Keychron K5 Pro QMK/VIA programmable keyboard for Windows and Mac

Why the K5 Pro?

Flat and mechanical

The Keychron K5 Pro is a mechanical low profile keyboard, which means it is a flat model with mechanical keys. These keys last longer than scissor or membrane keys. A mechanical keyboard is also easy to clean, and the switches are easy to replace (on the Hot Swappable version), so you can adjust your keyboard to suit your preferences. The K5 Pro is fitted with Gateron Low profile MX 2.0 switches.

Appearance

The K5 Pro has a 100% layout (108 keys), which means it includes every possible key. This makes the K5 Pro a very wide keyboard. For ergonomic reasons we therefore recommend using it together with a central mouse. A left- and right-handed mouse is also an option. As with a central mouse, this can help reduce the risk of shoulder complaints. As an update to the Keychron K5, the K5 Pro comes with PBT double shot keycaps. Unlike ABS keycaps, these are wear-resistant and do not show fingerprints. Extra keycaps are included so you can use the keyboard with macOS, Windows and Linux.

The keyboard is fitted with RGB lighting using small LEDs. These lights give your keyboard fun lighting effects that make using it a little more enjoyable. For the gamers among us in particular, this is often a welcome addition. The K5 Pro comes with 22 different RGB backlight patterns. Finally, there are fold-out feet on the underside of the keyboard, so you can use the K5 Pro at 3 different angles.

What makes the K5 Pro so good?

The keyboard can be used both wirelessly and wired. You charge it easily with the supplied USB-A to USB-C cable. The polling rate in wired use is 1000 Hz, which means this keyboard is very suitable for gaming. Wirelessly, this polling rate is 90 Hz.

You can use the K5 Pro wirelessly via a Bluetooth 5.1 connection. This lets you connect to 3 devices at the same time, for example your PC, laptop and tablet (handy for students and hybrid workers). Switching between these devices is easy with a single press of a button.

Programmable using QMK/VIA software

The Keychron K5 Pro is one of the first low profile keyboards that can be programmed using QMK/VIA software. With this software you can give every key the function you want, such as combination keys and macros. By compressing several actions into a single button press, you can work faster. In the blog that Keychron has written, you can read all about this software. You can download the software here, about halfway down the page.

What's new?

The K5 Pro is essentially an improved version of the Keychron K5 keyboard. It is now possible to set macros and give keys any function you want. The battery lasts longer, and even so the K5 Pro is still lighter than its predecessor. As mentioned earlier, the keycaps have also been improved. However, these are no longer shine-through.

Below is a summary of all the differences:

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The Keychron K5 Pro has a 2000 mAh battery that lasts around 80 hours in normal use. The keyboard also has backlighting so the keys are clearly visible in poorly lit spaces.

This RGB lighting gives you all the colours of the rainbow in 22 different patterns and four brightness levels. The Keychron K5 Pro is suitable for both Windows & Mac. With a slider on the top you can easily switch between operating systems. System-related keys are supplied and are easy to swap out yourself.

Pros and cons

• Fully programmable keys
• Mechanical switches
• Wired and wireless use
• Use on 3 devices at the same time
• Very wide

Brief specifications

How happy will my body be with this?

Product features

• Suitable for Windows, macOS and Linux
• Programmable keys using QMK/VIA software
• 100% layout
• Low profile design
• Hot Swappable
• Extra keycaps for Windows and macOS
• Updated double shot PBT keycaps
• With Gateron Low Profile MX switches
• RGB backlight
• Wired and wireless use
• USB-C connection
• Connect to 3 devices at the same time
• Bluetooth 5.1
• Quick switching between PC, laptop and tablet
• Flat design
• 3 adjustable heights

Downloads

Replacing switches

Battery life during wireless Bluetooth use

What's in the box?

• 1 x K5 Pro keyboard
• 1 x USB-A to USB-C Cable
• 1 x Switch puller
• 1 x Keycap puller
• 1 x Manual

Frequently asked questions