Keychron Q5 HE Review

S
SetupScore EditorsUpdated Feb 2026
manage_search 43 Expert Reviews
schedule5 min read
Keychron Q5 HE
90 / 100
workspace_premium Editors' Choice
starstarstarstar star
4.2
Amazon Rating 9 reviews

The Bottom Line

The Keychron Q5 HE keyboard offers a full typing experience in a compact design, featuring multi-device Bluetooth connectivity and a gasket mount system for bounce and reduced noise. Ideal for those seeking a high-quality, space-saving keyboard, it stands out for its typing comfort and versatility. However, its weight makes it less portable, and it lacks adjustable feet, which may be a limitation for some users.

insights

Our Analysis

The Keychron Q5 HE is a keyboard that has found favor among enthusiasts for its compact, full-keyboard experience combined with robust features. What we found most impressive is its typing feel, backed by a consensus of experts praising its full typing experience in a compact design and the snappy inputs provided by its Hall effect switches. The build quality is also noteworthy, with a stylish aluminum chassis and a gasket mount system that reduces noise, enhancing the overall typing experience. Connectivity is another strong point, supporting multi-device Bluetooth connections and compatibility with Mac, iPad, and Windows, which broadens its appeal. However, some reviewers noted that its weight makes it non-portable and the lack of adjustable feet might be a drawback for those who prefer a customized typing angle.

Key Points

What Reviewers Love

  • +

    Offers full typing experience in a compact design

    Cited by 6 sources

  • +

    Supports multi-device connectivity via Bluetooth

    Cited by 5 sources

  • +

    Gasket mount system for bounce and reduced noise

    Cited by 5 sources

  • +

    Hall effect switches for snappy inputs

    Cited by 4 sources

What To Consider

  • Not portable due to its weight

    Cited by 3 sources

  • No adjustable feet

    Cited by 2 sources

  • Expensive

    Cited by 1 sources

  • 1,000Hz polling only

    Cited by 1 sources

check_circle Best For

  • Home office typists
  • Multi-device users
  • Competitive gamers

warning Consider Carefully

  • Traveling professionals
  • Budget-conscious shoppers
  • RGB lighting enthusiasts

Specifications

Features

Batteries
1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included)

Physical

Item weight
6.76 pounds
Package dimensions
17.56 x 11.93 x 2.72 inches

Source Analysis

This review synthesizes insights from 43 independent sources to provide a comprehensive, unbiased assessment.

Expert Reviews (12)

Professional testing labs & tech publications

Verified Source

The Keychron Q5 HE impresses with its per-key and quad-acutation capabilities, adjustable down to 0.1mm, enhancing competitive gaming performance. Its web-based software simplifies customization, while the sturdy, all-metal construction and lovely design add to its appeal. It's also a great keyboard for typing. However, it comes with a high price tag and limited switch options.

Nikita Achanta Read →
Pros
  • Responsive magnetic switches
  • Plethora of gaming features
  • Great for typing
  • Solid build
Cons
  • Expensive
  • 1,000Hz polling only
  • Limited switch choice
Verified Source

The Keychron Q5 HE is a robust mechanical keyboard with a stylish aluminum chassis and thoughtful design elements such as two-tone keycaps. It features Gateron double rail Hall effect switches, providing a stable and snappy typing experience. The keyboard's responsiveness and customization options, including rapid trigger function and RGB lighting, are well-received. However, it's noted to be not as fast as some esports-grade boards and is on the pricier side.

Reece Bithrey Read →
Pros
  • Stylish machined aluminum chassis
  • Two-tone green accent keycaps
  • Doubleshot PBT keycaps for durability
  • Hall effect switches for snappy inputs
Cons
  • Not as fast as some esports-grade keyboards
  • Relatively expensive
Verified Source

The Keychron Q5 HE is a customizable mechanical keyboard with solid aluminum and metal construction, offering durability and a premium feel. It supports VIA macro customization, allowing users to swap out parts and personalize the keyboard. The adjustable RGB backlighting and hot-swappable feature enhance its appeal. A volume knob is included for quick volume adjustments, adding convenience for users.

Andrew Myrick Read →
Pros
  • Solid aluminum and metal construction
  • Adjustable RGB backlighting
  • Customizable with QMK and VIA
  • Hot-swappable
Cons
  • Wired only
  • 96% layout might not be for everyone

Video Reviews (5)

Hands-on demonstrations & setup guides

Eamonn Reviews
Eamonn Reviews

The reviewer has been using the Keychron Q5 HE for several years and is highly satisfied with its performance and features. They appreciate the keyboard's weighty aluminum metal body, compact size despite having a number pad, and the fully customizable and programmable keys. The volume knob and RGB backlighting are highlighted as particularly useful features.

