Logitech MX Keys Mechanical vs. Keychron K5 vs. ProtoArc K300 - Keyboard Comparison & Review

[@user-fi6hg8vq6c]

The protoarc looks pretty solid. Really wish they didn’t print the logo so big on the space bar

[@JosephKim]

Haha. Yeah. (sharpie?)

[@thorstenl.4928]

I Agree… that looks kind of cheap.

[@zy4620]

I stumbled upon your review video of the Flexispot E7 plus desk frame when I was shopping for a standing desk a few weeks ago, and decided to get one for myself (i know desk haus apex pro is better but too expensive😅). Had it installed this week and it’s been great! I have been using my keychron k4v2 for a few years now. It’s my first mechanic keyboard and I love. The only thing I wish it was is full-size. So I went on the keyboard hunting journey again and landed on keychron k5. It’s gonna be delivered next week and KZbin is recommending me this video 😂

[@JosephKim]

Hahaha, you are stuck with me! I've been using K5 pro as my daily since this video (upgraded). I am intending to make a follow up video of this regarding K5 pro, but life happened 🤣

[@Uma_Stellar]

thanks joseph kim i appreciate your unpretentious take on these keyboards. it's nice to get an every day user experience report. that protoarc looks really nice!

[@JosephKim]

I'm glad! My nit picking worked! 🤣

[@Uma_Stellar]

​@@JosephKim oh i totally appreciate your nitpicking. the keyboard is the point of tactile contact, it's important to have a good relationship with it... but those modders and keeb kids are too close to it to understand that the everyday user doesn't really need all that technical info. i love what's happening with keyboards lately, but i don't care about thock culture lol.

[@EdsMusic]

Hi, I just bought a K5 SE, but the Bluetooth mode is very laggy I’m on a Mac! Is this also happening to you or anyone out there?

[@JosephKim]

It 'feels' not as snappy in BT, but not a huge amount of delay on my PC. I wonder if it is a driver issues.

[@EdsMusic]

@@JosephKim Thanks for the reply, I have contacted Keychorn the company, and they gave me a $30 refund back, guess I will use it as the wired version for now, and ill wait for the updates for now!

[@thorstenl.4928]

I agree 98% with your comments ond MX Mechanical. I love the keyboard but I hate the F button layout. I would love this Keyboard to have the Layout of the Cherry Stream (classic spacing, print and roll button, media controls…) Thanks for sharing your experiance on the other keyboards. Unfortunately none of them seem to be perfecg to me (form factor of key caps, angle adjustment…) However I will have a closer look on the K5 but I guess my search is not done yet…

[@JosephKim]

Yes! My search continues too ;)

[@brianpenacalero7218]

@@JosephKim Did you test Das Keyboard 6 Professional?

[@JosephKim]

@@brianpenacalero7218 nope! Is it good?

[@tektauron]

ProtoArc K300 is just what I was looking for. Media keys (to me, mostly the volume one) are crucial. Thank you so much for this video!

[@JosephKim]

Thanks for watching!

[@homoconspectum]

Minute 15:00! Exactly! Yes! Please! And by the way, this has been done (almost exactly) already years ago. Logitech "DiVovo Media Desltop Laser"! I had 2 of them, like over 15 years ago... bought a second set, in case the first ones breaks, after they started to discontinue it. I had this for sooo long, this was so ahead of time. Ultra low profile, media keys, seperate Num-Pad, Bluetooth... it was brilliant! Only downside: rubber dome. I loved it. Nothing like this was released ever since, which is a shame, really! Thanks for the good review, I'm thinking of the K5 now, after watching this.

[@JosephKim]

I actually had one too. I really liked it's small screen too. Was tad too big and Bluetooth wasn't as good as these days, but they should absolutely make something similar.

[@ediah5]

Excellent information and after watching I just Amazon purchased the ProtoArc K300… looks like great quality and Amazon has it at $70 right now… I also like the number and multimedia functions… thank you for your post 👌

[@JosephKim]

Thanks!

[@TheDudeWatches]

Thank you, nice review. Which keyboard do you use now?

[@JosephKim]

@@TheDudeWatches keychron K5 Pro

[@TheDudeWatches]

@@JosephKim Great choice

[@RoadRunner1980]

With FN + Esc you can set the F keys as standard function keys. You just hit FN + Esc once and then you can use them as normal F keys so you don't have to use them anymore together with the FN key. Hit FN + Esc again and it switches back to the other mode. You can set this behavior in the Logi Options software.

[@JosephKim]

Yes, I am aware. But I do need F keys to behave normal and have the dedicated keys. FN+Esc to switch between is quite cumbersome.

[@kc2dc444]

Do any of them have an option to keep the keys illuminated all the time or for longer periods of time? The MX keys are constantly going dark and I have to activate them and end up hunting for keys and they go dark again seconds after typing.

