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.
Navigation
| 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)