MonsGeek

M1 V5 VIA

MonsGeek M1 V5 VIA

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Overall

#63 in

Gaming Keyboards

according to Reddit Icon Reddit

Sentiment score90% positive
9
0
1
Last updated: Sep 4, 2026

Reddit Reviews

Reddit IconArgentStonecutter
11 months ago

If you want a silent keyboard, and you care about also getting a decent keyboard for the money, buy a keyboard you like and replace the switches with silent tactiles yourself. There are very few prebuilts shipping with silent switches and many are overpriced. Outemu makes decent inexpensive silent switches and you really can't get better actually silent switches... I've tried a bunch. Silent Peach v3 for linear, Silent Yellow jade for tactile. [Notes](https://github.com/ArgentStonecutter/keyboards/blob/main/replacing_switches.md) on replacing switches. Decent QMK/VIA 70% boards. The wooden cased boards are rather sweet: * [Monsgeek M1 v5](https://www.monsgeek.com/product/monsgeek-m1-v5-via-1980s-mechanical-keyboard/) ($95) * [Akko 5075B VIA](https://en.akkogear.com/product/5075b-via) ($60 barebones) * [YMDK YMD75](https://ymdkey.com/collections/75-diy) ($64-$110 diy, wood option) * [Inland Gaming MK Pro 75](https://www.microcenter.com/product/664376/inland-gaming-mk-pro-75-barebones-keyboard) * (~~$85~~ $65 barebones, $100 prebuilt) * [Womier RD75](https://www.amazon.com/Womier-RD75-Pro-Mechanical-Swappable/dp/B0DG82QD1X) ($95 w/ coupon) * [Womier WD75](https://www.amazon.com/Womier-Mechanical-Swappable-Translucent-Keycaps-POM/dp/B0DT8SP79R) * (wood! $96) * [Glencreag WK84](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYDM9N49) * (wood! $95 w/ coupon) * [Kiiboom Loop75](https://www.amazon.com/KiiBoom-Loop-75-Structure-Mechanical/dp/B0D62RNXXM) * ($85 w/ coupon) More budget options: * [Redragon K715](https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K715-Programmable-Mechanical-Dedicated/dp/B0DKXLDJ24) * ($32.50) * [Royal Kludge RK R75 QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/RK-ROYAL-KLUDGE-R75-Mechanical/dp/B0CWGR5KM9) ($51 with coupon)

10 months ago

With a PS5 you want a keyboard that lets you turn off NKRO. The safest option there is QMK firmware, but the only manufacturer with QMK firmware on a magnetic board is Keychron and they have disabled 6KRO support in recent firmware updates. So a magnetic board would be a risk. On Ali Express I have mostly gotten 60% universal PCBs and cases like the Y&R 6095 and the YMDK DK61. * https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804503651503.html * https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805636824523.html * https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807595731218.html And cases: * https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806679743340.html * https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832568535422.html The Rule60 is a very nice complete 60% board with an acrylic case I've been looking at: * https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256808073127468.html For larger boards, you can't go wrong with the Akko 5075 VIA or Monsgeek M1 VIA * https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256808543685563.html * https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807755427727.html

10 months ago

Assembling a barebones into a complete board is not hard, it's like a kind of boring Lego kit. For a PS5 where you're going to set it in your lap, I would recommend the Akko 5075 VIA. If you like tactile switches the Akko Creamy Purple Pro are good. I don't know enough about linear switches to really advise you on them.