[@JosephKim]

K5 can stay on I'm the wired mode.

[@muzboz]

I have very similar keyboard desires to you! I'm thinking the Keychron K5 Pro with Gateron switches might be the go! Full size keyboard, sweet looking retro keys, and 4 general purpose keys at the top right that you could assign to media controls (by the looks of it!).

[@JosephKim]

I haven't had good luck with the customizable keys. Maybe I need to figure that out soon!

[@broderp]

The Protoarc is nearly perfect, I just picked one up for $60 and could not be much happier. There are only 3 issues with it. The uneven lighting as you mentioned, the software that does not work in any mode but wired and no dedicated calculator button. As keyboard marketed for office and productivity this is a huge miss.

[@JosephKim]

Yeah, nearly perfect!

[@jamesoloughlin]

I have the Keychron K5 and the MX Mechanical Mini. Thinking of replacing my K5 with the MX Mechanical Full size because the K5 bluetooth is so unreliable and frustrating and I prefer a wireless setup. Love the K5 build quality and typing experience (have banana switches) otherwise its just does not compare to the Mechanical Mini (I assume the full size is the same or better) in terms of battery life or more important the bluetooth reliability and switching between computers.

[@JosephKim]

I have tested BT on MX keys for longer periods and had not have much issue. But I prefer to keep the keyboard wired most of the time. 😉

[@Mad.Maxx.77]

Excellent video, mate! I ordered the ProtoArc K301 and MX Mechanical Mini from Amazon after watching your review. I prefer smaller tenkeyless layouts and will keep the board on which I type the fastest/most accurate. It'd be great if the ProtoArc wins because it's $100 cheaper. Of course, there's probably a good reason for the price difference. I've had nothing but bad performance from the 3 Keychrons i tried. Thanks for your superb review!!

[@JosephKim]

Haha, thank you! Quality-wise, Keychron was miles better than ProtoArc. I've been using K5 lately.

[@Mad.Maxx.77]

@@JosephKim Every wireless Keychron I tried (K3 Pro, K7 Pro, K14 Pro) had awful BT connectivity problems. It's a common complaint with Keychron. Got the ProtoArc 301 today. BT/2.4GHz work perfectly. It ain't the highest quality board, but not bad for $40 bucks. I'm still gonna try the MX Mech Min despite its high price.

[@selectthedead]

Hi Mr. Kim, one of the biggest shortcomings of the Keychron Keyboards in the past was the long wakeup time till they reconnected via bluetooth. Is that still the case? My MX Keys is very quick even with bluetooth. It would be good to know if they fixed this issue. Greetings

[@JosephKim]

I use them wired most of the time. So, I have not noticed such. Because MX Keys don't connect via wire at all, I had to use wireless connections and I found it to be snappy waking up too.

[@waterkylin4374]

Hi joseph, Thanks for your information. It's a nice video. May I ask a few questions regarding keyboard? Have you used mx keys before?(non mechanical keyboard) I was using mx keys before and the BT connection is really good. It never lags, (The problem 2 you have). Now I am thinking to buy a mechanical keyboard. I tried Keychron K4 before, the BT connection is not reliable. It takes almost forever to recover from sleep mode. I am thinking to buy mx mechanical, but based on your video, it seems have BT problem? I would like to know how worse is it. and How is the BT connection with Keychron K pro series

[@JosephKim]

I have used MX Keys non mechanical for very long time. The mechanical version has the same good wireless connection as the non mechanical.

[@waterkylin4374]

@@JosephKim Thanks for the information! How about nuphy keyboard. Does it have good BT connection?

[@amandablake6905]

I have the protoarc and I love it. It was my daily driver for a long time. But now ive been using the Earto Crescent......... Until today....I'm still searching for the perfect sound..

[@JosephKim]

The search continues on!

[@jonasfrey9649]

You can program any key to media controls with the keychron..

[@JosephKim]

Only on the Pro models that allows VIA assignments. I got one and am enjoying it!

[@jonasfrey9649]

@@JosephKim True, sorry.. my bad 🤦

[@JosephKim]

@@jonasfrey9649 No worries!

[@ChrisLightbulb]

Have you considered the Razer DeathStalker V2? It solves all of your problems, with key gaps, media controls, wired or wireless, with numpad. Different optical mechanical switch options available too. I have one and it's great but I'd like one that has an inverted decline and is even thinner.

[@JosephKim]

Wow, thanks for letting me know! That seems like the one I should try. Is there a kind that's thinner?

[@butterbee2384]

Sounds like K5 Pro would address your issues with K5. You could map the keys above numpad to be media keys (once remapped, doesn't require any software running in the bg, keyboard remembers the mapping), had angle adjustment and rounded keycaps.

[@JosephKim]

Am using it right now and working on an another video about it :) thanks!

