OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
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Scored using Keyboards Methodology v1.0
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Keychron Q5 QMK Review | 64 Data compared

Avg. price:~£130Layout size:1800-compactConnection type:USBSwitch type:mechanicalPolling rate:1000 Hz

Keychron Q5 QMK Review: Compare 64 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Keyboards category and whether it is worth buying.

6.7

Overall score

Score
6.7/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
Score components

80%

6.2

Technical score

20%

8.6

User score

â–¼Worse than 61% of keyboards
6.2

Technical score

Technical score
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Keyboards category across these key areas: Switches, Design, Connectivity & Power, Features, Materials.
When it matters
When you want to compare keyboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
Score components

34%

6.1

Connectivity & Power

28%

3.1

Switches

20%

10

Materials

12%

7.4

Features

6%

6.5

Design

â–¼Worse than 67% of keyboards
8.6

User score

User score
8.6/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 76% of models
Score components

70%

9.1

User ratings

30%

7.5

Number of reviews

Based on 425 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–²Better than 76% of keyboards
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Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of keyboard Keychron Q5 QMK

Technical score
Technical score
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Keyboards category across these key areas: Switches, Design, Connectivity & Power, Features, Materials.
When it matters
When you want to compare keyboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
Score components:

34%

6.1

Connectivity & Power

28%

3.1

Switches

20%

10

Materials

12%

7.4

Features

6%

6.5

Design

6.2
User score
User score
8.6/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 76% of models
Score components

70%

9.1

User ratings

30%

7.5

Number of reviews

Based on 425 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
8.6
Popularity
Popularity
7.5/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 67% of models
Popularity:
Keychron Q5 QMK has a popularity score of 7.5 points, which is higher than that of 66.7% of products in this category.
7.5
Value for money
Value for money
7.7/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
Score components:

60%

6.7

Overall score

40%

9.8

Price

7.7
Switch type
mechanical
Switch feel
linear / tactile / clicky
Switch name
Gateron G Pro
Actuation force
45 g
Min actuation distance
2 mm
Min actuation distance
2 mm
â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
Market range: <0.1 mm – >2 mm
This keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 2 mm, which is longer than 66.5% of keyboards and equal to 33.2% of keyboards.
Show more
Keyboard type
mechanical
Layout size
1800-compact
Layout standard
?
N. of keys
98
N. of keys
98
â–² Better than 67% of models
Market range: <64 – >108
This keyboard has 98 keys, which is more than 67.3% of keyboards and equal to 1.7% of keyboards.
Profile
standard
Show more
Connection type
USB
Connection type
USB
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
This keyboard offers USB connectivity, which is less versatile than 57.6% of keyboards and equal to 42.5% of keyboards.
Multi-device pairing
N/A
Bluetooth version
N/A
Mac compatibility
?
Battery life
N/A
Show more
RGB lighting
yes
RGB lighting
yes
â–² Better than 12% of models
This keyboard has RGB lighting. 12.4% of keyboards have RGB lighting.
Per-key RGB
no
Per-key RGB
no
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
This keyboard does not have per-key RGB. 72.8% of keyboards offer per-key RGB.
RGB zones
97
RGB zones
97
â–² Better than 73% of models
Market range: <0 – >104
This keyboard has 97 RGB zones, which is more than 73.3% of keyboards and equal to 0.3% of keyboards.
Underglow / side lighting
?
Backlight direction
south-facing
Show more
Case material
aluminum
Plate material
steel
Keycap material
PBT
Keycap profile
OSA
Legend method
double-shot
Legend method
double-shot
â–² Better than 25% of models
This keyboard uses double-shot legends, which are more durable than 25.1% of keyboards and equal to 74.9% of keyboards.
Show more

