Keychron Q5 QMK Review | 64 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£130
  • Layout size: 1800-compact
  • Connection type: USB
  • Switch type: mechanical
  • Polling rate: 1000 Hz

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

7.0

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%

6.4

Technical Score

20.0%

9.3

User score

Very good
6.4

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%

6.5

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

3.2

Switches

20.0%

10

Materials

12.0%

7.7

Features

6.0%

6.5

Design

Good
9.3

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%

9.1

User reviews

30.0%

9.8

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
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(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

Exceptional
  • 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

  • 6.4
    Typing

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.0

    Wrist rest included

    24.0%

    10

    Legend method

    20.0%

    4.0

    Adjustable feet

    15.0%

    5.1

    Typing angle

    13.0%

    10

    Pre-lubed stabilizers

  • 7.9
    Programming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    10

    QMK support

    26.0%

    10

    VIA support

    18.0%

    10

    Mac compatibility

    14.0%

    0.0

    Multi-device pairing

    12.0%

    4.0

    Connection type

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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

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.

Technical Specifications of Keychron Q5 QMK

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%

6.5

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

3.2

Switches

20.0%

10

Materials

12.0%

7.7

Features

6.0%

6.5

Design

6.4
Keychron Q5 QMK has a technical score of 6.43 points, which is lower than that of 61.3% 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%

9.1

User reviews

30.0%

9.8

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(62)
amazon
4.8
(48)
amazon
4.4
(26)
amazon
4.5
(17)
amazon
4.4
(16)
amazon
5.0
(12)
amazon
4.2
(9)
Amazon
4.5
(7)
amazon
4.5
(6)
amazon
4.7
(5)
amazon
4.7
(4)
amazon
5.0
(3)
amazon
4.0
(1)
United States
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4.4
(62)
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4.8
(48)
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4.4
(26)
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4.5
(17)
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4.4
(16)
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5.0
(12)
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4.2
(9)
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4.5
(6)
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4.7
(5)
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4.7
(4)
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5.0
(3)
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4.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

9.3
Keychron Q5 QMK has a user score of 9.31 points, which is higher than that of 86.6% of products in this category.
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.
9.8
Keychron Q5 QMK has a popularity of 9.8 points, which is higher than 67.2% 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%

7.0

Overall score

40.0%

9.8

Price

7.9
Keychron Q5 QMK has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.9 points, which is higher than 51.8% 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 / tactile / clicky
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 G Pro
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 Q5 QMK has a minimum actuation distance of 2 mm, which is longer than 66.3% of keyboards and equal to 33.4% of keyboards.
Show more
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

98
Keychron Q5 QMK has 98 keys, which is more than 66.9% of keyboards and equal to 1.7% 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
Show more
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
Keychron Q5 QMK offers USB connectivity, which is less versatile than 56.7% of keyboards and equal to 43.3% 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

N/A
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

N/A
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 Q5 QMK 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

N/A
Show more
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 Q5 QMK 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

no
Keychron Q5 QMK does not have per-key RGB. 77.3% of keyboards offer per-key RGB.
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

97
Keychron Q5 QMK has 97 RGB zones, which is more than 73.6% of keyboards and equal to 0.3% 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

yes
Keychron Q5 QMK includes underglow lighting. 68.6% 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
Show more
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

steel
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 Q5 QMK uses double-shot legends, which are more durable than 25.8% of keyboards and equal to 74.2% of keyboards.
Show more

