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Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless Review | 64 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£260
Avg. price in US: ~$250
Layout size: 1800-compact
Connection type: USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth
Switch type: hall effect
Polling rate: 1000 Hz

Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless review. Compare 64 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among keyboards and if it is worth buying.

7.7

Very good

7.7

Very good

7.3

Very good

7.5
Gaming
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Polling rate
24.0%
10
Rapid trigger
20.0%
10
Adjustable actuation
16.0%
10
Hot-swappable switches
12.0%
10
Onboard memory
5.6
Typing
Score components:
28.0%
4.0
Wrist rest included
24.0%
10
Legend method
20.0%
4.0
Adjustable feet
15.0%
4.8
Typing angle
13.0%
4.0
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

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Verdict

The Keychron Q5 HE is a premium 96% layout wireless QMK keyboard distinguished by its Hall Effect Gateron 2.0 magnetic switches, which allow for adjustable actuation (0.2 to 3.8 mm), rapid trigger, and 2-in-1 key functions. It features a robust 6063 CNC aluminum chassis, double-gasket mount design for a cushioned typing feel, and tri-mode connectivity including a 1000Hz polling rate via 2.4 GHz wireless. Main pros include its exceptional build quality, highly customizable per-key sensitivity for gaming, and full QMK/VIA support for remapping. However, potential cons include its significant weight (approx. 2kg) which limits portability, a high price point compared to standard mechanical models, and compatibility restricted specifically to magnetic switches.

Technical Specifications of Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless

Overall score

7.7

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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.

Switches

7.3

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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

hall effect

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 Double-Rail Magnetic Nebula

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

40 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

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Design

6.5

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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

1800-compact

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

?

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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Connectivity & Power

8.2

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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

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

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

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

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

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Features

9.4

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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

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

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

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

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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Materials

7.0

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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

aluminum

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

aluminum

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

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Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless vs the average keyboard

Why is Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless better than the average keyboard?

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Rapid trigger support
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless supports rapid trigger, the average keyboard does not. 18.6% of keyboards support rapid trigger.
What it is: Shows whether keys can reset and re-trigger dynamically based on movement instead of waiting for a fixed reset point.
When it matters: When repeated movements and very fast re-activation are important in competitive play.
Importance: HIGH
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless supports rapid trigger, the average keyboard does not. 18.6% of keyboards support rapid trigger.
1.5 mm shorter actuation distance
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless has a shorter minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (0.2 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 Q5 HE QMK Wireless has a shorter minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (0.2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.0.2 mm vs 1.7 mm
Analog input support
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless supports analog input, the average keyboard does not. 10.3% of keyboards support analog input.
Analog mode with variable input control.
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard can detect varying key depth instead of only simple on-off key presses.
When it matters: When you want keyboard keys to act more like analog controls for movement, throttle, or variable in-game input.
Importance: HIGH
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless supports analog input, the average keyboard does not. 10.3% of keyboards support analog input.
Adjustable actuation
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless supports adjustable actuation, the average keyboard does not. 22.6% of keyboards offer adjustable actuation.
0.2-3.8 mm adjustable actuation range.
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard lets you change how deep a key must travel before it registers.
When it matters: When you want a shorter trigger for competitive play or a deeper trigger to reduce accidental presses while typing.
Importance: HIGH
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless supports adjustable actuation, the average keyboard does not. 22.6% of keyboards offer adjustable actuation.
2 h shorter charging time
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless charges faster than the average keyboard (2 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 Q5 HE QMK Wireless charges faster than the average keyboard (2 h vs 4 h). The average keyboard takes 4 h to charge.2 h vs 4 h
Dual actuation support
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless supports dual actuation, the average keyboard does not. 18.5% of keyboards support dual actuation.
What it is: Shows whether one key can trigger different actions at different press depths.
When it matters: When assigning two actions to one key can simplify complex shortcuts or game inputs.
Importance: MEDIUM
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless supports dual actuation, the average keyboard does not. 18.5% of keyboards support dual actuation.
Dedicated media keys
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless includes dedicated media keys, the average keyboard does not. 20.7% of keyboards include dedicated media keys.
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard includes separate media controls instead of hiding them behind a function layer.
When it matters: When you use media controls often and do not want to rely on function-layer shortcuts.
Importance: MEDIUM
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless includes dedicated media keys, the average keyboard does not. 20.7% of keyboards include dedicated media keys.
Underglow lighting
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless includes underglow lighting, the average keyboard does not. 31.6% of keyboards include underglow 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
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless includes underglow lighting, the average keyboard does not. 31.6% of keyboards include underglow lighting.
17.77 mm lower keyboard height
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless is lower than the average keyboard (20.7 mm vs 38.5 mm). The average keyboard height is 38.5 mm.
2 h shorter charging time
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless charges faster than the average keyboard (2 h vs 4 h). The average keyboard takes 4 h to charge.
Rapid trigger support
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless supports rapid trigger, the average keyboard does not. 18.6% of keyboards support rapid trigger.
1.5 mm shorter actuation distance
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless has a shorter minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (0.2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
Analog input support
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless supports analog input, the average keyboard does not. 10.3% of keyboards support analog input.
Adjustable actuation
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless supports adjustable actuation, the average keyboard does not. 22.6% of keyboards offer adjustable actuation.
Dual actuation support
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless supports dual actuation, the average keyboard does not. 18.5% of keyboards support dual actuation.
0.2 mm shorter key travel
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless has 3.8 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.
Dedicated media keys
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless includes dedicated media keys, the average keyboard does not. 20.7% of keyboards include dedicated media keys.
Underglow lighting
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless includes underglow lighting, the average keyboard does not. 31.6% of keyboards include underglow lighting.
Volume control wheel
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless includes a volume wheel, the average keyboard does not. 38.8% of keyboards include a volume wheel.
Supports QMK
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless supports QMK, the average keyboard does not. 28.8% of keyboards support QMK.
Supports VIA
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless supports VIA, the average keyboard does not. 27.1% of keyboards support VIA.
15 more RGB zones
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless has more RGB zones than the average keyboard (98 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.