7 months ago

I would avoid Keychron for conventional keyboards, they have had quality and production problems more or less continually for the past couple of years and customer support has gotten abusive. They do have the best magnetic board software, though, because even their magnetic boards are QMK- or ZMK- based and their web app is based on VIA. Most magnetic boards have software that's mediocre at best. So despite the issues they're probably your best choice for magnetic devices. Also they recently bought Jamesdonkey and the J series (ex-Jamesdonkey) boards don't seem to share the problems. Other companies to avoid: Epomaker, Wobkey, Attack Shark. Actual suggestions. You want a dual- or tri-mode 75-80% board with no frills? * [Monsgeek M1 v5](https://www.monsgeek.com/product/m1-v5-via-rapid-disassembly/) * ($80 barebones) * [Akko 5075B VIA](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0FLDJZPH9) * ($60 barebones) Monsgeek M1 is kind of the platonic ideal of a 75% aluminum board, and the Akko 5075 VIA is the plastic little cousin. I have both the v3 and v5 and I think the older board is a better design, the case changes to support the "rapid disassembly" latch in the v5 kind of reduced the space available for the gasket mount supports. The newer one is still very good. * [YMDK YMD75](https://ymdkey.com/collections/75-diy) * ($64-$110 diy) YMDK are like the heathkit of keyboards. All DIY, you can buy PCBs and they have multiple and quite distinct cases. Many of their kit is also interchangeable with KPRepublic. I have a YMD75 in a KPrepublic case though it took some minor surgery with a dremel tool. * [Womier RD75](https://www.amazon.com/Womier-RD75-Pro-Mechanical-Swappable/dp/B0DG82QD1X) ($95 w/ coupon) * [Womier SK71 Pro](https://www.amazon.com/Womier-Keyboard-Mechanical-Swappable-PRO-Black/dp/B0DSFWXFV7) ($65) * [Womier WD75](https://www.amazon.com/Womier-Mechanical-Swappable-Translucent-Keycaps-POM/dp/B0DT8SP79R) * (wood! $90) Womier have a bunch of boards of varying style and substance. These are good. The WD75 has a wooden case which is kind of lush. * [Womier QK87](https://www.amazon.com/Rainy75-Multimedia-Mechanical-Swappable-Switch-Gray/dp/B0DTKDD1VK) ($46) * [Womier SK87](https://womierkeyboard.com/products/womier-sk87) * ($70? $110? Price varies a lot) * [Weikav Stars80 v2](https://www.amazon.com/BOYI-Aluminum-Mechanical-Keyboard-Programmable/dp/B0F6VQ7J94) ($100) The SK87 is a relabeled version of the Weikav Stars80 v1. The Stars80s both have this kind of "crystal" plastic light insert on two corners which may be too gimmicky for you, but I have the SK87 and it's really an amazingly well-made board with a spring-arm mounted gasket, and I suspect is actually a better design than the magnetic-latch v2.

5 months ago

Anything with QMK firmware, it's 2026, there's so many great keyboards with QMK firmware it seems a shame to put up with proprietary firmware restrictions and weirdness. Keychron: I have a K2 Pro and it's a lovely tank. I have a couple of J2s and have been hacking on the firmware. The Q and V have had quality problems and if they start losing keystrokes a few months in the support is completely pants, abusive. Akko: Monsgeek M1/M2 v5 VIA or Akko 5075 VIA. Magnetic: Keychron K or J series. They're the only QMK magnetic option other than Sunder who are even more always sold out than Keychron. Electromechanical: Glencreag WK84 or Womier WD75 because wood is such a lovely case material. Or: * [Monsgeek M1 v5](https://www.monsgeek.com/product/m1-v5-via-rapid-disassembly/) * ($80 barebones) * [Akko 5075B VIA](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0FLDJZPH9) * ($60 barebones) * [YMDK YMD75](https://ymdkey.com/collections/75-diy) * ($64-$110 diy) * [Womier RD75](https://www.amazon.com/Womier-RD75-Pro-Mechanical-Swappable/dp/B0DG82QD1X) ($95 w/ coupon) * [Womier WD75](https://www.amazon.com/Womier-Mechanical-Swappable-Translucent-Keycaps-POM/dp/B0DT8SP79R) * (wood! $90) * [Glencreag WK84](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYDM9N49) * (wood! $95 w/ coupon) * [Redragon K715](https://redragonshop.com/products/finke-k715-pro) * ($30) * [Royal Kludge RK R75 QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/RK-ROYAL-KLUDGE-R75-Mechanical/dp/B0CWGR5KM9) * ($51 with coupon) * [Womier Q75](https://www.amazon.com/Womier-Keyboard-Topographic-Mechanical-Swappable/dp/B0DQV22S2T) ($59) * [Womier Era75](https://www.amazon.com/Womier-Wireless-Mechanical-Pre-lubed-Swappable/dp/B0FGD7HWPW) ($63) * [Womier SK71 Pro](https://www.amazon.com/Womier-Keyboard-Mechanical-Swappable-PRO-Black/dp/B0DSFWXFV7) ($65) * [Yunzii AL80](https://www.amazon.com/YUNZII-AL80-Wireless-Mechanical-Swappable/dp/B0DT73C6VP) ($84) * [Keychron J2](https://www.amazon.com/Keychron-Mechanical-Bluetooth-Hot-swappable-Compatible/dp/B0GLNSP4BN) * ($69) * [Kiiboom Phantom 81 Lite](https://www.amazon.com/KiiBoom-Mechanical-Programmable-Backlights-Hot-Swappable/dp/B0FB93MCLG) * ($91) * [Redragon k739](https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-Mechanical-Programmable-Pre-Lubed-Swappable/dp/B0G38YZ8M1) * ($65) PS: the official "best keyboard" is the Norbauer Seneca but it starts at $3600. :)