Keychron Q5 QMK vs the average keyboard

  • Underglow lighting
    Keychron Q5 QMK 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 QMK includes underglow lighting, the average keyboard does not. 31.6% of keyboards include underglow lighting.
  • Volume control wheel
    Keychron Q5 QMK 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 Q5 QMK includes a volume wheel, the average keyboard does not. 38.8% of keyboards include a volume wheel.
  • Supports QMK
    Keychron Q5 QMK 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 Q5 QMK supports QMK, the average keyboard does not. 28.8% of keyboards support QMK.
  • Supports VIA
    Keychron Q5 QMK 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 Q5 QMK supports VIA, the average keyboard does not. 27.1% of keyboards support VIA.
  • 11 more keys
    Keychron Q5 QMK has more keys than the average keyboard (98 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 Q5 QMK has more keys than the average keyboard (98 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.98 vs 87
  • 14 more RGB zones
    Keychron Q5 QMK has more RGB zones than the average keyboard (97 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 Q5 QMK has more RGB zones than the average keyboard (97 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.97 vs 83
  • 210 mm narrower width
    Keychron Q5 QMK is narrower than the average keyboard (145 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 QMK is narrower than the average keyboard (145 mm vs 355 mm). The average keyboard width is 355 mm.145 mm vs 355 mm
  • 16.3% higher user score
    Keychron Q5 QMK has a higher user score than the average keyboard (9.31 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 QMK has a higher user score than the average keyboard (9.31 vs 8.000).9.31 vs 8
  • 11 more keys
    Keychron Q5 QMK has more keys than the average keyboard (98 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.
  • 210 mm narrower width
    Keychron Q5 QMK is narrower than the average keyboard (145 mm vs 355 mm). The average keyboard width is 355 mm.
  • Underglow lighting
    Keychron Q5 QMK includes underglow lighting, the average keyboard does not. 31.6% of keyboards include underglow lighting.
  • Volume control wheel
    Keychron Q5 QMK includes a volume wheel, the average keyboard does not. 38.8% of keyboards include a volume wheel.
  • Supports QMK
    Keychron Q5 QMK supports QMK, the average keyboard does not. 28.8% of keyboards support QMK.
  • Supports VIA
    Keychron Q5 QMK supports VIA, the average keyboard does not. 27.1% of keyboards support VIA.
  • 14 more RGB zones
    Keychron Q5 QMK has more RGB zones than the average keyboard (97 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.
  • 2.37x higher weight
    Keychron Q5 QMK weighs more than the average keyboard (2,310 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.
  • No adjustable feet
    Keychron Q5 QMK does not have adjustable feet, the average keyboard does. 85.5% of keyboards have adjustable feet.
  • Less versatile connectivity
    Keychron Q5 QMK offers less versatile connectivity than the average keyboard (USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth). The average keyboard offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity.
  • 0.3 mm longer minimum actuation distance
    Keychron Q5 QMK 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.
  • No per-key RGB lighting
    Keychron Q5 QMK does not have per-key RGB, the average keyboard does. 77% of keyboards offer per-key RGB.
  • Less versatile connectivity
    Keychron Q5 QMK offers less versatile connectivity than the average keyboard (USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth). The average keyboard offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity.
    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

    Keychron Q5 QMK 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
    Keychron Q5 QMK does not have per-key RGB, the average keyboard does. 77% of keyboards offer 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

    Keychron Q5 QMK does not have per-key RGB, the average keyboard does. 77% of keyboards offer per-key RGB.
  • 2.37x higher weight
    Keychron Q5 QMK weighs more than the average keyboard (2,310 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 QMK weighs more than the average keyboard (2,310 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.2310 g vs 976 g
  • 0.3 mm longer minimum actuation distance
    Keychron Q5 QMK 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 Q5 QMK 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
    Keychron Q5 QMK 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 QMK does not have adjustable feet, the average keyboard does. 85.5% of keyboards have adjustable feet.

Graphic comparison of Keychron Q5 QMK and

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Third-party reviews

What customers 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 customers dislike 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

Expert reviews

A
appleinsider.com
21/07/2022

Keychron Q5 Review Summary Pros and Cons Durable Design: Built with premium 6063 aluminum processed through 24 manufacturing stages. Hot-Swappable Keys: Users can swap keycaps and switches effortlessly without soldering. Functional Layout: Delivers 96% of the keys people need, retaining the core utility of a full keyboard. Programmable Knob: Highly customizable through open-source...Read more

P
pcworld.com
02/08/2022

The PCWorld review of the Keychron Q5 highlights the 96% layout mechanical keyboard as an exceptional, custom-grade value at its $200 price point, praising its robust all-metal CNC aluminum construction, double-gasket mount design, and high-quality pre-lubed switches. Key benefits include deep sound, a flexible typing feel, and extensive customization through hot-swappable PCB and...Read more

R
rtings.com
13/07/2022

The Keychron Q5 is a highly customizable 96% compact mechanical keyboard featuring exceptional build quality with a CNC aluminum chassis, hot-swappable PCB, and a gasket-mounted design that offers a cushioned typing experience. It excels in functionality, featuring full QMK/VIA software compatibility for remapping, robust RGB backlighting, and a versatile layout ideal for...Read more

C
connect.de
05/11/2024

The Keychron Q5 Max is a premium 96% layout mechanical keyboard that delivers an exceptional typing and build experience, thanks to its heavy, CNC-machined 6063 aluminium alloy chassis. In terms of performance and customizability, it excels with a 1000 Hz polling rate over both wired USB-C and 2.4 GHz wireless connections. It also supports Bluetooth 5.1 pairing with up to three...Read more

H
hardwareluxx.de
16/06/2025

The Keychron Q5 Max is a premium mechanical keyboard aimed at enthusiasts, gamers, and heavy typists, retailing at 213 Euro. Built with a robust CNC-machined 6063 aluminum housing that is both polished and sandblasted, it weighs a hefty 2.2 kg, ensuring exceptional stability on any desk. Key technical highlights include hot-swappable support for 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches,...Read more

T
tech.everyeye.it
26/12/2022

The Keychron Q5 QMK is a highly customizable, 96% compact full-size mechanical keyboard praised for its exceptional build quality and versatility in programming, office work, and casual gaming. Weighing a solid 2.3 kg due to its robust aluminum frame and steel base plate, it features two layers of sound-absorbing foam that effectively eliminate typing vibrations and hollow sounds....Read more

Video reviews

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