A classic gaming brand makes a comeback
QPAD might not be the first name that comes to mind for newer PC gamers, but long time enthusiasts will remember it as one of the early leaders in gaming mice and keyboards. After largely disappearing from some markets for years, QPAD is back with a new range of peripherals, including the Flux 65 Model 5 Hall effect gaming keyboard.
This compact 65 percent board aims to bridge that sweet spot between gamer style and enthusiast quality. It brings modern tech like Hall effect magnetic switches and a high polling rate while still focusing heavily on a satisfying typing experience. If you want a keyboard that feels premium without going full custom enthusiast, this one is very much in that zone.
The QPAD Flux 65 Model 5 is currently priced at around £120 in the UK and EU. On paper that puts it up against popular compact Hall effect boards from brands like Keychron and NuPhy, but QPAD has a few tricks of its own that help it stand out.
Build quality, feel, and everyday usability
Despite using a plastic frame and lacking an internal weight, the Flux 65 Model 5 feels more solid than you might expect from its 1.59 pound weight. The case feels sturdy and premium in hand, not hollow or cheap. QPAD has clearly focused on getting the structural feel right, which pays off both for gaming sessions and long typing days.
The typing experience is where this keyboard really shines. The combination of plate, dampening, shell, and double shot PBT keycaps creates a firm, slightly clacky sound profile that many mechanical fans will enjoy. It is not super deep or thocky, but it has a clean, satisfying character. The space bar does sound a little more hollow than the other keys, likely due to the aluminium switch plate and stabiliser design, but it still feels good in use.
Key stability is excellent across the board. Larger keys like Space, Enter, and Backspace feel well stabilised and do not rattle, which is more than can be said for some competing boards in this price range. That lets the switches themselves really shine.
The hot swappable switches appear to be Gateron KS-20 Magnetic Whites. These are light linear Hall effect switches that start actuating at around 30 grams of force. They will feel familiar if you have used Cherry MX Reds, just slightly lighter on first press. Out of the box they feel smooth and well lubricated, with no scratchy sensation and a consistent travel.
The 65 percent layout means:
- No dedicated function row
- No numpad
- But you do get arrow keys and a few navigation keys
For many gamers and typists, this is an ideal compromise. You save desk space and get a more ergonomic mouse position without totally sacrificing navigation keys. However if you rely on a numpad for Alt codes or you are heavily used to function keys for specific games like strategy titles, you might miss those dedicated keys. Function layer shortcuts work but are never quite as quick as a single key press.
The function layer is otherwise well thought out. Volume controls, Print Screen and other common shortcuts are easy to access once you get used to the layout. Most users will adjust quickly to the smaller footprint.
RGB, software, and Hall effect performance
RGB lighting is fully per key and can be controlled on the keyboard or via software. The keycaps are shine through, so the legends light up clearly under normal conditions. With RGB off the legends are a bit muted in low light, so most people will likely keep a static backlight on. A solid white or single color effect looks especially clean on this board, helped by the slightly translucent frame that lets some glow bleed through.
There is one minor annoyance on the sample unit. The E on the Enter key and the C on the Caps Lock key do not light up quite as evenly as the rest of the legends. It is a small issue, but once you notice it you will not unsee it, especially on the Enter key you hit constantly.
The companion software is simple but functional. It is not browser based and needs a local install, which may disappoint users who have grown to like web based or VIA compatible keyboards. However once installed it is responsive and gives you control over:
- RGB effects and colors
- Per key remapping
- Macros
- Hall effect settings
The Hall effect configuration is where things get interesting for gamers. Because the switches are magnetic and analog, you can adjust actuation points on a per key basis and use a feature often referred to as Rapid Trigger. This allows separate thresholds for key press and key release so a key can re register faster when you change direction or repeatedly tap.
In fast shooters like Counter Strike 2 this can translate into more responsive movement and cleaner counter strafing once your muscle memory adapts. Setting actuation to around 1.2 millimeters and enabling Rapid Trigger makes key presses feel snappier than on a standard mechanical board with a fixed actuation point. You will not instantly become a pro, but it gives you a tool for higher precision movement if you are willing to put in the practice.
The keyboard supports polling rates up to 8000 Hz over a wired USB C connection. Combined with the Hall effect switches that means very low input latency. There is no Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz wireless option though, which is a shame given how portable a 65 percent keyboard can be. If you like to throw your board in a bag for LANs or travel setups, the wired only design might be a downside.
Price wise, the Flux 65 Model 5 lands in a competitive spot. It is slightly cheaper than some rival Hall effect boards like the Keychron K2 HE and roughly on par with options like the NuPhy Air60 HE, though it has one less row of keys than a typical 75 percent layout. Considering the build quality, PBT keycaps, Hall effect switches, and 8000 Hz polling, the overall value is strong.
If you want a compact wired gaming keyboard that feels fantastic to type on, with modern magnetic switch tech and a gamer friendly feature set, the QPAD Flux 65 Model 5 is very easy to recommend. Its small flaws like uneven shine through on a couple of keys, the lack of web based software, and no wireless are noticeable but not deal breakers. As a comeback product for QPAD in the mainstream gaming market, it shows the brand still knows how to build a seriously satisfying keyboard for both work and play.
Original article and image: https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-keyboards/qpad-flux-65-model-5-review/
