Keychron Q5 Max keyboard in the test: Luxury is available with this keyboard for only 213 euros 321 comments
What good is a 96% layout? A lot, says the Keychron Q5 Max. And the test also shows that sumptuous luxury keyboards do not necessarily have to cost 500 euros or the whole world. The only thing the model is not suitable for on delivery is as a light source.
Table of contents Luxury is available with this keyboard for only 213 euros Keychron Q5 Max: Thin with few compromises The Q5 series from Keychron at a glance The structure at a glance Buttons Daily useSoftware Conclusion: Luxury at a fair price
You don’t have to have the appearance of a bird of paradise to stand out. Good quality also works, as Keychron emphasizes with the Q5. Plug it in, enter it, done – everything is in place. It fits! However, you shouldn’t expect everything. The details in the test.
Keychron Q5 Max: Slim with few sacrifices
The most visible special feature of the Q5 Max is its structure. The 96% layout basically corresponds to 75% keyboards like the Nerdytec Cykey (test), but adds a numeric keypad on the right. To achieve this, the arrow keys are sunk into the keyboard and the most frequently used function keys are arranged in a row. This means that the keyboard can be narrower without sacrificing the essentials.
Multimedia functions, LED control and keyboard layout are doubly assigned to the existing keys. However, the keyboard does not even have rollers, print, etc. at the FN level; they must be integrated into the network later using the manufacturer’s software.
Above the number pad, Keychron placed three keys labeled only with symbols and a rotary control. The message is clear: these keys must be freely programmed. This works with a web app from Keychron or directly via the open source VIA version – as the Q5 Max can be equipped with QMK firmware.
The Q5 Max brings the function keys and arrow keys closer together, the number pad is fully functional Image 1 of 7
Keychron’s Q5 series at a glance
The top model of the series is the Q5 Max with the most sophisticated insulation, Jupiter buttons, 256 KB of onboard memory and 2.4 GHz radio transmission for 213 euros. The Q5 Pro, which costs 185 euros, does not have a radio connection and only communicates via a Bluetooth cable. Isolation is easier and Gateron’s K-Pro buttons are used instead of Keychron variants, and onboard memory is halved. The base model is the purely wired Q5 with the G Pro from Gateron for 200 euros
Structure in sight
The Q5 Max is also flexible when it comes to data transmission. USB-C, Bluetooth 5.1, or 2.4 GHz radios are available, switched with a slide switch on the rear. You can also switch between Windows and Mac key animations. Corresponding keys are included. According to the manufacturer, a 4,000 mAh battery promises a maximum autonomy of 180 hours; with minimal lighting, the keyboard should last 100 hours without interruption of charging.
Taster
The buttons are in hot-swappable sockets and are made by Gateron for Keychron. A two-stage spring is intended to reduce variation between individual buttons on the yellow models. The red and brown buttons roughly match the MX models, and Keychron promises a very clear pressure point for the banana buttons, analogous to the Holy Panda switches. The stabilizers are also screwed on and can therefore be replaced.
The Gateron Jupiter Red are good buttons, but not the “typical” linear models. Low resistance ensures smooth operation and effective lubrication ensures smooth operation. The spring and feedback when typing and sliding always remains “soft”, which distinguishes Cherry MX buttons.
Keychron also reduces volume compared to its MX counterparts, but not as significantly as with some other current buttons, which have a duller click. But you have to like it, because the Keychon also produces a richer but clearer attack sound. The red Jupiter buttons clearly do justice to the price range.
Gateron Jupiter Red Gateron Jupiter Brown Gateron Jupiter Banana Features: Linear Touch Stroke Distance: 2.0mm 4.0mm 2.0mm Signal Point Position: 4.0mm 2.0mm 3.4mm Signal Point Resistance : 45g 55g 59g Resistance to pressure point: – Lifespan (stops): 80 million.
