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.

For over 14 years, Daniel Ionescu dedicated himself to reshaping local journalism. As the founder of The Lincolnite, a pioneering local news platform in the UK, and later, the tech-driven initiative My Local, Ionescu worked tirelessly to provide sustainable models for independent journalism. However, in August 2024, the financial realities of the industry forced him to shut down both ventures.

Despite the setbacks, Ionescu’s story is one of adaptability and perseverance. Through his new venture, Millennial Masters, a podcast and newsletter spotlighting millennial entrepreneurs, he has shown that failure can be a stepping stone to reinvention.

Millennial Masters True stories, real insights, and big ideas to inspire success in business and life ⚡️ By Daniel Ionescu

Rethinking Local Media

Ionescu's journey began in 2010 with The Lincolnite, a local publication that sought to outpace legacy media by focusing on digital-first reporting. Over the years, it grew into a staple for Lincolnshire readers, offering timely news and insights. But the challenges of local journalism grew alongside its success.

By 2020, it was clear that local media’s reliance on social media for distribution had created vulnerabilities. “The pandemic exposed how little control we had over our audience,” Ionescu said. To counteract this, he launched My Local, a tech platform designed to help independent publishers integrate content distribution, audience engagement, and monetization into a single system.

The vision was bold, but the reality of scaling proved difficult. “We tripped on the steps of scaling up,” he admitted. The decline of advertising revenue and changes in platform algorithms left My Local struggling to gain traction.

When the Bottom Falls Out

The decision to shut down his businesses was soul-crushing. “It was my entire adult life,” Ionescu said. “Closing it felt like losing my identity.” Yet, he faced the moment with determination, leaning on his support system to navigate the personal and professional fallout.

For Ionescu, the experience offered a chance to reflect on what he could have done differently. He realized that while his ventures were rooted in a deep understanding of the industry, they may have underestimated the pace of change in consumer habits and the structural challenges of local media.

Reinvention Through Millennial Masters

Rather than dwell on failure, Ionescu quickly pivoted to a new opportunity. In late 2024, he launched Millennial Masters, a podcast and newsletter focusing on millennial entrepreneurs. “I wanted to create something sustainable and meaningful,” he explained. By tapping into his network and leveraging lessons from his previous ventures, Ionescu laid the groundwork for a new chapter.

Millennial Masters reflects the broader shift toward creator-driven media. “Independent creators are the future,” he said. By targeting a global audience, Ionescu avoids the geographic limitations of local journalism. His approach includes not only traditional content but also interactive features like a paid WhatsApp group, where subscribers can engage directly with him and other entrepreneurs.

Lessons in Resilience

Ionescu’s story is a powerful reminder that failure isn’t the end—it’s an opportunity to learn, adapt, and rebuild. For entrepreneurs facing similar challenges, his advice is clear:

1. Start Small and Stay Nimble: “Overloading resources upfront can create unnecessary pressure,” he warned. Building incrementally allows for flexibility in uncertain markets.

2. Act Quickly After Failure: “Waiting too long to move on costs social capital,” he said. “Rebounding is easier when you maintain momentum.”

3. Adapt to the Times: Whether it’s embracing creator-led media or finding new ways to engage audiences, Ionescu emphasized the importance of staying ahead of industry trends.

Looking Forward

Seven weeks into Millennial Masters, Ionescu is optimistic. With initial episodes gaining traction and early sponsors on board, the podcast is a testament to his ability to adapt and rebuild. “When you start from zero,” he said, “the only way is up.”

For those who have faced setbacks, Daniel Ionescu’s story offers hope: failure is only final if you stop moving forward. In his words, “If you can’t beat the changes, you have to join them.”