Keychron Q5 QMK Custom Hot-Swap Barebone Knob Keyboard Grey

On sale! (normally $269) The Keychron Q5 QMK Custom Hot-Swap Barebone Knob Keyboard Grey is a compact 96% sized keyboard that features a double-gasket hot-swappable design, programmable knob, sound absorbing foam, screw-in PCB stabilisers, hot-swappable PCB that supports both 3 and 5-pin switches, south-facing RGB LEDs, USB-C interface, Windows and macOS mode switch, all on a CNC aluminium body, and is compatible with QMK and VIA software.

Please note: This keyboard is a barebone edition - assembly is required and only requires switches and keycaps (sold separately).

Features

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Keychron Q5

Setting the best example for efficient space usage, the Q5 has a compact 96% layout design while retaining all the essential functions and number keys. With its full metal CNC machined body, double-gasket design, and QMK/VIA support, the Q5 is the ultimate choice for an almost full-size keyboard.

A refined piece of metal art

The entire metal body is crafted with 6063 aluminum that is processed through CNC machined, polished, anodized, sandblasted, and undergoes 24 more manufacturing stages to make this solid metal piece of art that is the Q5.

All-around customisable keyboard

To build a fully customizable keyboard, we designed every component easily assembled. Therefore, you can customize and adjust each component you want.

Double gasket design

The Double Gasket Design is a new innovative structure in the industry. In addition to the gaskets on the plates, we added silicone pads between the top and bottom cases to significantly reduce the sound resonance between the metals and reduce the noise of the impacted metals. This design allows the keyboard to maintain the flexibility of the gasket structure and improves the overall typing sound.

An epic core inside the keyboard

A brand new ultra-low-power MCU Arm structure that is powerful and armed with 128K Flash to provide more flexibility for developers. The polling rate is up to 1000 Hz out of the box, which makes latency non-existent for the competitive game.

Switch layouts between macOS & Windows

Built with the Mac users’ experience in mind while still retaining compatibility for Windows devices, the Keychron Q5 comes with a system toggle and an additional set of customized keycaps for both Windows and macOS systems. You can now save two different layouts on the keyboard, one for each system.

Programmable knob

Designed to enhance your creative workflow, the premium rotary encoder allows you to easily customize your favorite keys and macros on the knob through the VIA software.

You can easily customize the Q5's knob to your desired key or macro commands such as: zooming in/out, adjusting screen brightness, brush size, volume, selecting video clips or photos, or backlight hue.

Program Q5 with QMK & VIA

With full QMK and VIA support, you can easily program and remap each key on the keyboard. The open-source firmware means endless possibilities for keyboard layouts, shortcuts, backlight effects, even the knob, and more.

Hot-swappable

The hot-swappable sockets are mounted on the PCB, so you can install or change the switches without soldering. The PCB supports both 3 pin and 5 pin MX mechanical switches.

South-facing RGB LED lights

The south-facing RGB LED is designed to better illuminate the keyboard backlight from the typist’s angle with the premium non-shine-through PBT keycaps installed. The south-facing RGB is also free from interference when the users install OEM or Cherry-profile alternative keycaps on the keyboard.

Note: The Q5's top case has sharper corners to make it much more compatible with third-party keycaps.

Pre-lubed Gateron G Pro switch

The optimized molded switch with more precise positioning and less wobble will undoubtedly improve the feel at your fingertips. With the fully assembled Q5 version fitted with factory pre-lubricated Gateron G Pro switches, a smoother travel experience is guaranteed for you.

All new screw-in PCB stablisers

The screw-in design increases stability and makes it easier for changes and upgrades. Precise craftsmanship makes the stabilizers more stable and less shaky. The big keys’ (space bar, shift, enter, delete) typing experience is now more stable and smooth. The Keychron Q5 also supports third-party stabilizers, including Cherry or Durock.

Note: Feature images may show keycaps/fully built keyboard. This model is a barebones version and does not include keycaps and switches (sold separately).