Hot-swappable sockets accept Gateron-made buttons Image 1 of 5
The keycaps, here in the KSA profile, which have a spherical top, also meet expectations. They are made of high quality plastic and are labeled using the double-shot process. However, the plastic base layer is just as colorful as the one above: the caps do not let any light through, so the LEDs only illuminate the keyboard and are barely noticeable despite their positioning on the front keys.
Compactness comes at a cost at this point. As with 75% of keyboards, the first row of keys deviates from the ISO layout, reducing the availability of alternate capitals, at least if you want to swap them out completely.
Every day
The design effort is rewarded acoustically. The Q5 Max emits rich, deep and subtle noises when in use, also thanks to the metal body. Larger keys are filled with firm foam to even out the sound. This is an announcement in the direction of the ROG Azoth Extreme (test) and GMMK 3 Pro (test): in some cases it can be done better for much less money. A double rubber decoupling and a Playcarbonate switch plate effectively dampen attacks, contributing to the overall “soft” impression.
Anyone missing only the number pad with a 75% keyboard can live with the 96% layout. The remaining function keys cover the inputs needed in daily life. With this arrangement, however, it seems convenient to swap Delete and Home – accessibility in the middle of the other buttons is better blind to the “Home” place. The fact that rollers, printing, etc. no longer taken into account here seems incomprehensible because it sabotages the idea of ”just use it”. If you need the functions of the physically missing buttons, you need to take care of the configuration.
Only the missing status LEDs interfere with operation. The caps lock and number pad only display their function by changing the key’s LED to white. This is visible, but not from all angles because of the keys. In any case, factory-set lighting has only limited added value; it only provides points of ambient light. But anyway, it’s better to go wireless.
The Q5 Max’s complex construction pays off (Image: Keychron)
Software
Fortunately, it’s easy. Normally, the manufacturer provides for the use of the Keychron Launcher. The web app is basically a slightly cleaner, but proprietary version of the VIA app, with a better macro editor and the option to update firmware. This means that reassigning keys in up to four levels, including the FN layer, as well as configuring the lighting, is quick and simple, regardless of the operating system. It’s worth noting that two levels are factory-configured for Mac and Windows operation: the slide switch on the back simply switches to “standard level.” Hall effect buttons should also be configurable, which is currently not possible via VIA.
Alternatively, QMK and the VIA app still offer the same options for programming a keypad. Instructions, firmware and the necessary JSON profile are available from Keychron. Considering the existing application, the QMK option is aimed at DIYers who want to customize their firmware down to the last line, export their keyboard shortcuts for storage or prefer open source solutions due to their independence.
Conclusion: luxury at the right price
You don’t have to have the glow of a bird of paradise to stand out. Good quality also works, as Keychron points out with the Q5. Plug it in, plug it in, done – everything fits.
Aluminum housing, elaborate construction, great buttons, discreet, high-quality acoustics with good software cost just over 200 euros. When you’re working and playing, nothing about the Q5 Max puts a “but” on your lips, unless you’re looking for “gaming features” with often questionable benefits.
The layout also works well in a shortened form and the control button is easy to grip. At best, it’s annoying to have to reassign function keys if you miss them. However, just call the web app and two minutes. However, you can also take this opportunity to adjust the FN level and assign the three additional keys.
Conclusion: the Q5 Max is a very good luxury keyboard at a reasonable price
Anyone who views a keyboard as a colorful design object with a light show may not be as happy with the Q5 Max. This is due to the colored plastic keycaps. The status indicators, which are therefore moderately readable, also have a negative impact, but overall they are not of great importance. As delivered, the Q5 is just plain fun: you don’t really have to bother with anything.
In the end, 213 euros for a keyboard is still a lot of money, but relatively little. Akko Mod 007 (HE) charges extra for Hall effect buttons, other keyboards in this league like the Asus Azoth Extreme (review) cost more than twice as much, the GMMK 3 Pro is even more expensive and offers less .
Techconseil received the Q5 Max from Keychron on loan for testing. The manufacturer had no influence on the test report and was not obliged to publish it.
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Victor explores mechanical, ergonomic, and gaming keyboards to combine comfort, precision, and responsiveness.