Connectivity & Power

Why is Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless worse than the average keyboard?

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2.24x higher weight
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless weighs more than the average keyboard (2,187 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.
No adjustable feet
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless does not have adjustable feet, the average keyboard does. 85.5% of keyboards have adjustable feet.
53.05 mm wider width
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless is wider than the average keyboard (408.1 mm vs 355 mm). The average keyboard width is 355 mm.
0.3 ° higher typing angle
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless has a higher typing angle than the average keyboard (5.3 ° vs 5 °). The average keyboard has a typing angle of 5 °.
66 h shorter battery life
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless lasts less long on a charge than the average keyboard (100 h vs 166 h). The average keyboard lasts 166 h on a charge.
backlight off.
1.8 mm longer actuation distance
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless has a shorter maximum actuation distance than the average keyboard (3.8 mm vs 2 mm). The average keyboard has a maximum actuation distance of 2 mm.
No pre-lubed stabilizers
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless does not have pre-lubed stabilizers, the average keyboard does. 81.1% of keyboards come with pre-lubed stabilizers.
No pre-lubed stabilizers
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless does not have pre-lubed stabilizers, the average keyboard does. 81.1% of keyboards come with pre-lubed stabilizers.
What it is: Shows whether the stabilizers arrive factory-lubricated instead of requiring manual tuning for smoother larger keys.
When it matters: When larger keys like space, enter, and shift need to feel smoother and sound less rattly out of the box.
Importance: MEDIUM
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless does not have pre-lubed stabilizers, the average keyboard does. 81.1% of keyboards come with pre-lubed stabilizers.
1.8 mm longer actuation distance
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless has a shorter maximum actuation distance than the average keyboard (3.8 mm vs 2 mm). The average keyboard has a maximum actuation distance of 2 mm.
What it is: Measures the highest configurable actuation point or trigger position.
When it matters: When you want precise control over how deep a key can be set to trigger for different games or typing styles.
Importance: MEDIUM
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless has a shorter maximum actuation distance than the average keyboard (3.8 mm vs 2 mm). The average keyboard has a maximum actuation distance of 2 mm.3.8 mm vs 2 mm
2.24x higher weight
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless weighs more than the average keyboard (2,187 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 Q5 HE QMK Wireless weighs more than the average keyboard (2,187 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.2187 g vs 976 g
66 h shorter battery life
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless lasts less long on a charge than the average keyboard (100 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 Q5 HE QMK Wireless lasts less long on a charge than the average keyboard (100 h vs 166 h). The average keyboard lasts 166 h on a charge.100 h vs 166 h
2x more expensive
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless is more expensive than the average keyboard (£260 vs £130).
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless is more expensive than the average keyboard (£260 vs £130).£260 vs £130
No adjustable feet
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless does not have adjustable feet, the average keyboard does. 85.5% of keyboards have adjustable feet.
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard includes feet that let you raise or tilt the typing angle.
When it matters: When your comfort depends on changing typing angle without buying a separate stand or wrist support.
Importance: MEDIUM
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless does not have adjustable feet, the average keyboard does. 85.5% of keyboards have adjustable feet.
9.6% lower user score
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless has a lower user score than the average keyboard (7.30 vs 8.000).
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.
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless has a lower user score than the average keyboard (7.30 vs 8.000).7.3 vs 8
53.05 mm wider width
Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless is wider than the average keyboard (408.1 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 Q5 HE QMK Wireless is wider than the average keyboard (408.1 mm vs 355 mm). The average keyboard width is 355 mm.408.05 mm vs 355 mm

Connectivity & Power

Graphic comparison of Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless and

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless?

