If you’re a fan of mechanical keyboards and looking to take your typing or gaming experience to the next level, the Keychron Q5 HE is an option you won’t want to overlook. Packed with innovative features like Hall Effect magnetic switches, customizable actuation points, and seamless wireless connectivity, this keyboard is designed for enthusiasts who want top-tier performance and personalization.
Design
The Keychron Q5 HE is built with a solid, all-aluminum body made from 6063 aluminum, known for its durability and aesthetic appeal. This sleek, robust design gives the keyboard a high-end feel, making it a beautiful addition to any workspace. The south-facing RGB lighting enhances the visual appeal, especially with the OSA-profile double-shot PBT keycaps, which provide a premium tactile feel and are resistant to oil and fading.
One of the standout features in its design is the double-gasket structure that helps reduce resonance and improve sound quality, ensuring a satisfying typing experience with minimal noise. Whether you’re using it for work or play, the Q5 HE feels incredibly solid without compromising on style.
Features
- Hall Effect Magnetic Switches: The Gateron double-rail magnetic switches in the Keychron Q5 HE bring a revolutionary change to your typing and gaming experience. With zero physical contact, these switches use magnets to detect key presses, offering faster feedback, smoother key action, and adjustable actuation points (ranging from 0.2mm to 3.8mm). You can fine-tune the sensitivity, allowing for an ultra-responsive typing experience, perfect for rapid gaming moves or long hours of typing.
- Dynamic Rapid Triggering: The Keychron Q5 HE allows for dynamic key activation, meaning the keyboard detects key presses based on the travel distance, enabling quicker actions in-game. Plus, with the ability to assign multiple actions to a single key, you can perform complex commands with just one keystroke.
- Wireless & Wired Connectivity: Equipped with both Bluetooth 5.2 and a 2.4 GHz wireless connection (with a 1000Hz polling rate), the Q5 HE ensures lightning-fast responsiveness, whether you’re gaming on your PC or multitasking across devices. You can connect up to three devices simultaneously and switch between them seamlessly.
- Customizable to the Core: With QMK open-source firmware, you can fully customize your key mapping, macros, and shortcuts. The Keychron Launcher web app makes it easier than ever to remap keys and adjust actuation points, offering endless possibilities for customization.
- Hot-Swappable: If you prefer experimenting with different switches, the Keychron Q5 HE’s hot-swappable design allows you to easily switch out the magnetic switches without soldering, giving you the freedom to try new options.
- Battery Life: The Q5 HE is powered by a 4000mAh rechargeable lithium-polymer battery, offering up to 100 hours of wireless use with the backlight off. This is more than enough for days of gaming or work without needing to recharge.
Conclusion: Should You Get the Keychron Q5 HE?
In summary, the Keychron Q5 HE is a powerhouse of a keyboard that checks all the boxes for serious typists and gamers. From its innovative Hall Effect magnetic switches and customizable features to its sleek aluminum body and superior wireless performance, it offers a premium typing experience. The ability to adjust actuation points and assign multiple actions to a single key takes it to a whole new level, offering unmatched versatility.
Currently available on AliExpress for just £204.08 GBP, this keyboard provides fantastic value for anyone looking to upgrade their setup. Whether you’re a gamer aiming for an edge in fast-paced titles or a professional seeking comfort and productivity, the Q5 HE has you covered.
Pros:
- Hall Effect magnetic switches for faster, smoother key presses
- Customizable actuation points and dynamic rapid triggering
- Premium build with an all-aluminum body
- Supports both Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless connections with a 1000Hz polling rate
- Long-lasting battery life (up to 100 hours with backlight off)
- Hot-swappable with magnetic switches for easy customization
- QMK firmware support for advanced remapping and macros
- Gorgeous RGB backlighting and premium PBT keycaps
Cons:
- Only compatible with Gateron Hall Effect magnetic switches (limits switch options)
- Slightly higher price compared to non-custom mechanical keyboards
- A larger footprint may not be ideal for compact desk setups
- Bluetooth latency might not be ideal for professional gamers (a wired connection is preferable)
If you’re after the perfect balance between aesthetics, performance, and customization, the Keychron Q5 HE is an excellent choice.
Read Also: Keychron V5 Max: A Gamer’s Dream for Just £104.39 on AliExpress