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, meaning it is a flat model with mechanical keys. These keys last longer compared to scissor or membrane keys. Additionally, a mechanical keyboard is easy to clean and the switches are easy to replace (with the Hot Swappable version), allowing you to customise your keyboard to your liking. The K5 Pro is equipped with Gateron Low profile MX 2.0 switches.

Appearance features

The K5 Pro has a 100% layout (108 keys), meaning it contains all possible keys. This makes the K5 Pro a very wide keyboard. For ergonomic reasons, we therefore recommend using a central mouse in conjunction with the K5. A left and right-handed mouse is also an option. Just like with a central mouse, this can help prevent shoulder complaints. As an update to the Keychron K5, the K5 Pro is equipped with PBT double shot keycaps. These are, unlike ABS keycaps, wear-resistant and do not leave fingerprints. Extra keycaps are included, allowing you to use the keyboard with macOS, Windows, and Linux.

The keyboard is equipped with RGB lighting using small LEDs. These lights give your keyboard cool lighting effects, making its use just a bit more enjoyable. Especially for gamers among us, this often adds value. The K5 Pro comes with 22 different RGB backlight patterns. Finally, there are foldable feet on the bottom of the keyboard, allowing you to use the K5 Pro at 3 different angles.

What makes the K5 Pro so good?

The keyboard can be used both wirelessly and wired. Charging is easy with the included USB-A to USB-C cable. The polling rate for wired use is 1000Hz, which means this keyboard is very suitable for gaming. Wirelessly, this polling rate is 90Hz.

The K5 Pro can be used wirelessly via a Bluetooth 5.1 connection. This allows you to connect to 3 devices simultaneously, for example, your PC, laptop, and tablet (handy for students and hybrid workers!). Switching between these devices is easy with the press of a button.

Programmable with 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 assign any function you want to each key, such as combination keys and macros. By compressing a number of actions into a single key press, you will be able to work faster. In the blog written by Keychron, 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 actually an improved version of the Keychron K5 keyboard. For example, it is now possible to set macros and assign any function you want to keys. The battery lasts longer, and even then, the K5 Pro is still lighter than the. 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 features a 2000mAh battery that lasts approximately 80 hours with normal use. The keyboard also has backlighting, making the keys clearly visible in dimly lit rooms.

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 switch on the top, you can easily switch between operating systems. System-related keys are included and can be easily swapped by yourself.

Pros and cons

•  Fully programmable keys
•  Mechanical switches
•  Can be used wired and wirelessly
•  Can be used with 3 devices simultaneously
•  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
•  Can be used wired and wirelessly
•  USB-C connection
•  Connects to 3 devices simultaneously
•  Bluetooth 5.1
•  Quick switching between PC, laptop and tablet
•  Flat design
•  3 adjustable heights

Downloads

Replacing switches

Battery life with 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