I unequivocally love Das Keyboards. They’re built well, have great switches, and seem to melt into your workspace like a beloved chair or speaker. While I traditionally use their MacTigr keyboard I do love their larger, more expressive line, including the 5Q.

Their latest 5Q is the Das Keyboard 5QS Mark II. This keyboard builds on the legacy of its 5Q predecessor, a keyboard that first made waves in 2018 by introducing the concept of RGB backlighting for real-time notifications. Fast forward to 2024, the overall package feels like solid choice — even with its $219 starting price.

Design and Build Quality

Das Keyboard has a long-standing reputation for delivering solid, durable products, and the 5QS Mark II is no exception. The anodized aluminum top plate gives the keyboard a premium feel, while its substantial 3.4-pound weight ensures it stays firmly planted on your desk. The included wrist rest, though plastic, is durable and easy to clean.

The layout is a standard 100% keyboard with 104 keys, dedicated media controls, and a large volume knob that’s satisfying to use. RGB enthusiasts will appreciate the light bar on the sides. The shine-through ABS caps are acceptable but the double-shot PBT keycaps are available for an extra $30.

Typing Experience

The new Cherry MX2A switches are the standout upgrade, offering a smoother typing experience thanks to factory-applied lubrication. The tactile Brown switches tested here strike a balance between gaming and productivity. However, the absence of a clicky Blue switch option might disappoint typists who prefer auditory feedback.

I honestly have moved away from clicky keyboards, mostly because they are too loud for podcasting but if you love the sound you’ll probably have to give this keyboard a miss for now.

The Notification Concept

The most unique aspect of the 5QS Mark II is its ability to display notifications via RGB-lit keys. Whether it’s tracking stock prices, CPU usage, or even weather conditions, you can assign specific applets to individual keys through Das Keyboard’s Q Software. While setup is straightforward, the execution leaves much to be desired.

The available applets — just 40 as of this review — severely limit the keyboard’s potential. Notifications are minimalistic, with basic color changes to indicate status. For example, stock notifications use green or red for market movement, while weather alerts turn keys yellow for sunny days or blue for rain. However, these visuals aren’t always intuitive, and deciphering notifications often requires checking the Q Software anyway. For example, this is the CPU usage notification:

For most users, the keyboard’s notification system may feel redundant. After all, you’re likely already glancing at a monitor or phone for updates. The notification feature might appeal to niche users, but its utility in daily workflows is questionable.

Price and Value

At $219, the Das Keyboard 5QS Mark II faces tough competition. Many mechanical keyboards with similar build quality and features sell for under $100. While the 5QS Mark II offers unique notification capabilities, it lacks other modern features like hot-swappable switches or wireless connectivity.

Cheaper alternatives with the same Cherry MX switches are widely available, and the money saved could be spent on adding an extra monitor for dedicated notifications — a far more practical solution for most. That said, Das Keyboard makes a rugged, usable device for professionals. These keyboards have never broken, never crashed, and this particular model even survived a water spill the other day. You can definitely get a cheaper keyboard but fi you want the best, try Das Keyboard.

The Verdict

The Das Keyboard 5QS Mark II continues to push the idea of keyboards as notification hubs, but that’s not the standout feature here.

For those who love the idea of a great, rugged keyboard for multiple use cases with the added benefit of integrating notifications into their keyboard — and don’t mind paying a premium, the 5QS Mark II is worth exploring. That said, don’t buy this one just for the notifications and instead decide if the size, switch choice, and ruggedness are for you.