  • Ideal for spreadsheet work due to number pad
  • Programmable keys offer high customization
  • RGB backlighting enhances user experience
SemiPro Tech+Gear
SemiPro Tech+Gear
  • Suitable for heavy typing with a solid construction
  • Customizable with QMK firmware and VIA
  • Versatile connectivity options for multi-device use
TK Bay
TK Bay
  • Ideal for productivity with full keyboard layout
  • Customizable for various workflow preferences
  • Versatile connectivity options for multiple devices

Community Discussions (6)

Real owners sharing experiences

Verified Source
Key Insights:
  • The Keychron Q5 HE is suitable for those who are comfortable with the ISO layout.
  • The community is engaged and can provide support for layout and compatibility issues.
  • The Keychron Q5 HE may not be ideal for those who prefer the ANSI layout without wanting to change to ISO keycaps.
Comparison: Compared with: Razer black, Keychron they, keychron layout
Mixed community opinions

u/testurmight

Setup Showcase
Verified Source
Key Insights:
  • The Keychron Q5 HE is an excellent choice for professionals who require a numpad.
  • The keyboard offers a smaller size compared to a full layout, which some users appreciate.
  • The yellow switches are a popular choice among users for their sound.
Limited community engagement

u/Marscake

Setup Showcase
Verified Source
Key Insights:
  • The Keychron Q5 HE is considered a budget build within the custom keyboard community, making it an attractive option for those looking for a cost-effective solution.
  • The keyboard's compact 96% layout is praised for its space-saving design and ease of use.
  • Customization options, such as changing plates and adding rotary encoders, are available for those looking to personalize their Keychron Q5 HE.
Limited community engagement

Customer Reviews Amazon

What buyers are saying

starstarstarstar star
4.2

9 reviews

Recently Added Reviews

star star star star star

BUYER BEWARE

Lynn April 28, 2025
Do not buy this item through AMAZONKeychron will not honor their warranty if you purchase though amazon
thumb_up 8 people found this helpful
star star star star star

AWESOME keyboard

Kevin James January 16, 2025
LOVE the Hall effect switches. Not thrilled with the keycaps (had to replace them) - they are NOT shine through.
thumb_up 1 people found this helpful
star star star star star

Good but missing End key

Daren May September 3, 2025
Lacks the End key (you can set up a macro for it) which means it instead for coding. But other than a few missing keys, a great keyboard.
star star star star star

10000000/10 I love this keyboard, it is a winner

Ian M Kratzke November 20, 2025
I love this keyboard so much. I tried over 10 different keyboards from different brands, as well as different Keychron models, and different types of switches. This was the pretty clear winner. Months later and many hours of use, it remains the apple of my eye. I love the look, layout, feel, lighting, compatibility, and customizability. I will acknowledge that keyboard feel is a fairly personal quality and everyone is entitled to their own preferences, but unless you want something towards the extreme ends of the switch spectrum (like completely silent or jarringly clicky), this keyboard does a super nice job of just feeling and sounding super good and pleasing imo. It is quite heavy, which I love because it doesn’t slide around and reminds me that its made of real stuff and feels luxurious, but its weight makes it not the right option for a portable or travel keyboard.
star star star star star

Excellent build quality, but not crazy over the HE switches.

discombob November 13, 2025
My first Keychron, and I wanted to be impressed so I “went for it” and got this Q5 HE. The build quality is as impressive as most would say… everything moves in absolutely straight and smooth lines with no wiggle anywhere on anything (including the volume knob). The caps are lightweight but very precisely molded and look great, but feel on the smaller side as they taper in a bit as they rise.The web-launched software from Keychron is excellent, and easy to use and understand. Bonus points for also being able to use VIA/QMK for basic key remapping and macros.All the keys sense with total precision through the Hall Effect magnetic switches, offering consistent triggering depths, but I am sad to report that I don’t like the feel. As cool as it sounds to type on a magnetic field, it actually puts you in a situation where there is absolutely zero tactile feedback, even compared to normal lubed linear mechanical switches, and it feels overly progressive (and this is coming from someone who usually likes a progressive switch with pillowy bottom), spongy and vague to my surprise and horror.So aside from the excellent build and probably support from a company considered a pioneer in the space who continues to try new things, I like it but certainly had to remove a star for the bizarre switch feel that is kind of ruining the experience for me.Unless you plan to use the switches for “analog” style gaming controls for variable movement speeds and multi-layer macro triggers based on depth, I’d recommend just sticking with regular mechanical switches at the higher end with good tolerances for comfortable and accurate typing and you’ll probably save some money over the premium charged for HE as well.

Reviews shown are from Amazon customers and do not reflect our editorial assessment.

The Verdict

The Keychron Q5 HE is a solid choice for those who value a full typing experience with modern connectivity options and a premium build. It's best for home office users, those needing multi-device support, and gamers seeking quick response. However, if portability, budget, or extensive RGB customization are priorities, this keyboard might not be the ideal fit.

Pricing Reference

Updated Feb 23, 2026
43 sources analyzed Updated February 20, 2026
About our review methodology

Score methodology: Weighted median of 12 expert ratings. Community discussions used for qualitative insights only.

Sources breakdown: 15 expert reviews, 5 video reviews, 6 community discussions

Pipeline v1.0.0