10 months ago

> and from the Reddit wiki the only trusted keyboard vendor is apparently redragon Um, that would be counterfactual. Their software is kind of limited and old and creaky. They have released a few QMK boards that are rather nice, the k717 is an excellent little 60%, but apart from the k717, k714, and k742 they're still using legacy drivers. The otherwise meh Royal Kludge has turned around and released new QMK/VIA versions of the RK61, R65, R75, and R87. I would recommend Akko/Monsgeek. And I would recommend ordering through Amazon no matter who you go with. Yunzii has some good boards, or Womier or Weikav. A few outstanding 2025 options: * [Weikav Stars80 v2](https://www.amazon.com/BOYI-Aluminum-Mechanical-Keyboard-Programmable/dp/B0F6VQ7J94) ($99) * [Womier SK87](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJ6ZTBGH) * ($70, seems identical to Stars80 v1) * [Monsgeek M1 v5](https://www.amazon.com/MONSGEEK-M1-Topographic-Hot-swappable-Side-Printed/dp/B0FH6LKTST) ($105) * [Akko 5075B VIA](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0FLDJZPH9) ($60 barebones) * [Inland Gaming MK Pro 75](https://www.microcenter.com/product/664376/inland-gaming-mk-pro-75-barebones-keyboard) * (~~$85~~ $40 barebones, in-store only) * [Kiiboom Loop75](https://www.amazon.com/KiiBoom-Loop-75-Structure-Mechanical/dp/B0D62RNXXM) * ($85 w/ coupon) * [Womier WD75](https://www.amazon.com/Womier-Mechanical-Swappable-Translucent-Keycaps-POM/dp/B0DT8SP79R) * (wood! $96) * [Glencreag WK84](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYDM9N49) * (wood! $95 w/ coupon) * [Yunzii AL68](https://www.amazon.com/YUNZII-AL68-Mechanical-Swappable-Structure/dp/B0DG1QZR7N) * ($75) * [Weikav Nut65](https://www.amazon.com/Glacier-Wireless-Detachable-Swappable-Anodizing/dp/B0D5CBPPGJ) ($86) And some more budget models: * [Redragon K742](https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K742-Mechanical-Bluetooth-Swappable/dp/B0F93FMYD5) * ($58) * [Redragon K715](https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K715-Programmable-Mechanical-Dedicated/dp/B0DKXLDJ24) * ($32.50) * [Womier VK66 Pro](https://www.amazon.com/Percent-Keyboard-Mechanical-Mounted-Backlit/dp/B0CDC14PL5) * ($36) * [XVX M67 Jadestone](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSKT8HR7) * ($42) * [Redragon K717 Pro](https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K717-Programmable-Mechanical-Dampening/dp/B0DL578X3K) * ($18) * [Womier WK61 Pro](https://www.amazon.com/COSTOM-WK61-PRO-Mechanical-Swappable/dp/B0F5HYHWY8) * ($29)