Premium build quality with a sturdy, all-metal 6063 aluminium body
Excellent typing feel and satisfying 'thock' sound due to its double-gasket design
Highly customisable Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic Nebula switches with adjustable actuation points (0.1mm sensitivity)
Advanced gaming features like Rapid Trigger and quad-actuation support
Versatile 96% layout that retains the number pad while saving desk space
Easy-to-use web-based Keychron Launcher software for remapping and settings
Strong wireless connectivity with both 2.4 GHz (1000 Hz polling rate) and Bluetooth options

What customers dislike about Keychron Q5 HE QMK Wireless?

Expensive compared to many other mechanical and HE keyboard options
Very heavy (approx. 2.2kg), making it poor for portability or travel
Lack of a dedicated 'End' key in the default layout (requires remapping)
Limited switch compatibility; only works with specific Gateron Hall Effect magnetic switches
High profile design can be uncomfortable for long sessions without a separate wrist rest
Shorter battery life (approx. 100 hours) compared to non-HE wireless counterparts
Stock keycaps are not shine-through, which may make legends hard to read in the dark

Expert reviews

rtings.com

24/05/2024

Keychron Q1 HE [Q5 HE, Q6 HE, etc.] Review - RTINGS.com

The Keychron Q1 HE is a premium 75% wireless mechanical keyboard featuring adjustable analog Hall effect switches that allow for precise actuation and reset customization, providing exceptional gaming performance and a soft, dampened typing experience. It offers versatile connectivity, including a fast 2.4GHz receiver and Bluetooth, alongside robust, hot-swappable build quality with...Read more

hlplanet.com

14/01/2025

Keychron Q5 HE Review - Adjustable Actuation Keyboard

The HLPlanet review identifies the Keychron Q5 HE as a premium 96% layout keyboard, highlighting its exceptional responsiveness for gaming and productivity due to Gateron KS-37B magnetic switches with customizable 0.2 mm to 3.8 mm actuation. It boasts a rigid, heavy-duty 2.18 kg CNC aluminum chassis, a 4000 mAh battery with long wireless life, and competitive, user-tunable features...Read more

pcgamer.com

29/10/2024

Keychron Q5 HE review - PC Gamer

Despite its excellent performance, the keyboard has notable drawbacks, primarily its premium price tag of $229, which makes it more expensive than some highly competitive Hall effect rivals from brands like Wooting, Razer, and Endgame Gear. Reviewers note that it is not quite as fast or advanced as dedicated esports-grade alternatives due to lower polling rates and fewer elite...Read more

tomsguide.com

20/04/2025

Keychron Q5 HE review | Tom's Guide

The Keychron Q5 HE is an exceptional 96% layout gaming keyboard built with a premium, heavy CNC-machined aluminum body and highly durable double-shot PBT keycaps. Its standout feature is the pre-lubed Gateron Double-Rail Nebula magnetic switches, which offer adjustable actuation from 0.1mm to 3.8mm and support quad-actuation to assign up to four actions per key. The keyboard...Read more

maxesport.gg

07/04/2026

Keychron Q5 HE Wireless ANSI US White - Review and Purchase

The Keychron Q5 HE is a premium, 96% layout mechanical keyboard featuring a robust 6063 CNC-milled aluminum chassis and Gateron Magnetic Nebula Hall Effect switches for smooth, customizable actuation (0.2–3.8 mm). Designed for high-performance gaming and productivity, it offers 1000 Hz polling, Rapid Trigger functionality, and a deeply satisfying, dampened typing sound. YouTube ·...Read more

tech-place.fr

15/06/2024

Keychron Q5 QMK - A versatile gaming keyboard!

Keychron Q5 Review Summary The Keychron Q5 is a premium 96% compact mechanical keyboard with a robust full-aluminum frame and a built-in numeric keypad. It provides high-quality construction and immense durability that easily outclasses standard plastic competitors. Equipped with pre-lubricated Gateron G Pro Red switches, it delivers an incredibly light, smooth, and quiet typing...Read more

tomsguide.com

20/04/2025

Keychron Q5 HE Review: One of the Best Gaming Keyboards

The Keychron Q5 HE is a premium 96% layout gaming keyboard that offers an exceptional blend of competitive gaming features and high-end typing productivity. Built with a heavy, durable CNC machined aluminum body and double-shot PBT keycaps, it features Gateron Double-Rail Nebula magnetic switches that require 40g of actuation force. Its standout capability is its highly customizable...Read more

hlplanet.com

14/01/2025

Keychron Q5 HE Review: Keyboard with Adjustable Actuation

The Keychron Q5 HE is a heavy, 2.18kg full-aluminum 96% keyboard, highly regarded for bridging the gap between gaming and productivity through its Gateron KS-37B magnetic switches. It boasts superior, dampened acoustics, and features like rapid trigger and adjustable actuation (0.2mm to 3.8mm), along with a specialized dual-rail structure that minimizes stem wobble. However, at...Read more

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