[@grattin]

@@JosephKim Hey joseph, right now about to purchase other logitech mx or k5 pro, what would you do if you were me?

[@JosephKim]

@@grattin I use K5 pro these days.

[@grattin]

@@JosephKim hey again thanks for the response. When does your video come out? Im just wondering if overall you would recommend K5 or mx? Cheers!

[@JosephKim]

@@grattin I recommend 5K pro over MX. I have other videos cooking, so unsure when I can do this one at this time. Sort of on the bottom of my list.

[@LewisFlorezRenza]

How to get > and < and using alt 60 and 62, but I dont Know how to configure my K5 Low Profile, any idea? Thanks

[@JosephKim]

Only K5 Pro is able to be reconfigured.

[@Tridaak]

It's a bit of a shame when this review came out, few months after, Keychron released the K5 pro which fixes your concerns: - Less square-y keycaps - 4 additional buttons which could be configured to any action... meaning possibly dedicated media control - Does have angle adjustments Maybe worth a revisit, especially with the K5 Max now out, which solves some of the bluetooth concerns people had with the K5, by giving people a 2.4gz dongle.

[@JosephKim]

@@Tridaak I bought K5 pro and have been enjoying it :) I haven't seen Max though. Will have to check it out. Thanks!

[@onionCatarina]

MX Mechanical ESC might be an issue to me ,thanks bro for saving my money

[@JosephKim]

Haha, yep!

[@ComradeStiv]

Only a few mos after getting the K300, the volume knob started acting up and only degraded over time. Def not from wear since I barely used it. Erratic or no response to turns, AND volume randomly changes by itself during normal keyboard usage! I'm like ok I'll just disable the knob till I get a new keyboard. Then I saw I'd have to remove ALL the switches to get at its contacts. Nope. Then there was the surprise crappy shine through on all keys but F1-4. So probably getting the K5 like I should've in the first damn place lol. "When a price seems too good to be true . . . . "

[@JosephKim]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@panosgrigoriadis3534]

You are showing 2 numeric keypads at some stage in the video. One is at 6:13 and the other one is at 15:02. Not sure if these actually exist or if it's just a video edit. But in case they do, can you please share which are these keypads ?

[@JosephKim]

Just a photoshop job as I want them :) I too wish they exist!

[@panosgrigoriadis3534]

@@JosephKim Thanks for the quick response. One more thing by the way that you didn't mention in the video, it's about the backlighting. I have a Logitech MX Mechanical Mini, and have it plugged in all the time, just like yourself, and the keys turn off after a few minutes, you just can't keep them turned on constantly. Which is quite annoying, especially afterhours when my room is dark and can't see the keys. Do you feel the same ?

[@MotoOMG]

FYI, Logi has numpad product : N305. There is also Microsoft Numpad

[@JosephKim]

@@MotoOMGn305 is discontinued. Also, MS numberpad was a joke when I tried. 🤣

[@c9xivi999]

Have u tried razer ornata in ur low profile comparison?

[@JosephKim]

Unfortunately, no. I would love to.

[@kktech04]

Most helpful video. Thanks for your time. A+

[@JosephKim]

My pleasure!

[@loghome7061]

What switches do you reccomend for the MX Mechanical? Blue, Red or Brown?

[@JosephKim]

I like Brown. But it really depends on your personal preference.

[@Human-lu6bx]

영상 잘 봤습니다. 저도 얼마전에 키크론 K5 구매 했는데 만족스럽게 잘 쓰고 있습니다. 기계식 키보드를 처음 써보는데 이 정도면 꽤 무거운 무게였군요.

[@JosephKim]

감사합니다. G915하고 비교 해도 비슷하지 않을까 생각 되네요.

[@bisikleta1015]

Question, whst made you say K5 is better at typing that MX? I am looking at both these KB as options, more on typing/work not gaming

[@JosephKim]

K5 is actual Gateron Switches where as MX is their own thing. Just typing it felt better, other than the key distances I described.

[@tango_gru]

Do these new keyboards solve the problem of the sleep issue ? Do you still have to wake up the keyboards by typing and waking it up ?

[@JosephKim]

That's one of the issue with wireless keyboards. They go to sleep when not used. But when they are connected with wire for those two, you don't have that issue.

[@antoniozach91]

@@JosephKim Some Models (in wireless without Bluetooth), if you go to Device Manage > Keyboards and Press each of the Items in List, if there is a Power Management Tab, you can check " Allow this device to wake the computer" or through Power Options > USB Setting you can find some options there for usb. For Bluetooth, its more difficult.Or New Driver for Bluetooth or you can find a better Bluetooth adapter for better power management.

[@izll81]

Hi Joseph! I think the Redragon Horus K618 is fullfils your requirements, but their switches are scratchy....

