5 and 9.7.
    What it is: Measures the incline of the keyboard during use.
    When it matters: When wrist posture and typing comfort depend on how steeply the keyboard sits.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless has a lower typing angle than the average keyboard (3.5 ° vs 5 °). The average keyboard has a typing angle of 5 °.3.5 ° vs 5 °
  • 24 h longer battery life
    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless lasts longer on a charge than the average keyboard (190 h vs 166 h). The average keyboard lasts 166 h on a charge.
    backlight off.
    What it is: Estimates how long the keyboard can run on a full charge.
    When it matters: When the keyboard needs to last through workweeks, travel, or long gaming stretches without constant charging.

    Importance: HIGH

    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless lasts longer on a charge than the average keyboard (190 h vs 166 h). The average keyboard lasts 166 h on a charge.190 h vs 166 h
  • 28.7% lower weight
    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless weighs less than the average keyboard (696 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.
  • 231.7 mm narrower width
    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless is narrower than the average keyboard (123.3 mm vs 355 mm). The average keyboard width is 355 mm.
  • 1.5 ° lower typing angle
    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless has a lower typing angle than the average keyboard (3.5 ° vs 5 °). The average keyboard has a typing angle of 5 °.
  • 24 h longer battery life
    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless lasts longer on a charge than the average keyboard (190 h vs 166 h). The average keyboard lasts 166 h on a charge.
  • Volume control wheel
    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless includes a volume wheel, the average keyboard does not. 38.8% of keyboards include a volume wheel.
  • Supports QMK
    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless supports QMK, the average keyboard does not. 28.8% of keyboards support QMK.
  • Supports VIA
    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless supports VIA, the average keyboard does not. 27.1% of keyboards support VIA.
  • 20 fewer keys
    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless has fewer keys than the average keyboard (67 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.
  • 4.2 mm higher keyboard height
    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless is taller than the average keyboard (42.7 mm vs 38.5 mm). The average keyboard height is 38.5 mm.
  • 1 h longer charging time
    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless charges more slowly than the average keyboard (5 h vs 4 h). The average keyboard takes 4 h to charge.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless uses an older Bluetooth version than the average keyboard (5.1 vs 5.2). The average keyboard uses Bluetooth 5.2.
  • 0.3 mm longer minimum actuation distance
    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless has a longer minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
  • 16 fewer RGB zones
    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless has fewer RGB zones than the average keyboard (67 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.
  • 20 fewer keys
    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless has fewer keys than the average keyboard (67 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.
    What it is: States how many keys are present on the keyboard.
    When it matters: When you need a certain number of keys for shortcuts, navigation, or a numpad.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless has fewer keys than the average keyboard (67 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.67 vs 87
  • 0.3 mm longer minimum actuation distance
    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless has a longer minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
    What it is: Measures the shortest key travel needed to register an input.
    When it matters: When faster key response matters and you want the shortest possible trigger point under your fingers.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless has a longer minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.2 mm vs 1.7 mm
  • 1 h longer charging time
    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless charges more slowly than the average keyboard (5 h vs 4 h). The average keyboard takes 4 h to charge.
    What it is: Measures how long the battery needs for a full recharge.
    When it matters: When short charging windows matter and you do not want the keyboard tied to a cable for too long.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless charges more slowly than the average keyboard (5 h vs 4 h). The average keyboard takes 4 h to charge.5 h vs 4 h
  • 16 fewer RGB zones
    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless has fewer RGB zones than the average keyboard (67 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.
    What it is: States how many RGB lighting zones can be controlled separately.
    When it matters: When you want more lighting control than a simple all-at-once backlight can provide.

    Importance: LOW

    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless has fewer RGB zones than the average keyboard (67 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.67 vs 83
  • 5.77x less popular
    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless is less popular than the average keyboard (1.00 vs 5.772).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the keyboard.
    When it matters: When you prefer a keyboard that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless is less popular than the average keyboard (1.00 vs 5.772).1 vs 5.77
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless uses an older Bluetooth version than the average keyboard (5.1 vs 5.2). The average keyboard uses Bluetooth 5.2.
    What it is: States the Bluetooth generation supported for wireless pairing.
    When it matters: When wireless stability, compatibility, and energy efficiency are part of what you compare.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless uses an older Bluetooth version than the average keyboard (5.1 vs 5.2). The average keyboard uses Bluetooth 5.2.5.1 vs 5.2
  • 4.2 mm higher keyboard height
    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless is taller than the average keyboard (42.7 mm vs 38.5 mm). The average keyboard height is 38.5 mm.
    What it is: Measures the keyboard's vertical dimension from its base to its highest point.
    When it matters: When the keyboard has to fit under shelves, trays, or other tight desk constraints.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless is taller than the average keyboard (42.7 mm vs 38.5 mm). The average keyboard height is 38.5 mm.42.7 mm vs 38.5 mm

Graphic comparison of Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless?

  • Excellent value with premium features like gasket mounting at a budget-friendly price point
  • Versatile connectivity options including 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.1, and wired modes
  • Convenient magnetic storage compartments for both USB-A and USB-C 2.4GHz dongles
  • High level of customization via hot-swappable switches and QMK/VIA open-source firmware
  • Satisfying typing experience with 'creamy' sound profiles and pre-lubed Gateron Jupiter switches
  • Functional rotary knob that feels sturdy and responsive for volume control

What customers dislike about Keychron V2 Max QMK VIA Wireless?

  • Tall case profile may cause wrist strain and often requires a separate wrist rest for comfort
  • Standard ABS plastic housing can feel less premium or 'cheap' compared to aluminum alternatives
  • Stock PBT keycaps are not 'shine-through,' making legends difficult to read in dark environments
  • Some users reported factory stabilizers can still be somewhat loud or rattly, requiring further tuning
  • Bluetooth latency is notably higher than the 2.4GHz or wired connections, which may impact competitive gaming

Expert reviews

R
rtings.com
07/03/2024

The Keychron V Max series (V1, V2, V5) is recognized as a high-performance, budget-friendly wireless keyboard lineup featuring a hot-swappable PCB, excellent build quality, and a comfortable, gasket-mounted typing experience with a 1000Hz polling rate. It provides extensive customization options, including VIA software support, and delivers a soft, cushioned feel due to its...Read more

Video reviews

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