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Compare Keychron B5 Pro vs Q5 Pro Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Keychron's budget and premium keyboard lines. The B5 Pro is an ultra-slim, full-size wireless board, while the Q5 Pro is a heavy, feature-rich 96% custom keyboard. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize a low-profile, portable design with a full numpad or a high-end, moddable build with superior materials and sound.

Keychron B5 Pro Ultra-Slim Wireless Keyboard
95
Keychron Q5 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard

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0.0 (0)
5.0 (9)
  • Released in 2025
  • Available in a 100% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 1200 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 623 g
  • Sized at 10 x 438 x 121 mm
  • Made with a ABS case
  • Features ABS keycaps
  • Offers No RGB lighting
  • Released in 2023
  • Supports hot-swappable switches
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 2310 g
  • Sized at 23 x 145 x 408 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 49
  • Build Quality: 43.2
  • Productivity: 67.9
  • Customizability: 47.4
  • Portability: 51.3
Scores
  • Performance: 82.3
  • Build Quality: 88.1
  • Productivity: 97.2
  • Customizability: 97.3
  • Portability: 55.9
Name
Keychron B5 Pro
Name
Keychron Q5 Pro
Release year
2025
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, 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
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
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
1200 mAh
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
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
-
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
10 x 438 x 121 mm
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 408 mm
Weight
623g
Weight
2310g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your budget and core needs define this choice. If you require a full-size layout for number-heavy work, need something easy to carry, and want to spend less, the Keychron B5 Pro is the practical pick. If you value a premium typing feel, want to customize switches and sound, and are willing to invest in a heavy, feature-rich centerpiece for your desk, the Keychron Q5 Pro is the superior keyboard.

Keychron B5 Pro

  • +Extremely lightweight at 623g and ultra-slim with a 9.9mm profile.
  • +Includes a full 100% layout with a dedicated numpad.
  • +Comes with a protective, washable silicone key skin according to the vendor.
  • +Offers a 2.4 GHz wireless connection with a magnetic receiver storage slot.
  • +Lower cost option compared to the Q5 Pro.

  • Case is made of ABS plastic, not aluminum.
  • Lacks hot-swappable switches and advanced modding features like a gasket mount.
  • No RGB backlighting is listed.
  • Smaller 1200mAh battery compared to the Q5 Pro's 4000mAh.

Keychron Q5 Pro

  • +Constructed with a full CNC-machined aluminum case.
  • +Hot-swappable PCB supports 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches.
  • +Features a double-gasket mount design with a polycarbonate plate and screw-in stabilizers.
  • +Includes a programmable aluminum knob and south-facing RGB lighting.
  • +Extensive programmability via QMK and VIA open-source firmware.

  • Very heavy at 2310g, making it difficult to move.
  • Higher price point than the B5 Pro.
  • 96% layout omits some keys found on a full-size board.
  • Vendor description notes a 90 Hz polling rate in wireless mode, lower than its wired mode.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Q5 Pro is the clear choice for users focused on customization, programming, or a premium tactile and acoustic experience, thanks to its hot-swap PCB, gasket mount, and robust programmability. The B5 Pro wins for office and travel scenarios where its full numpad, lightweight design, and spill-resistant features are most practical. For gaming, the Q5 Pro's build offers more stability, though both share a high polling rate.

GamingKeychron Q5 Pro
  • The Q5 Pro has a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode, matching the B5 Pro's spec.
  • Its aluminum case and gasket mount provide a more stable, premium base.
  • South-facing RGB lighting is listed as a feature, which may be preferred by some users.
OfficeKeychron B5 Pro
  • The B5 Pro's full 100% layout includes a dedicated numpad, which is often essential for data entry.
  • Its ultra-slim 9.9mm profile and 623g weight make it easier to transport or store.
  • The manufacturer states it includes a protective silicone skin to guard against spills and dust.
ProgrammingKeychron Q5 Pro
  • The Q5 Pro offers extensive programmability via QMK and VIA firmware, allowing deep key remapping and macro creation.
  • Its hot-swappable PCB supports a wide range of 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches for personalized feel.
  • The 96% layout saves desk space while retaining most navigation keys.
TravelKeychron B5 Pro
  • The B5 Pro weighs 623g compared to the Q5 Pro's 2310g, making it significantly more portable.
  • Its ultra-slim 9.9mm integrated body is designed for easy transport.
  • It includes a magnetic storage slot for its 2.4 GHz receiver.
ModdingKeychron Q5 Pro
  • The Q5 Pro is explicitly hot-swappable and compatible with many MX-style switches.
  • It features a gasket mount design, a polycarbonate plate, and screw-in stabilizers for acoustic and feel customization.
  • It is available in a barebones kit version without keycaps or switches.
Content CreationKeychron Q5 Pro
  • The Q5 Pro includes a programmable aluminum knob for controlling parameters like volume or brush size.
  • Its QMK/VIA programmability supports complex macros for editing software.
  • The aluminum case and premium build provide a sturdy, reliable platform for long work sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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