[@JosephKim]

Ha! Very similar to G915. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@crazyakagino]

Can anyone provide feedback/info regarding connectivity/wireless performance? Like do you experience latency or issues loosing the wireless/Bluetooth connection?

[@JosephKim]

Other than occasional lost when waking, I have not had any connectivity issues.

[@crazyakagino]

@@JosephKim Ty!

[@qrsimon]

Hi guys, bluetooth numpad? Maybe diy: programmable keys and use a bluetooth dongle

[@JosephKim]

How can I get a BT dongle that converts USB to BT?

[@qrsimon]

@@JosephKim handheld sci bt-500

[@FabulousFab72]

At 1st I loved the logitech : great stroke feeling. But after some time I began to have double stroke on some letter. And, at this price range, the keycaps quality was a disgrace (letter fading). Lucky for me, I was still under guaranty.

[@JosephKim]

That's fair! I am currently using Keychron K5 Pro.

[@ComradeStiv]

I do love Keychron, but ProtoArc really appears to be aiming straight at their (minor) shortcomings lol, very clever. I tried a K4 for a few weeks but the smashed together layout was driving me nuts, plus wanted to go low-profile. Just as I was about to trade for the K5 I saw your video. Never heard of ProtoArc. 🤔 Now I'm intrigued!

[@JosephKim]

If you are in for K5's key feels, ProtoArc's knock-off switches come nowhere near. I still use K5 nowadays :)

[@ComradeStiv]

@@JosephKim - Noted, thanks. Yeah I could find no evidence that the K300's switches are even swappable. Many other attractive things about it tho. Also $64 + free shipping if you order direct off their site, wow. Deciding just got a little harder.

[@yaiks_]

That protoarc keyboard seems awesome, sadly it only comes with red switches. I personally use a keychron k3 that is perfect except for the keycaps and paying for the extra keycaps it's a bummer

[@JosephKim]

I've been using Keychron K5 as the switch feeling is spot on. I just wish I can somehow dedatch the number pad from ProtoArc :)

[@codyturner9953]

I just got the key caps for the K5 SE. I'll let you know if they are worth it for 40 bucks. Should be delivered tomorrow. Edit: I received the key caps and have been using them for a few months with gateron brown key switches. Completely worth the money. Would buy them again.

[@JosephKim]

@@codyturner9953 haha, yeah!

[@brandon.karnes]

Probably going with Keychron K5 when I pull the trigger. Currently use a 12 year old Logitech K800. Interested in seeing what people think of the NuPhy Air 96 as well. I actually use the number pad quite often for everyday use and I don't understand why they wouldn't at least put a gap or completely separate it.

[@JosephKim]

I actually have the Nuphy Air in for testing/unboxing!

[@seanchen9617]

yes, I can not click F1 and F2 when gaming, what a pity...

[@JosephKim]

Maybe some folks don't have that problem :)

[@r.h.616]

Hi) Find “Fiio KB1” - mby that will be some sort of answer on your question)

[@JosephKim]

Interesting! I've seen similar offerings on Amazon. Although it doesn't have the numberpad. I will check it out!

[@LaserFliping]

Try Q6 instead of the K

[@RealHankShill]

Still no great wireless number pad options. Worse yet, the people that make them, dont make them match their own keyboards to make a set lol

[@JosephKim]

Strange. Right? 🤷‍♂️

[@RealHankShill]

@@JosephKim The reason I want one, is I use one all the time. But it would be really nice if I could switch it from left to right side, some tasks I need to usr a mouse and num pad, others keyboard and num pad. Plus for some activities, I like to turn the numpad sideways. So basically a wireless keyboard mouse and numpad set would be ideal. Hell Ill even take a 100% keyboard with an extra wireless numpad lol. And while we are at it, lets get rid of the num pad lock button, make the num pad always on and make that a macro key lol

[@JosephKim]

@@RealHankShill have you seen new one coming out from 8bitdo? I wish it was low profile.

[@RealHankShill]

@@JosephKim the numpad/calc? Someone else makes one like that. I love the idea, want a low profile one as well.

[@RealHankShill]

@@JosephKim Azio is the company that makes one similar. They do have a matching setup but its retro styled.

[@chanm01]

Logitech software is absolute garbage. I'm typing this on an older Logitech keyboard right now and I've had numerous instances of discovering that it had completely lost my customizations after an update. If you're getting a Logitech as a pack-in for buying a PC or something then, I mean, sure whatever. But for something that you're putting down $100+ to buy aftermarket? No thanks.

[@JosephKim]

Which keyboard do you prefer over Logitech?

[@Costinmusca]

6:12 - Is that photoshop, or does Logitech actually have this Numpad.. ?? Can't seem to find it on their shop..

[@JosephKim]

Sadly, photoshop :)

[@Costinmusca]

Sad indeed.. :|