K5 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard

There are plenty of great keyboards from Keychron that aren't $200+, like the V6, K6, and K5 Max (which uses low profile switches). There are also low profile keyboards from Lofree and NuPhy that are under $100 if you're okay with non-full size keyboards. Though the NuPhy Node 100 is around $110 and comes in a full size and compact 100% layout depending on if you go with full height vs low profile switches. For mice, it's really hard to beat something like the ATK VXE Dragonfly R1 S. Performance and quality on par with high end $150+ mice from Razer and Logitech... for $20. There are also options from Mchose in the $35\~$65 range in several different shapes that are of similar high quality. Razer still wins on latency, but we're talking less than 2ms for Razer vs less than 3ms for ATK and Mchose mice. Even professionals aren't going to notice a 1ms difference.

I used the [Keychron K5](https://www.keychron.com/products/keychron-k5-max-qmk-via-wireless-custom-mechanical-keyboard) for a production job I did last year and found it mostly enjoyable, though I did realize I prefer normal-profile boards after extended use. That said, I think it ticks the boxes you’re looking for. I linked the full spec version, the K5 Max, but there’s a comparison chart near the bottom of the page that shows their two other models for you to compare.

The [Keychron K5 Max](https://www.keychron.com/products/keychron-k5-max-qmk-via-wireless-custom-mechanical-keyboard) or [K5 Pro](https://www.keychron.com/products/keychron-k5-pro-qmk-via-wireless-custom-mechanical-keyboard) might interest you

I just got into mechanical keyboards and have some problems and questions. **WHAT I'VE TRIED:** I did some research on low-cost options and started with a Kisnt but quickly realized how much I prefer low profile and full size like my previous keyboard. My next try was the [IQUNIX Magi96](https://iqunix.com/products/iqunix-magi75-96-aluminum-low-profile-mechanical-keyboard) with [Hades silent switches](https://www.lofree.co/products/hades-low-profile-pom-switches) which I loved the sound of but I constantly found my fingers drifting down during gaming and triggering inputs without intending to because they're low pressure linear switches, and as far as I've found they do not make tactile versions of these silent switches. I also couldn't get used to the layout having the arrow keys and numpad pushed up against the enter key, and the location of the Del key being above Backspace was awkward since I use Del all the time. I'm currently using the [Keychron K5 Max](https://www.keychron.com/products/keychron-k5-max-qmk-via-wireless-custom-mechanical-keyboard) with [Gateron KS-33 silent browns](https://www.gateron.com/products/gateron-ks-33-low-profile-red-silent-20-mechanical-switches-set?VariantsId=11457) which solves the accidental input and layout problems. My problem now with the Gateron switches is that after using them for a day or two several of them having starting making this sticky clicking sound when I release them. I've swapped them out for new switches but they usually do the same thing, and even then they are louder after a couple of days. **MY QUESTIONS:** 1. Is this normal? Do switches get louder after a couple days of use? 2. Do Gateron switches normally start making sticky clicking sounds after a couple days of use? Is it some issue with the Keychron? 3. Are there other full-size low profile keyboards I could try? The K5 Max is the only one I've been able to find. 4. I really loved the sound of the Hades switches, do they make a tactile version of this switch?

Get a keyboard you like with swappable switches & put in the switches you like. I just got a k10 max as my first & out in ouremu peach v3 silent switches I found different sound tests on YouTube eg https://youtu.be/IvxGnt47JFE?si=YdZ84SHk0OckFXsW https://youtu.be/yMyFXpRABF0?si=-HDvqVlp4axkppO- https://youtube.com/shorts/uaYYXcfsDxM?si=Hi28YYVL8uPnHXEl https://youtu.be/lnpyVnuh8tE?si=-EDWV1Dmt3grvpvT

I have a keychron low profile keyboard that I like.  Feels easier to type - less travel distance 

I'm typing on a Drop keeb right now, but wouldn't buy one today. I'm moving over to Keychron low profile. Has wireless, low profile switches and cost a lot less. Also has QMK/VIA support.