Keychron Q5 Pro Wireless QMK VIA Mechanical Keyboard 96 Layout Programmable Knob Full Aluminum Double-Gasket Design Hot-swappable K

If you’re looking at this, you’re likely far past the point of being interested in a cheap plastic keyboard. This thing is super solid, heavy, and premium feeling. I don’t ever want to go back to a cheap keyboard. The typing experience is awesome and while expensive, it’s worth the cost. Read more

Goodness, this thing is built like a tank! Super high quality construction. I love how the keys are cushioned so it’s nice and quiet yet still retains the ‘click’ that mechanical keyboards have. Very versatile with the ability to keymap etc. Read more

If you're reading this review, you've already been researching mechanical keyboards and know what these Q-series Keychron keyboards are like. I'm actually coming to this from a Keychron K5 Pro 100% keyboard (brown switches). And I've also had Corsair and Logi mechanicals and and generic membrane keyboards, too. I'm a writer (mainly fiction). I'm also a gamer, but I don't use this keyboard for gaming. So, all you'll read below is from the perspective of someone who uses a keyboard for typing only and for hours during the day. If you are of a certain age and have ever used one of those old IBM AS/400 dedicated terminals, then you know exactly what this keyboard sounds and feels like (with the Brown switches). Solid is the first thing that you will think. And it is unlike an other keyboard type in that way. The heavy aluminum frame means there is absolutely no flex. And when people say it is heavy, it is much heavier than you are imagining. The K5 Pro I have been using also has a aluminum frame and also feels solid, but it is nothing like the Q-series. Beyond its tank-like build, the typing feel is excellent. It isn't silent and there is a slight metallic "ring" from the aluminum on firm fast presses. For me, it is a satisfying sound, but this is an element that is highly subjective. With the brown switches, it is not clicky and the travel is uniform and predictable. I'm a good typist, so errors aren't a big problem, but I do find that this keyboard does help with accuracy, too. Accessories and customization options abound, too. Bluetooth connectivity works flawlessly (and I work about ten feet away from my PC). QMK/VIA software works well. And I do like the knob/switch. There are two things I don't like about the Q5 Pro. The first is my fault; I don't like the 96% layout. The cramped (to me) middle/right side of the keyboard is just not working for me. The K5 Pro I came from, though a slim keyboard, was 100% and I liked the layout better. But, again, this is my fault for picking the layout. I will get used to it, and for basic typing it's not an issue. It's the arrow keys and vertical special keys placement I don't like. My only advice here is don't assume, like I did, you'll be happy with a 96% if you're used to a 100% layout. The second thing I don't like is the default keycaps/backlighting. If you've been deep in researching these, then you probably know that though the key base is lit, the standard keycaps are not shine-through. You will see light around the keys, but you will not see the key labels lit. Like many, I ask the question why have lit switches and opaque keys? But that's the default. So, you think, well, I'll just buy new keycaps. And, yes, you can. But be aware that these are south-facing light keyboards. In other words, the light shines toward you, as the typist, not straight up. The first shine-through keycaps I bought were top-side shine-through and the keyboard did not light these adequately. Buying side (front) labeled shine-throughs does work but these are less common and some keycap labels (mine included) are only visible when the keyboard light is on. The lighting itself is customizable in myriad ways and you will find a color, pattern, brightness to suit you. No worries there. Battery life is good. I am not crazy about the slide switches for layout and power/USB, but they do work. I've taken off one star for the lighting, primarily. The keyboard doesn't have built-in risers to change the angle, either. And as I said, I'm not crazy about the switches. But those are not worth a deduction. Is this the best keyboard for typing I've used? Yes! Would it be the best keyboard if I tried two dozen other models at this price point? Hmm. I don't know. But since you're reading this, you're wanting to know is it the best keyboard for you? My advice is, if you possibly can, try some in person before buying. This is an investment type item. There are some laptops that cost less than this keyboard! Happy typing. Read more

This is my first premium quality keyboard, I wanted to try out some mods but there isn't much to do to make this better. The keycaps are great quality and don't leave any prints or smudge. The weight and feel are ideal when you think of a premium keyboard. Every detail was done perfect. Only downside is they didn't offer a switch I preferred but that doesn't take away anything from this build. The usb cable could have been better quality, and some other choices of colors for keycaps but that's it. Love it and will be using it for years. Read more

I've owned and built several mechanical keyboards. The value is really great on this one, and the aluminum case is way heavier than I expected. Read more

Absolutely love this keyboard as I’ve now used it for quite sometime. Bought to replace my glorious keyboard that i kept having issues with. I love the build quality of this keyboard and it feels premium. Can’t recommend it enough! Read more

Great keyboard! Nice quality! Read more

Love it, would recommend. Read more