Das Keyboard 5QS Mark II Review: Analyzing Its Timely Relevance
The Das Keyboard 5QS Mark II offers the Cherry MX2A Brown, Red, and Silent Red switches, with the reviewed unit featuring the popular MX2A Silent Reds. These elements, combined with a bottom-mount system and substantial silicone dampening, result in a typing feel that many might find rather unremarkable. The Silent Red switches, softened through internal silicone strips, are naturally gentle and somewhat mushy, with the bottom mount accentuating this softness. Moreover, sound dampening within the keyboard case further subdues any other potential typing feedback. Despite factory lubrication, the generic plate-mounted stabilizers produce some rattling noises, easily detectable due to the keyboard's focus on silence.
While the keyboard maintains a nearly silent operation, subtle higher-pitched and rattling tones persist, though these can typically be masked by headphones, earbuds, or speakers.
Photograph: Henri Robbins
Unlike many modern keyboards, the 5QS lacks hot-swap sockets. Thus, unless skilled with soldering and willing to void the warranty, users are confined to the initial switch type provided. While hot-swap customization has become the standard, its absence potentially increases the 5QS's reliability since hot-swap mechanisms may deteriorate over time.
Q Functionality
The "Q" software is a primary feature of this keyboard, facilitating RGB lighting customization and additional functionalities. This software aids in creating animations and patterns for the RGB lighting and in customizing the function of each key.
The RGB settings can be enhanced via "applets" within the main application. These applets can link to external apps and website accounts, showcasing data such as unread messages, alerts, and other system information. Noteworthy applets include a four-day weather forecast, stock and cryptocurrency value trackers, and price monitoring for flights and video games. Additionally, there are reminder apps for routine tasks like hydration and standing alerts during extended periods of sitting.
Despite these innovative ideas, the effectiveness of RGB as a medium for intricate data display is questionable. For instance, the weather applet color codes like white for snow and yellow for sun are intuitive, but others such as pink for overcast aren't as straightforward. Most may not adapt to this visual memorization, especially for information quickly accessible on a computer. Though alternatives like Razer's BlackWidow V4 75% Pro integrate secondary displays, using RGB lights in this manner often feels convoluted.