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Compare Redragon BLUESIREN K654 vs Keychron Q5 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a value-oriented, full-size mechanical keyboard and a premium, compact enthusiast-grade board. The Redragon K654 offers a low-cost entry with an aluminum frame and hot-swap sockets, while the Keychron Q5 commands a higher price for superior build quality, extensive programmability, and a space-saving 96% layout. The decision hinges on budget, desired layout, and how deeply you value firmware customization and typing feel.

64
BLUESIREN K654
95
Keychron Q5 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard

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0.0 (0)
4.8 (49)
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 100% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a Bottom Mount mounting style
  • Weighs about 1390 g
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
  • Released in 2022
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Compatible with both Mac and Windows
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Weighs about 2310 g
  • Sized at 20 x 145 x 390 mm
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 62.8
  • Build Quality: 65
  • Productivity: 63.6
  • Customizability: 55.4
  • Portability: 43.8
Scores
  • Performance: 71.8
  • Build Quality: 89.4
  • Productivity: 97.6
  • Customizability: 99.7
  • Portability: 45
Name
Redragon BLUESIREN K654
Name
Keychron Q5
Release year
2023
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
100%
Layout Size
96%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
-
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Bottom Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
20 x 145 x 390 mm
Weight
1390g
Weight
2310g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your budget and willingness to customize dictate the choice here. If you need a straightforward, affordable full-size keyboard with the basic ability to swap switches, the Redragon BLUESIREN K654 is a solid pick. For anyone ready to invest in a long-term centerpiece with top-tier build quality, extensive programmability, and a space-efficient layout, the Keychron Q5 is the superior, albeit more costly, option.

Redragon BLUESIREN K654

  • +Lower cost entry point for a hot-swappable aluminum keyboard.
  • +Includes 8 spare switches and a keycap puller in the box.
  • +Full 100% layout with a dedicated numpad.
  • +Features 3.5mm sound-absorbing foam according to the vendor description.
  • +Unique gradient blue and white keycap design.
  • −Limited to Outemu brand switches due to its hot-swap sockets.
  • −Only available with clicky switches in the pre-built configuration.
  • −Lacks advanced programmability features like QMK/VIA support.
  • −Heavier than some full-size boards but less feature-dense than the Q5.

Keychron Q5

  • +Extensive customization with QMK and VIA open-source firmware support.
  • +High-quality construction with a full CNC-machined aluminum case and steel plate.
  • +Available in multiple layouts (ANSI, ISO) and as a barebones kit.
  • +Features a double-gasket mount design and screw-in PCB stabilizers.
  • +Includes a programmable knob option and south-facing RGB LEDs.
  • −Significantly heavier and more expensive than the Redragon K654.
  • −96% layout has a learning curve for users accustomed to full-size spacing.
  • −The vendor listing indicates frequent stock shortages for specific configurations.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron Q5 is the clear choice for users who prioritize customization, whether through hardware modding with its barebones option and gasket mount, or software with QMK/VIA. It also wins for space-conscious tasks like programming and content creation thanks to its 96% layout and programmable knob. The Redragon K654 serves well as a budget office keyboard with its full numpad and is slightly more portable due to its lower weight, but it lacks the high-end features and programmability of the Q5.

GamingKeychron Q5
  • •The Keychron Q5 has a specified 1000 Hz polling rate for potentially lower latency.
  • •Its gasket mount design with sound dampening may offer a more consistent typing feel during rapid key presses.
  • •The Q5 supports a wider variety of switch types (linear, tactile, clicky) for personalized gaming feel.
OfficeTie
  • •The Redragon K654 has a dedicated 100% layout with a full numpad for data entry.
  • •The Keychron Q5 offers Mac and Windows keycaps and a system toggle for multi-OS environments.
  • •Both keyboards include sound-dampening features (3.5mm foam in K654, double-gasket design in Q5) for quieter typing.
ProgrammingKeychron Q5
  • •The Keychron Q5's 96% layout retains the numpad while saving desk space for other tools.
  • •Full QMK and VIA support allows deep key remapping and macro creation for workflows.
  • •A programmable knob version is available for mapping functions like scrolling or volume control.
TravelRedragon BLUESIREN K654
  • •The Redragon K654 is significantly lighter at 1390g compared to the Q5's 2310g.
  • •Both are wired-only, but the lower weight of the K654 makes it slightly more portable for a full-size board.
ModdingKeychron Q5
  • •The Keychron Q5 is available as a DIY barebones kit, offering a blank canvas for builders.
  • •It features a gasket mount design, screw-in PCB stabilizers, and supports both 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
  • •Full QMK/VIA firmware support allows for extensive software-level customization.
Content CreationKeychron Q5
  • •The Keychron Q5's programmable knob can be mapped to media controls, zoom, or brush size adjustments.
  • •QMK/VIA support enables complex macros for editing software shortcuts.
  • •The compact 96% layout frees up valuable desk space for graphics tablets or other peripherals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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