Keychron’s Q5 HE Is The Ultimate Gaming Keyboard With Hall-Effect Switches

Gamers know that every millisecond counts during elite tournaments and having a more responsive keyboard that can be customized to your gaming style could be the difference that brings a win. That’s what the Keychron Q5 HE keyboard purports to offer alongside a 96% layout with numpad, multimedia and functions keys, plus a handy knob that can be used to adjust volume settings and mute the sound.

Increasingly, elite gamers are choosing keyboards fitted with switches like the Gateron Hall-Effect double-rail magnetic model which can provide faster feedback, dynamic rapid triggering and adjustable actuation points to suit any gaming style. The result is often a big boost in gaming performance.

Alongside the Hall Effect magnetic switches, the Keychron Q5 HE has a 2.4GHz connection mode that delivers a 1000Hz polling rate, some ten times faster than Bluetooth and the same as most wired connections for a super-fast gaming experience.

The keyboard also has Bluetooth connectivity if needed, plus a double-gasket design, enhanced acoustic foams and an all-aluminum body with PBT keycaps. In other words, this is a high-performance keyboard where nothing has been left to chance.

The Gateron Hall-Effect double-rail magnetic switches are fitted with a magnetic sensor that has a sensitivity of just 0.1 mm for exceptional feedback. The user can customize the keyboard’s actuation point and assign multiple actions to a single key based on the travel depth the user has selected. The upshot is enhanced gameplay and a typing sensation that’s as unique as the user.

The Hall-Effect switches are hot-swappable and can be easily replaced with other magnetic HE switches depending on the type the user wants. Each switch also features south-facing RGB LEDs for better keyboard illumination. The south-facing RGB is also free from interference if the user installs Cherry-profile alternative keycaps on their keyboard.

Each key can have its sensitivity adjusted in precise steps of 0.1mm and the actuation points can be set from 0.2 to 3.8mm. Setting the actuation point to 0.8 or 1.0mm shortens the trigger and increases the key’s sensitivity. The reset occurs once the key is released, ensuring a faster response.

Keys can also activate or deactivate keys based on travel distance rather than occurring at fixed points. They activate precisely upon pressing and deactivate upon letting go, allowing for immediate repetition of keystrokes which can make all the difference between winning and losing, setting off a chain of actions in quick succession during gameplay.

In addition, up to four actions can be assigned to a single key based on the depth of the press. Lightly press a key to walk forward in a game, then press deeper to run. Releasing the key also supports two-stage settings for smoother and personalized combinations that can deliver an edge during competitive gaming.

The final secret to the Keychron Q5 HE is the stabilizers used. The screw-in design of the stabilizers boosts keyboard stability and makes it easier for changes and upgrades. The larger keys, like the space bar, shift, enter and backspace keys, feel more solid with better stabilizers onboard.

To program the Keychron Q5 HE with all these advantages, there is QMK firmware which works in tandem with Keychron’s Launcher website where all the keys can be programmed and remapped. Macros can be assigned to individual keys to automate processes or commands.

The body of the Keychron Q5 HE is made from 6063 aluminum which provides durability, stability and a solid feel. Aluminum is also more resistant to physical damage and wear while being environmentally friendly and recyclable. To silence the keyboard and improve the typing feel, Keychron has used silicone pads between the top and bottom cases which reduces acoustic resonance, maintains gasket flexibility and produces a better typing sound. The keyboard’s bottom has acoustic foam, PET film and Latex for a better key sound as well as a more comfortable typing feel.

Premium keyboards should have great keys so the Q5 HE has OSA-profile keys made from PBT material which provides superb oil resistance and a more luxurious feel and wear-resistant legends that won’t fade.

The final secret to the Keychron Q5 HE is the stabilizers used. The screw-in design of the stabilizer boosts keyboard stability and makes it easier for changes and upgrades. The larger keys, like the space bar, shift, enter and backspace keys, feel more solid with better stabilizers onboard. There’s also a choice of Mac and Windows modifier keys in the box so both main computing platforms are catered for.

Verdict: For gamers, the Keychron Q5 HE is the ultimate tool for competitive tournaments. It looks and feels superb and the solid typing experience is like nothing else. However, the real power of this keyboard is the extent to which it can be programmed. Individual keys can be customized. Actuation points, sensitivity and even character remapping can all be set by the user using Keychron’s Launcher website. The keycaps are top quality and the connectivity over 2.4GHz wireless means the same kind of low latency that a wired keyboard provides. If you’re looking for a tournament-level keyboard, look no further than the Keychron Q5 HE.

Pricing & Availability: The Keychron Q5 HE is available now from the Keychron website and costs $229.

Tech Specs:

• Dimensions (W x L): 144.8 x 408.05mm.
• Front height: 20.73mm (without keycaps).
• Back height: 31.8mm (without keycaps).
• Feet height: 2.4mm.
• Angle: 5.3 degrees.
• Weight: 2,187g.
• Body and plate material: Aluminum.
• Polling rate: 1000Hz (Wired and 2.4 GHz) / 90Hz (Bluetooth).
• N-Key Rollover (NKRO): Yes, for both wireless and wired modes.
• Rapid trigger: Yes.
• Adjustable actuation points: 0.2 – 3.8mm.
• Dynamic keystrokes: 4-in-1 action keys.
• Sensitivity: 0.1mm.
• Keycaps: OSA double-shot PBT.
• MCU: ARM Cortex-M4 32-bit STM32F402RC (256KB Flash).
• Backlight: South-facing RGB LED.
• Switches: Gateron double-rail magnetic.
• Hot-swappable: Yes, compatible with Gateron double-rail magnetic switch only.
• Stabilizers: Screw-in PCB.
• Cable: Type-C cable (1.8m) + Type-A to Type-C adapter.
• Connectivity: 2.4 GHz / Bluetooth / Type-C wired.
• Bluetooth version: 5.2.
• Battery: 4,000mAh rechargeable li-polymer battery.
• Wireless working time (backlights off): Up to 100 hours.