Keychron Q5 Max -- Custom Firmware Documentation

This wiki covers the custom QMK firmware built for the Keychron Q5 Max ANSI Encoder keyboard. It is intended as a complete reference for anyone who wants to use, understand, or extend the firmware without reading the source code.

Page	What it covers
Layers	All six layers with visual key maps
Custom Keys	CAPS_MOD, layer locks, BSP_DEL, Alt-Tab keys
Chord Unicode	How to enter symbols and emoji with short mnemonics
Features	Caps Word, Autocorrect, Combos, Tap Dance
LED Indicators	What every RGB indicator means
Wireless & Control	Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, USB, battery, KEEB_CTL layer
RGB Controls	How to adjust lighting effects and colours

Quick Overview

The firmware is based on Keychron's wireless_playground QMK fork with extensive customisation layered on top.

Hardware

Feature	Detail
Keyboard	Keychron Q5 Max, ANSI layout, 101 keys
Encoder	Rotary knob -- top-right corner
DIP switches	Two switches on the back next to USB-C: SW1 selects 2.4G / Wired / Bluetooth; SW2 selects Win (white LEDs) / Mac (normal RGB)
Wireless	Bluetooth 5.1 (3 hosts) + 2.4 GHz USB dongle + wired USB-C
MCU	STM32F401

Layers at a Glance

Layer	Number	How to reach it	Primary use
BASE	0	Default	Normal typing
FN1	1	Hold / lock `FN1` key	Media, chording, navigation shortcuts
FN2	2	Hold / lock `FN2` key	Mouse keys, F13-F24
FN3	3	Accessed from FN1	Media + extended navigation
FN4	4	Accessed from FN3/FN2	Media + extended navigation
KEEB_CTL	5	One-shot from FN1, or locked	Wireless, RGB, keyboard settings

Layer indicator: The Escape key LED changes colour to show which layer is active. See LED Indicators.

Encoder Summary

Layer	Turn left	Turn right
BASE	Volume down	Volume up
FN1	Rewind	Fast-forward
FN2	Alt+Shift+Tab (prev window)	Alt+Tab (next window)
FN3	Rewind	Fast-forward
FN4	Rewind	Fast-forward
KEEB_CTL	RGB brightness down	RGB brightness up

Firmware Build Info

QMK fork: Keychron wireless_playground
Keymap: keyboards/keychron/q5_max/ansi_encoder/keymaps/via
VIA support: Yes -- keys can be remapped live in Keychron Launcher or VIA
Unicode method: Linux (Ctrl+Shift+U > hex > Enter)