Keychron’s latest keyboard is a more compact way to get your numpad fix

The Q5 is Keychron's newest mechanical keyboard. It uses the same construction as the excellent Q1 and Q2 keyboards, but with a larger layout and a num pad. It isn't a full-size keyboard, but it does offer almost all of the keys a user might need while being relatively small.

There is no stock full-metal custom 1800 layout mechanical keyboard on the market. The layout saves about an inch of space compared to a full-size keyboard. Without the number pad, it is the smallest you can go. You can either get a fully-assembled keyboard for $185 or you can get a bare bones keyboard for $165. The models have a volume knob.

Image: Keychron

Image: Keychron

Keychron has recently branched out into premium mechanical keyboards, and the Q5's specifications will be familiar to anyone who has followed them. It's hot swappable, meaning you can install or replace its switches without the need for soldering, and its keys are remappable. There is a physical button to switch between the two operating systems in the box. The Q5 can be used to connect to your machine.

The Keychron Q5 uses the same construction as the Q1 and Q2 did. The case is made of aluminum and the circuit board is mounted on a gasket. The feel of the Q-series boards will be impacted by this design. It uses screw-in stabilizers to reduce the rattle from larger keys like the space bar, and includedSilicon pads to reduce any pinging noises while typing.

The Q5 could be a great entry point if you have been holding off on Keychron's premium mechanical keyboards because you can't give up that traditional numpad.