Is the Keychron R5 worth it?

It is worth it if you want QMK remapping and Bluetooth in one board. If you never customize keys, a cheaper fixed-layout board does the same job.

Does the R5 work with Mac and Windows?

Yes. Keychron lists Windows, Mac and Linux compatibility, and QMK lets you set separate layers for each.

Can I remap keys on the R5?

Yes. QMK firmware support means you can remap keys and build custom layers, typically by flashing the board.

Is the R5 wired or wireless?

It is wireless over Bluetooth. Check the listing for a USB-C cable if you want a wired fallback.

When is the R5 cheapest?

Wireless Keychron boards tend to dip during holiday sales and brand promotions. Ask the shopping agent to watch the price history.

Keychron R5 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

Last price we saw

$67.49at E Sport Certified, last seen Nov 6

Prices change often: ask the agent below to check today's price at every store.

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Check today's price at E Sport Certified

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Our take on the Keychron R5 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

The Keychron R5 is a wireless mechanical keyboard with Bluetooth and a QMK-compatible firmware layer, so you can remap keys and build layers without vendor software. It has a backlit QWERTY layout and works with Windows, Mac and Linux. It suits people who want a compact wireless board they can customize. No current store price was provided, so check the live comparison for where it sits against its recent range.

Best forKeyboard tinkerers who want QMK remappingMac and Windows users sharing one boardDesk setups that need wireless and backlightingLinux users tired of vendor-only software

Pros

QMK support allows full key remapping and custom layers
Bluetooth wireless keeps the desk cable-free
Backlighting helps in dim rooms
Works across Windows, Mac and Linux
Standard QWERTY layout is easy to adapt to

Cons

Keychron R5 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard prices at every store

E Sport CertifiedCheck price at E Sport Certified

Keychron R5 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard price history

Lowest price we've seen: $67.49 on Nov 6 at E Sport Certified. Tracked across 1 store since Nov 6.

Specifications

Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wireless
Backlit: Yes
Language / Layout: QWERTY
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Use: PC

Questions and answers

Is the Keychron R5 worth it?: It is worth it if you want QMK remapping and Bluetooth in one board. If you never customize keys, a cheaper fixed-layout board does the same job.
Does the R5 work with Mac and Windows?: Yes. Keychron lists Windows, Mac and Linux compatibility, and QMK lets you set separate layers for each.
Can I remap keys on the R5?: Yes. QMK firmware support means you can remap keys and build custom layers, typically by flashing the board.
Is the R5 wired or wireless?: It is wireless over Bluetooth. Check the listing for a USB-C cable if you want a wired fallback.
When is the R5 cheapest?: Wireless Keychron boards tend to dip during holiday sales and brand promotions. Ask the shopping agent to watch the price history.