Page 4 - Conclusion
The Keychron R5 mechanical keyboard is a return to the retro in a desirable solution. Its physical appearance is clearly in the style of decades past. With its beige, tan, and grey colors, the R5 visually emulates its predecessors. I appreciate the commitment to this in its accessories, like the matching braided USB cable and wireless dongle with its extension. The modern aspects can be found in the implementation, as this 96% layout features include PBT double-shot keycaps, hot-swappable mechanical switches, RGB LED backlighting, two-step kickstands, and both wired and wireless operation. The typing experience of the R5 is a lot more muted than you might expect for a keyboard of this style, but the tactile feel is good. Some users might find the bottom out a tad squishier than they would like, but it is still satisfying to type on. Internally, there are multiple layers of foam and damping materials, along with the gasket mount, for proper typing feedback. As for its wireless experience, the 4000mAh battery was adequate. I was able to get about seven days of mixed use with the RGB LED lights on full brightness, which aligns with the estimates from the manufacturer. The web-based Keychron Launcher utility is easy to navigate and customize the R5 in the way you want it. As for areas to improve, there are still some omissions of modern aspects like a volume knob or a palm rest. Charging the R5 is a bit slow at five hours to fully recharge. Personally, I also would want slightly louder switches to fit with this retro vibe, but this is a preference thing and Keychron has multiple switches available. At the time of the review, this has a reasonable MSRP of $90. As such, if you are looking for a throwback peripheral on your desk, the Keychron R5 is a formidable option for both its visual appeal and execution.
Keychron provided this product to APH Networks for the purposes of evaluation.
APH Networks Review Focus Summary:
8/10 means Definitely a very good product with drawbacks that are not likely going to matter to the end user.
7/10 means Great product with many advantages and certain insignificant drawbacks, but should be considered before purchasing.
-- Final APH Networks Numeric Rating is 7.5/10
Please note that the APH Networks Numeric Rating system is based off our proprietary guidelines in the Review Focus, and should not be compared to other publications.
The Keychron R5 is a retro-styled wireless mechanical keyboard that brings nostalgia and modern comforts into one package.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. A Closer Look - Hardware and Software
3. A Closer Look - Disassembly and Internals
4. Conclusion
