Chilkey ND104 vs Keychron Q5 HEScreen vs Gaming Performance
Choose the Chilkey ND104 for its modular screen and full wireless flexibility, or the Keychron Q5 HE for its cutting-edge magnetic switches and 8K gaming performance.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Chilkey ND104
Screen
- Integrated LCD screen with calculator, clock, and dynamic background modes.
- Triple-mode wireless connectivity (Bluetooth 5.4, 2.4 GHz, wired) for up to three devices.
- Modular top section can be configured as a screen, extra keys, or a storage tray.
- Wireless and wired polling rate is limited to 1000 Hz.
- The vendor description notes user complaints about limited software for RGB and screen customization.
- It is a full-size keyboard, making it larger and less portable than compact layouts.
Get the
Keychron Q5 HE
Gaming Performance
- Features an 8000 Hz polling rate in wired mode for ultra-low latency.
- Equipped with adjustable magnetic switches supporting Rapid Trigger and Analog Mode.
- Allows per-key actuation point adjustment from 0.1 to 3.35 mm.
- Lacks wireless connectivity, operating in wired-only mode according to its specifications.
- Smaller 4000mAh battery, though its wired-only nature may make this less critical.
- Heavier weight of 2301g, which is less ideal for frequent movement.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require the lowest possible latency for competitive gaming and want to experiment with magnetic switch technology, the Keychron Q5 HE is the specialized tool. If you value a full layout, wireless freedom, and the unique utility of a programmable screen and modular design for work or creativity, the Chilkey ND104 is the more versatile daily driver. Consider the ND104's noted software limitations if deep RGB or screen customization is a priority.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Chilkey ND104
Keychron Q5 HE
Layout size
100%
96%
Hall effect (magnetic)
No
Yes
Rapid trigger
No
Yes
Battery
8,000 mAh
4,000 mAh
Max polling rate
1,000 Hz
8,000 Hz
- Chilkey ND104
- Keychron Q5 HE
- Performance
- 80100
- Build quality
- 8989
- Productivity
- 9497
- Customizability
- 9096
- Portability
- 6555
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Case material: Aluminum
- Knob
- VIA
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Keychron Q5 HE is the clear choice for competitive gaming due to its high-speed wired connection and magnetic switch technology. For office work, travel, and content creation, the Chilkey ND104's screen, wireless flexibility, and full layout offer more utility. Programming and modding enthusiasts will find strong arguments for both, with the ND104 leading in acoustic preparation and modularity, while both offer extensive firmware support.
Pick the Keychron Q5 HE
- The Keychron Q5 HE offers an 8000 Hz polling rate in wired mode for minimal input lag.
- It features adjustable magnetic switches with Rapid Trigger and Dynamic Keystrokes for precise control.
- The listing includes gaming-specific features like Last Key Priority (LKP) and Analog Mode.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Chilkey ND104
No owner reviews collected yet.
Keychron Q5 HE
2 owner reviews
“This keyboard is so unbelievably premium. I was extremely hesitant at first to buy a keyboard in this price range but I guarantee you, you can absolutely tell that you are using an expensive, premium, top of the line product. Definitely recommend.”
Chilkey ND104 vs Keychron Q5 HE specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
14 of 28 specs differ
Chilkey ND104
Keychron Q5 HE
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Rapid trigger
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Chilkey ND104 vs Keychron Q5 HE: your questions
The Chilkey ND104 is designed for wireless use, supporting Bluetooth 5.4, 2.4 GHz, and wired connections. It can connect to three devices and has an 8000mAh battery. The Keychron Q5 HE, according to its listed specs, is a wired-only keyboard.
No, the Keychron Q5 HE does not have a screen. The Chilkey ND104 includes a built-in LCD screen that functions as a calculator, clock, and can display dynamic backgrounds.
The Chilkey ND104 has a 1000 Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes. The Keychron Q5 HE offers a much higher 8000 Hz polling rate, but this is only available in its wired mode.
Yes, both keyboards should support Cherry profile keycaps. The Keychron Q5 HE specifically mentions its south-facing RGB LEDs prevent interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.
Yes, both the Chilkey ND104 and Keychron Q5 HE feature hot-swappable PCBs. The Keychron supports hot-swapping with specific magnetic switches like the Keychron Lime and Gateron Jade.
The Keychron Q5 HE uses magnetic switches, specifically the Keychron Ultra-fast Lime Magnetic Switch in its fully assembled version. These allow for adjustable actuation points and support features like Rapid Trigger.
The Chilkey ND104 comes with extensive sound dampening pre-installed, including five layers of foam such as plate foam, switch foam, PET acoustic pads, and case foam. Both boards are gasket mounted and support aftermarket mods.
Yes, the Chilkey ND104 vendor description lists compatibility with Mac, Windows, and Linux. The Keychron Q5 HE is also compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux.
The Chilkey ND104 is a full-size (100%) keyboard with 106 keys, including a numpad. The Keychron Q5 HE is a 96% layout, which condenses the numpad and navigation cluster into a more compact form factor while retaining most keys.
Yes, the Keychron Q5 HE supports both QMK and VIA for reprogramming keys and macros. The Chilkey ND104 also supports VIA and has its own Chilkey web driver for programming.
The Chilkey ND104 has a larger combined battery capacity of 8000mAh (2* 4000mAh), which is advantageous for its wireless functionality. The Keychron Q5 HE has a 4000mAh battery, but as a wired-only board, battery life is not a primary concern.
According to the vendor, the Chilkey ND104 includes a user manual, a 2.4 GHz receiver, a USB-C cable, elastic bar mount gaskets, and gasket mounts. Some colorways come with MetaPBT or Double Shot PBT keycaps.
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