XTRFY K5 Ultra-Customisable and Compact RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, UK Layout with Super-Scan Technology for Instant Response, Transparent White

Product Information

Your keyboard is never faster than its ability to detect your keystrokes – no matter how many times per second it reports to the computer (Polling rate). The K5 features a new super-scan technology, scanning all keys every half a millisecond. A few years ago, we introduced the fastest gaming keyboard. The K5 is even faster. The same can be said for the foam on the bottom of the case. It’s extremely thin and while it’s of course better than having nothing there at all I do feel like this could be improved. It’s not as bad as with the PCB foam (that just really feels subpar) but still.

Since we released the world’s fastest gaming keyboard in 2015, Xtrfy keyboards have won everything from awards from reviewers to esports Majors. From our first RGB keyboard, K2, to the new Project 4 series. Our goal remains the same: to make pro-level performance available to gamers of all levels. Out of the box, the K5 comes equipped with Kailh Red mechanical key switches, trusted by pro gamers for their light touch, fast actuation, and durability of 70 million keystrokes. If you’d ever like to change them, they’re hot-swappable so you can easily replace them with any compatible MX-style switches – no soldering required.

Games

Another aspect which I wasn’t quite prepared for was its size. I thought a ten-keyless (TKL) keyboard was small but this is on another level – A gaming keyboard for the pure minimalist. The K5 RGB Compact I have here for review has a lovely deep, creamy, dampened sound – something I’ve not experienced before but definitely something I will be seeking in the future. Hot swappable switch demo - K5 65% keyboard I mentioned already that the sound was something I was quite impressed with. I’m not just a gamer, I am also the editor for this blog and I am a programmer by day so my time spent typing at a keyboard is extensive on a day-to-day basis. I would argue I spent more time a year at a keyboard typing in some form than I do any other activity.

The Silent Red switches are linear and smooth with low operating force, and come with a patented damping to minimize noise, while the durable PBT keycaps bring a firm, high-quality feel to every keystroke.The K5 comes in two different editions as standard. And to give you all possibilities of customizing your keyboard, everything from the switches and keycaps to the cable, frame and even the little plate for the logo is swappable. Is there likely a better keyboard out there? absolutely, but, from my experience testing a variety of different brands and models, I can safely say, this is amongst the best for overall comfort and quality. I would be happy to spend my own hard-earned money on this gaming-focused keyboard. Mechanical Keyboard Final Beauty Shot Most keyboards on the market come with just a few configuration options. They come as is with just a few switch options for you to choose from. For those of you that love a braided and coiled keyboard cable, there is 11 different variations, all designed specifically to match the keyboard frame colours. Overall, the XTRFY K5 Configurator provides one of the most versatile custom keyboard builders around. Unboxing K5 RGB Keyboard Unboxing

Yes, Xtrfy’s RGB keyboard lighting really is that good. It’s a good mix of vibrancy and configuration that helps it stand out despite not having any software configuration options. It has a variety of lighting configurations and settings for you to mess around with via keyboard shortcuts. Typing on the K5 RGB Keyboard Switch choices are impressive bringing a healthy selection of brands and even variants to choose from such as: This keyboard is a custom edition of the Xtrfy K5, featuring CHERRY MX Silent Red switches and Tai-Hao PBT keycaps. A combination that brings you a satisfying, quieter and more premium typing experience.The Xtrfy K5 RGB Compact is, sadly, a tale in two parts. At first, I was extremely excited about the K5 RGB Compact. The bright and vivid RGB, the PCB and case foam, the pre-lube stabilizers, the easy customization options, … All parts are here to make this one of the best mass-produced keyboards you can buy right now, but sadly Xtrfy has forgotten to deliver on what they promised.

The PCB foam is rather thin and in two of the three boards I tested I found that it had folded inward when the switches had been installed, meaning that was ‘crushed’ and compacted by said switches. All of the switches worked, but it’s evidence of just how thin and almost inconsequential this foam is. If you ask me, this foam should be denser: that would prevent it from folding or bending and would do better at noise dampening. Your keyboard is never faster than its ability to detect your keystrokes – no matter how many times per second it reports to the computer (Polling rate). The K5 features a new super-scan technology, scanning all keys every half a millisecond. A few years ago, we introduced the fastest gaming keyboard. The K5 is even faster. UNBELIEVABLE RGB. It’s all there, of course. There iscase foam, there is PCB foam, and the stabs are lubed. It’s just that there’s either not enough of one thing (foam) or too much of another (lube), culminating in a product that has a lot of great ideas behind it but stumbles when it comes to the execution.Is it a badboard? No, not really, but at this price point there are better alternatives to consider.As with all of Xtrfy’s products, the K5 RGB Compact is driverless, meaning that you control its features via the board itself as opposed to through a software kit. That’s fine with me, as I am not a macro user and aside from changing the RGB I rarely customize my keyboards, but if you’re into tweaking and tinkering with rebinds and the likes you may want to think twice. Still, the vast majority of gamers won’t ever need any software, and the board is pretty easy to use so all of this is no problem if you ask me. Not sure if this magnetised logo is an intentional engineering choice, but, it’s my new favourite fidget toy when I am waiting and procrastinating – nice job Xtrfy! It’s a little plate that is attached via a magnet and is great to mess around and fiddle with. Build Quality Small doesn’t mean less. This keyboard is extremely compact yet fully featured, with per-key customizable RGB illumination, macros, media controls and more. All settings are made using the keys. No software needed. This keyboard is special edition of the Xtrfy K5, made in collaboration with Sharkmob for the game of Bloodhunt. Designed for esports-grade performance and durability, this keyboard brings you everything you need to dominate the night on the rooftops of Prague. Credit is provided by Novuna Personal Finance, a trading style of Mitsubishi HC Capital (UK) PLC, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register no. 704348. The register can be accessed through http://www.fca.org.uk