10 months ago

Yuck. Just no. Here's what I would recommend: 60%: * [Redragon K717 Pro](https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K717-Programmable-Mechanical-Dampening/dp/B0DL578X3K) * ($18) * [CIDOO QK61](https://www.amazon.com/MechLands-QK61-Programmable-Swappable-Mechanical/dp/B0D8VMD3P3) * ($60) * [Skyloong GK61 QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/MOLGRIA-Dual-Space-Swappable-Double-Shot-Mechanical/dp/B0CZ9F8P76) * ($54) * [Royal Kludge RK61 QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/RK-ROYAL-KLUDGE-Mechanical-Ultra-Compact/dp/B089GN2KBT) * ($40) * [Womier WK61 Pro](https://www.amazon.com/COSTOM-WK61-PRO-Mechanical-Swappable/dp/B0F5HYHWY8) * ($29) * [YMDK DK61](https://ymdkey.com/products/ymdk-dk61-iso-ansi-via-vial-wired-hot-swap-hot-swappable-keyboard-kit) * ($88 barebones, wooden case) * [KBDcraft Adam 60%](https://kbdcraft.store/products/adam) * ($70 lego case) 65%: * [Womier VK66 Pro](https://www.amazon.com/Percent-Keyboard-Mechanical-Mounted-Backlit/dp/B0CDC14PL5) * ($39) * [Royal Kludge RK R65 QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/RK-ROYAL-KLUDGE-R65-Mechanical/dp/B0CNP1BG1W) * ($48 with coupon) * [KBDCraft Lilith 65%](https://kbdcraft.store/products/lilith) ($85 lego case) * [Akko YU01](https://www.amazon.com/Akko-Mechanical-Transparent-Swappable-Bluetooth/dp/B0DJ77MY6V) * ($129) * [XVX M67 Jadestone](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DHCRJPR6) * ($47) * [XVX MU68](https://www.xvxchannel.com/products/xvx-mu68-fuji-wave-keyboard) * ($100 wood) * [Yunzii AL68](https://www.amazon.com/YUNZII-AL68-Mechanical-Swappable-Structure/dp/B0DG1QZR7N) * ($75) * [Weikav Nut65](https://www.amazon.com/Glacier-Wireless-Detachable-Swappable-Anodizing/dp/B0D5CBPPGJ) ($86) 75%: * [Monsgeek M1 v5](https://www.amazon.com/MONSGEEK-M1-Topographic-Hot-swappable-Side-Printed/dp/B0FH6LKTST) ($105) * [Akko 5075B VIA](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0FLDJZPH9) ($60 barebones) * [YMDK YMD75](https://ymdkey.com/collections/75-diy) * ($64-$110 diy) * [Inland Gaming MK Pro 75](https://www.microcenter.com/product/664376/inland-gaming-mk-pro-75-barebones-keyboard) * (~~$85~~ $40 barebones, in-store only) * [Womier RD75](https://www.amazon.com/Womier-RD75-Pro-Mechanical-Swappable/dp/B0DG82QD1X) ($95 w/ coupon) * [Kiiboom Loop75](https://www.amazon.com/KiiBoom-Loop-75-Structure-Mechanical/dp/B0D62RNXXM) * ($170) * [Womier WD75](https://www.amazon.com/Womier-Mechanical-Swappable-Translucent-Keycaps-POM/dp/B0DT8SP79R) * (wood! $96) * [Glencreag WK84](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYDM9N49) * (wood! $95 w/ coupon) * [Redragon K715](https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K715-Programmable-Mechanical-Dedicated/dp/B0DKXLDJ24) * ($32.50) * [Royal Kludge RK R75 QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/RK-ROYAL-KLUDGE-R75-Mechanical/dp/B0CWGR5KM9) * ($51 with coupon) 80%: * [Royal Kludge RK R87 Pro QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/RK-ROYAL-KLUDGE-R87-Pro/dp/B0D5B2LRB5) (hotswap knob(!), $55) * [iLoveBee B87](https://www.amazon.com/iLovBee-B87-Mechanical-Keyboard-Swappable/dp/B0DFG91F96) (hotswap knob, $40) * [ElecFox Linky87](https://www.elecfox.co/products/linky-87-tkl-customized-mechanical-keyboard-87-keys-wired-wireless-bluetooth-led-gaming-keyboard) ($40) * [Jamesdonkey J4](https://www.amazon.com/JamesDonkey-Mechanical-Bluetooth-Hot-swappable-Compatible/dp/B0F62ML1BT) ($53) * [Weikav Stars80 v2](https://www.amazon.com/BOYI-Aluminum-Mechanical-Keyboard-Programmable/dp/B0F6VQ7J94) ($99) * [Womier SK87](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJ6ZTBGH) * ($69, seems identical to Stars80 v1) * [Yunzii B87](https://www.amazon.com/YUNZII-Wireless-Mechanical-Keyboard-Programmable/dp/B0DLKZ4HBW) ($70) * [Zouya GMK87](https://www.amazon.com/Cmokifuly-Mechanical-Keyboard-Tri-Mode-Programmable/dp/B0D9WLRRG5) * ($76 NOT QMK) 96%: * [YMDK YMD96](https://ymdkey.com/collections/96-diy) ($60-$142 diy) * [Monsgeek M2 v5 VIA](https://www.monsgeek.com/product/monsgeek-m2-v5-via-mechanical-keyboard) ($120) * [Redragon K742](https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K742-Mechanical-Bluetooth-Swappable/dp/B0F93FMYD5) * ($56 with coupon) * [Nuphy Halo96](https://www.amazon.com/nuphy-Halo96-V2-Mechanical-2-4GHz-White/dp/B0D8634FK6) ($140) * [Yunzii IF99](https://www.amazon.com/YUNZII-IF99-Wireless-Mechanical-Programmable/dp/B0DT6MWNHP) ($100, not tested) [More](https://github.com/ArgentStonecutter/keyboards/blob/main/via-boards.md)... Disclaimers: Avoid Epomaker or Keychron unless you enjoy abusive customer support experiences. The Keychron website is a good place to browse layouts so long as you're just windowshopping. My mention of specific boards is not a general endorsement of Royal Kludge and Redragon. Most of their boards are completely ass, they just have a few recent boards with QMK firmware that are decent. If you go with Royal Kludge or Skyloong only buy those specific boards linked because they have older proprietary boards with the same model name. PS: If you're in Europe these are kind of amazing: * [Sharkoon Skiller SGK50 S3](https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Sharkoon-Skiller-Barebone-Gaming-Keyboard/dp/B0F8HQFGVL) (€130) * [Sharkoon Skiller SGK50 S2](https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Sharkoon-Skiller-Barebone-Gaming-Keyboard/dp/B0F8HXJJG6) (€140) * [Sharkoon Skiller SGK50 S4](https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Sharkoon-Skiller-Barebone-Gaming-Keyboard/dp/B0F8HVQCQM) (€120) They also have plastic boards that are like half the price, but damn those wooden cases are sweet.

