CONCLUSION

   Since both the X50Q which we reviewed a while back and the 5Q are very similar keyboards we decided to use the latter for a longer period of time to see if the 1ms feature is actually something which can make a significant difference and the short answer is no, at least not for the most part. In games it's hardly noticeable (if you know what to look for you may be able to notice it in some fast passed titles like FPS and simulators) and while typing it hardly makes any difference since the keys register when pressed (regardless of speed). Now perhaps some professionals may find other uses for this specific feature but my guess is that even though the 5Q is not a gaming keyboard (according to Das Keyboard the X50Q fills that spot) it's professional and serious gamers who will probably be mostly interested in it. Once again since we feel that it may be just a tad early for such features the Q smart alerts and the IFTTT/Zapier integration may not appeal to the majority of consumers and professionals but since their Kickstarter campaign was funded over 5 times over there's certainly an audience for them. Unfortunately, several months after our review of the X50Q Das Keyboard has yet to deliver to consumers and professionals the ability to program the keys of their smart cloud connected keyboards with macros, shortcuts and commands. This is a rather important feature so Das Keyboard informed us they were looking to bring to their Q-Desktop app but as you can all see it's still not here.

   The 5Q is currently the flagship keyboard by Das Keyboard so its price tag is set even higher compared to that of the X50Q (current price comparison). To be more specific you are currently required to pay USD199 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and 249Euros inside the EU (Amazon.co.uk) to get your hands on the 5Q Cloud Connected RGB Mechanical Keyboard by Das Keyboard. Just like with the X50Q this is the single largest issue with the brand new 5Q and although once again we expect a good number of potential buyers to be look elsewhere because of it (perhaps one of their non “smart” models) thanks to its build quality and features it’s certainly worth of our Golden Award.

PROS

- Excellent Build Quality (Aluminum Top)
- Gamma Zulu Mechanical Switches (100 Million Actuations / Silent)
- 1ms Response Time (RTO)
- Per Key RGB Illumination With 6 Effects And 10 Brightness Levels
- RGB Side Strips
- Q Smart Notifications (IFTTT / Zapier Compatible)
- Full NKey Rollover (NKRO) With 100% Anti Ghosting
- Dedicated Media Keys
- Detachable Silicone Magnetic Wrist Rest
- 2 Meter Long Braided Cable with Gold Plated Plug

CONS

- Price (For Some)
- Keys Aren’t Programmable (For Now)
- No USB Passthrough