In the Pacific Northwest, an ambitious startup is revving up to disrupt the dirt bike market. Dust Moto, based in Oregon, is designing electric dirt bikes that promise to deliver the same adrenaline-fueled performance as their gas-powered counterparts, but with a twist — they’re leveraging electric technology to make the sport more accessible to a wider audience.

“We’re developing electric dirt bike that brings all of the passion and performance of a traditional gas bike, but uses the electric tech to lure the bear of entry for more riders,” explained Colin Godby, CEO and co-founder of Dust Moto. “So really hoping to be able to get more folks into the sport.”

Unique Path to Funding

While most hardware startups turn to Kickstarter or similar platforms for early funding, Dust Moto has taken an unconventional approach. The company launched a WeFunder campaign, opening an equity round as part of its pre-seed fundraising.

“We’ve been quite open on both sharing the development journey and story with our followers,” Godby said. “We elected to open up a WeFunder campaign as part of our pre-seed round. We really believe there’s a lot of value in creating those evangelists along the way.”

This decision wasn’t made lightly. Dust Moto’s founding team, experienced in mobility and hardware development, faced challenges raising traditional venture capital in a crowded electric vehicle (EV) market. Godby noted that many investors were hesitant due to the niche nature of dirt biking compared to broader mobility or utility-focused EV solutions.

“We thought one of the best ways to develop traction is actually to get the mission in front of customers and see if they would vote with their dollars,” he said. Early on, the company built a mailing list, shared designs, and even secured pre-orders from 50 customers based on 2D renders — a move that signaled significant traction to potential investors.

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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.