Reddit IconBigIronEnjoyer69
10 months ago

HE/TMR is a buzzy gamer feature that has resulted in a ton of boards that are meh coming to market and the amount of switch options you have is kinda limited, that's what you'd be getting with something like the thing you've linked. Mind you, it's gonna be a perfectly usable keyboard and you're probably gonna like it. Still way better than logitech . There are a bunch of EXTRA NICE ones like the Monsgeek M1 V5 or Womier SK75 or Lemokey P1 HE or Keychron Q HE series that have a metal chassis and had people spend time making them sound and feel and making sure they don't screw up the basics. I'd personally stretch the budget and get one of those but the MCHOSE is probably decent enough. The Womier isn't even that far off with current aliexpress discounts.

Reddit IconConscious-Diet1111
6 months ago

monsgeek m1 v5, very unpopular opinion but i genuinely really like the sound and feel of clicky switches so i went with the gateron melodics by far the best sounding switches for me

Reddit IconCremisiFenice
7 months ago

I just got my Monsgeek 1 v5 a week ago and I love it. Personally didn't see a need to mod or change anything besides keycaps, and it feels super premium.

Reddit IconDemandCommonSense
11 months ago

Weikav Stars75, Weikav D75, Monsgeek M1 V5, PMO Wave75/Womier RD75 (same product). If you're looking for light linears like Graywoods that are much quieter I personally really like Chosfox Dune Foxes.

Reddit Iconelsingo
5 months ago

Well for gaming i find the 75% keyboard to be superior just because of the extra deskspace it opens up for the mouse. My personal daily driver after trying 15+ keyboards since June is the "IPI Aurora 75 HE" keyboard and even though i tried keyboards costing all the way up to $450 this keyboard that cost me $99 is my absolute favorite. As for Akko keyboards the colab between Akko and Monsgeek with the M1 V5 is a keyboard i have seen recommended pretty often. And if he needs a numpad/macropad to compansate for the lack of one on the 75% keyboard im super satisfied with my "Zouya GMK26" that is a wireless that i just grab when i need to crunch a lot of numbers. Sound test of the IPI aurora75: [https://www.youtube.com/shorts/E2n2mE1fV2U?feature=share](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/E2n2mE1fV2U?feature=share)

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