Keychron Q5 QMK vs the average keyboard

246810TotalDesignConnectivity & PowerSwitchesMaterialsFeatures
  • Volume control wheel
    Volume wheel
    yes
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    This keyboard includes a volume wheel, the average keyboard does not. 38.3% of keyboards include a volume wheel.
  • Supports QMK
    QMK support
    yes
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    This keyboard supports QMK, the average keyboard does not. 28.8% of keyboards support QMK.
  • Supports VIA
    VIA support
    yes
    â–² Better than 74% of models
    This keyboard supports VIA, the average keyboard does not. 26.3% of keyboards support VIA.
  • 11 more keys
    N. of keys
    98
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    Market range: <64 – >108
    This keyboard has more keys than the average keyboard (98 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.
    98 vs 87
  • 14 more RGB zones
    RGB zones
    97
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    Market range: <0 – >104
    This keyboard has more RGB zones than the average keyboard (97 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.
    97 vs 83
  • 7.6% higher user score
    User score
    8.6/ 10
    ✕
    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 distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Keychron Q5 QMK
    the average keyboard
    Keychron Q5 QMK has a higher user score than the average keyboard (8.61 vs 8.000).
    8.61 vs 8
  • 7.6% higher user score
    User score
    8.6/ 10
    ✕
    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 distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Keychron Q5 QMK
    the average keyboard
    Keychron Q5 QMK has a higher user score than the average keyboard (8.61 vs 8.000).
    8.61 vs 8
  • 11 more keys
    N. of keys
    98
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    Market range: <64 – >108
    This keyboard has more keys than the average keyboard (98 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.
    98 vs 87
  • Volume control wheel
    Volume wheel
    yes
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    This keyboard includes a volume wheel, the average keyboard does not. 38.3% of keyboards include a volume wheel.
  • Supports QMK
    QMK support
    yes
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    This keyboard supports QMK, the average keyboard does not. 28.8% of keyboards support QMK.
  • Supports VIA
    VIA support
    yes
    â–² Better than 74% of models
    This keyboard supports VIA, the average keyboard does not. 26.3% of keyboards support VIA.
  • 14 more RGB zones
    RGB zones
    97
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    Market range: <0 – >104
    This keyboard has more RGB zones than the average keyboard (97 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.
    97 vs 83
  • Less versatile connectivity
    Connection type
    USB
    â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
    This keyboard offers less versatile connectivity than the average keyboard (USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth). The average keyboard offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity.
    USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth
  • No per-key RGB lighting
    Per-key RGB
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
    This keyboard does not have per-key RGB, the average keyboard does. 72.5% of keyboards offer per-key RGB.
  • 2.36x higher weight
    Weight
    2,310 g
    â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
    Market range: <605 g – >1.6k g
    This keyboard weighs more than the average keyboard (2310 g vs 978 g). The average keyboard weighs 978 g.
    2,310 g vs 978 g
  • 0.3 mm longer minimum actuation distance
    Min actuation distance
    2 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <0.1 mm – >2 mm
    This keyboard 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
  • No adjustable feet
    Adjustable feet
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
    This keyboard does not have adjustable feet, the average keyboard does. 86.1% of keyboards have adjustable feet.
  • 2.36x higher weight
    Weight
    2,310 g
    â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
    Market range: <605 g – >1.6k g
    This keyboard weighs more than the average keyboard (2310 g vs 978 g). The average keyboard weighs 978 g.
    2,310 g vs 978 g
  • No adjustable feet
    Adjustable feet
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
    This keyboard does not have adjustable feet, the average keyboard does. 86.1% of keyboards have adjustable feet.
  • Less versatile connectivity
    Connection type
    USB
    â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
    This keyboard offers less versatile connectivity than the average keyboard (USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth). The average keyboard offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity.
    USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth
  • 0.3 mm longer minimum actuation distance
    Min actuation distance
    2 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <0.1 mm – >2 mm
    This keyboard 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
  • No per-key RGB lighting
    Per-key RGB
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
    This keyboard does not have per-key RGB, the average keyboard does. 72.5% of keyboards offer per-key RGB.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

A
appleinsider.com
21/07/2022
Summary of the review
Keychron Q5 Review: A full-sized mechanical keyboard in a compact shell - AppleInsider
P
pcworld.com
02/08/2022
Summary of the review
Keychron Q5 review: It will ruin other mechanical keyboards - PCWorld
R
rtings.com
13/07/2022
Summary of the review
Keychron Q5 Keyboard Review - RTINGS.com
C
connect.de
05/11/2024
Summary of the review
Keychron Q5 Max Review: Premium Wireless Keyboard
(Translated)Show original
H
hardwareluxx.de
16/06/2025
Summary of the review
Sturdy, versatile, customizable: The Keychron Q5 Max review
(Translated)Show original
T
tech.everyeye.it
26/12/2022
Summary of the review
Keychron Q5 Review: A Near-Perfect Mechanical Keyboard
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on 425 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: June 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Keychron Q5 QMK

  • Premium build quality with a heavy, solid all-aluminum chassis
  • Excellent typing experience out-of-the-box thanks to its double-gasket design
  • Fully customizable via QMK/VIA software for remapping and macros
  • Hot-swappable PCB allows for easy switch changes without soldering
  • Space-saving 96% layout that maintains a dedicated number pad
  • Includes helpful extras like a physical toggle for Mac/Windows compatibility

What we don't like about Keychron Q5 QMK

  • High profile and steep typing angle often require a separate wrist rest for comfort
  • The standard Q5 QMK is wired-only, lacking Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless
  • Very heavy (approx. 5 lbs), making it unsuitable for travel or portability
  • Stock keycaps are not shine-through, making them hard to read in dark rooms
  • Considered expensive compared to other pre-built mechanical keyboards
  • Some users report missing specific navigation keys like 'End' due to the compact layout

Verdict

The Keychron Q5 is a premium 96% compact (1800) layout mechanical keyboard featuring a heavy, CNC-machined 6063 aluminum body and a double-gasket design for a flexible, resonant-dampened typing experience. Key specifications include a 1,000Hz polling rate, south-facing RGB LEDs for Cherry-profile compatibility, hot-swappable PCB, and full QMK/VIA support for extensive remapping and macro customization. Main pros include its exceptional build quality, professional 'thocky' sound profile out of the box, and efficient space usage that retains a full number pad. Common cons involve its high weight (over 5 lbs), which limits portability, a high-profile design that often requires an additional wrist rest for comfort, and the lack of a dedicated 'End' key in the stock layout.

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