Keychron Q5 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard

If you need a numpad, the 1800 layout is a great alternative to a full size keyboard since it allows quick access to all functions and a numpad, but saves quite a bit of space. There are unfortunately very few keyboards in this layout category and many of them are expensive customs. The adage "Sometimes all you have to do to win is to show up" might be underselling the Q5 though.

The keyboard has a (unique in this category) rotary encoder knob. Even better, this encoder is actually supported in VIA, which technically does not have encoder support yet, thanks to some creative programming- a pretty big deal if you've been through the GMMK Pro VIA debacle. The Mac/Windows switch is also implemented in QMK/VIA as separate layers, meaning that you individually program both layouts. This also means that if you were working on Windows only, for example, you can program the layers so the switch simply moves between two layouts instantly. As far as VIA/QMK support, this keyboard is very robust which is very refreshing for a more mass-market keyboard, and possibly the greatest reason to buy a Keychron over other mainstream options. The only thing I wish Keychron would do is add an F13 key for this keyboard- the extra key would go a long way, for example, allowing full Del/Ins/Home/End navigation keys next to the knob... or just a space to stash a artisan keycap.

The build quality, at least on the blue model I bought, is also very good. Finish on the exterior is pretty good, with only a few sharp edges around the screw holes on the bottom. Even the MAC/Windows swap key shows minimal amounts of play. Obviously, since the case is all aluminum the thing is a brick. The gasket layout in this keyboard, depending on how you arrange them, allows you to go from a pretty stiff typing experience to a relatively bouncy one. The included stabilizers are also pretty good- the only 'mod' I typically do is to dunk the ends of each stab wire into dielectric grease to suppress rattle, and using them in the Q5 I don't see any obvious issues with stiction or rattle.

The stock out of the box experience on this keyboard is pretty good, but the main downfall in my opinion is the steel plate and perhaps some design choices for the casing. The main problem is that the plate is mostly allowed to float in the case… which is what you want for proper gasket compression. However, the X/Y direction of the case coupled with the steel backplate means that if the plate touches the sidewalls of the case for any reason (say you really bang on a single key hard or you start typing incredibly fast)- you get ping. You can even hear this if you simply shake the keyboard. Other keyboard manufacturers get around this by adding silicone dampening around the case walls where the plate can touch it (or by using standoffs/pegs). Keychron did learn from their Q1 experiences by adding silicone pads between the halves of the case to reduce ping, and I think if they make some changes to the plate to wall spacing they would eliminate any risk of it happening. The other thing they can do is get rid of the steel plate in favor of an aluminum one, or even better, make the polycarbonate plate standard. This is also my recommended add-on if you're buying this keyboard, as the PC plate adds a bit more flex, a bit softer bottom-out for the fingers, and changes the tone of the keyboard.

Extremely good quality; the base is seemingly solid metal and the whole thing feels well made, could probably give a concussion to someone with how heavy it is. I don't know if picking this for the gasket was worth it, didn't notice much of a difference, but otherwise very happy with the product.

This is my first experience of owning a custom mechanical keyboard with gaskets and south RGB LEDs. It's a dream come true for me. I'm more of a linear switch guy but buying this keyboard with Gateron Pro Brown switches feels right and doesn't make me tired typing on it. Hot-swap is also an excellent feature and the keycaps are relatively awesome!

The only thing that I need to get used to is the layout and no risers from the keyboard.

I really like this keyboard. I have a couple of Q1s, and I like this layout better. The key caps on the silver gray model look terrific.

A lot of the other reviews have gone into how solid and great this keyboard sounds. I agree with all of that and am super happy with how it feels and sounds so I won't go into that too much. Ended up going all out with Zealios 65g and this thing has that nice thoccy sound you dream of.

I'm knocking one star off because the VIA software and support are pretty janky. I cannot get VIA to recognize my keyboard and have to manually load the json every. single. time. even after following their instructions for flashing the device (currently on v1.4). Also, for how expensive this keyboard is I am disappointed I can't control per-key RGB. I can only use a solid color or the various obnoxious gamer rainbow patterns. The LEDs on this board are gorgeous and it's a shame I can't put them to better use, other barebones keyboards that cost less than this have this feature so I was surprised when I wasn't able to.

EDIT: I will admit that upon further research, this is a limitation of the VIA software and QMK firmware as a whole. Seems like a lot of work to get it working but the Discord has been super helpful so far. It'll be a fun project, but am leaving the review as it is because not many people would want to take that dive and it is a limiting factor of the design choice Keychron made when committing to QMK. I still am absolutely loving the keyboard and will still 100% recommend the device