KeychronV5 Max Custom Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with Number Pad, 96% Layout QMK/VIA 2.4 GHz/Bluetooth 5.1/Wired, RGB Backlit Hot-Swappable Gateron Banana Switch for Mac Windows Linux

I think the V5 is an affordable option for anyone needing a new keyboard. It has tri-mode connection feature and hot-swappable switches along with QMK available directly thru your browser! No downloading questionable software to set your macros, rgb and other bindings of your preference. It is safer and more convenient for the end user. The RGB is not very bright with the key caps installed by default, but you can simply replace them to get the shine thru you like. So gamers and rgb lovers have lots of ways to customize this keyboard. If you are not into the flashy rgb then you can always turn it off.I chose the linear red switches and they are very smooth and somewhat quiet too which does help in settings where quiet is wanted or necessary. I will swap them out though as I always want the ultra silent switches because any type noise from typing, be it the switches or key caps, I will not be happy. It just is how I like my experience, ultra silent always.Trying the different modes, it was great, although I tested bluetooth I never use it but it did connect and work, but lag is there as expected, not horrible but it is there. The 2.4 Ghz was flawless and I noticed no lag that would be noticeable or cause dissatisfaction. Of course the wired was just fine and it charged the keyboard quickly. There is a switch to choose between win/mac too and I use Win 11 and had no issues from the moment I tested it.Other things that stand out are the flip up feet, the gasket mount and included foams which work very well for flex action and sound dampening. The frame is plastic but it is not junk plastic and I feel it is going to hold up for a long while, I don't see it failing just because of the plastic, unless you are trying to break it. I think you'd find it difficult even trying to break this Keychron intentionally.So would I recommend this V5 Max? Without a doubt! It is totally worth the price with the all the features. 100% I'd buy it again and again, either for a backup or a gift.Do I wish it was all aluminum? Maybe and maybe not. I have 2 Azoth TKL keyboards from Asus, and I love them both but if they weren't aluminum it would not really bother me that much. So having an aluminum Keychron is something I would love but it's not in my budget. Maybe someday I'll afford the top of the line Keychrons but...I'm happy with the V5 Max in all it's plastic glory. Oh, almost forgot to mention, there's a knob which you can use for volume and mute. It may be programmable to use for other bindings but I like it for volume and quick muting. I can't forget to point out that it has south facing RGB which will make a lot of people happy.So what do I not like about the V5 Max? The OSA profile key caps, but they're easily replaced! So, this is my review of the Keychron V5 Max and I hope it helps others decide if it is the right keyboard for them.

I have tried many keyboards, I took a chance and got this. I just plugged it in. The switches are buttery smooth, the lighting effects are great. The keyboard looks, good, feels well built, the volume knob is great. First impression: Excellent. It's going to take me awhile to figure out the finer aspects, but I like it better than the Logitech MX which was my last favorite keyboard. You can swap everything on this, so I think maybe keycaps that the light can shine through, software to better control the lighting, but that is all superficial. I'm already in love. I use this as a Home entertainment keyboard in my living room. Not to heavy to use on the couch, but fee;s solid. Comes with all you need for any set up. Thumbs up.

Within about 10 seconds, I knew I was keeping it. The keys are plenty sensitive enough that I don't have to pound the keys, the actuation is buttery smooth, the sound is whisper quiet and very pleasant to the ears than the sound of crunching plastic. I can already tell I'm able to type faster and more accurately, and even longer given the fact that my previous keyboard felt exhausting to my fingers after minimal use.I suffered a Razer Blackwidow Elite for the past 6 years, my first mechanical keyboard, before Keychron came to prominence and I regret not switching over earlier. Requires no additional software to work, just plug and play. You can use the online Keychron launcher to change out some things, but even the LED controls are built into the keys: function + __ [Q, tab, W, S]. This is such a quality of life improvement considering Razer required 2-3 programs running 24/7 just for the keyboard to function and control the LEDs.-The price is very fair. My Razer was over $170 at a discount rate years before, and entry-level quality keyboards generally start at around $120. I thought I might want to get the upgraded version of this, the Q5 Max, but this feels so premium I don't think the additional feature of an aluminum body is really worth the $100+ price jump. This keyboard might be plastic, but it's high quality and is heavy enough to stay put even knocking it hard with my mouse.-The wired/wireless functionality is awesome, giving you total control of your setup.-The keys are close together, which I enjoy. On my Razer, the keys were very wide apart, and so the rows and columns of keys got farther and farther apart from center, requiring you to stretch or move your entire wrist for just typing a few paragraphs. Where that keyboard was exhausting, this keyboard feels like it enables me to write at length again.-The 96% version is perfect for what I want: includes the square a number pad, minus all the keys that have long since been outdated as far back as Windows 98: page up/down, insert, etc. Only downside is that the 0 key is smaller than average and this isn't the case on other Keychron models of the same layout.-IMPORTANT NOTE: The USB-C and USB-A 2.4 ghz wireless transponders were not to be found in the packaging, and only after I set up the keyboard did I realize there are two hidden slots on the underside/back of the keyboard where the adapters can be permanently stored when not in use. Nothing in the instruction manual gave mention of this whatsoever.