MonsGeek M5 QMK DIY Kit

I recently ordered the M5 keyboard with some Akko switches and key caps (full Akko experience!). I am gonna start by saying that I am extremely happy with my experience. The keyboard is premium, sturdy, packed with all the tools (foam, gaskets, tape, etc) to make the keyboard sound as you’d like. Once I added the switches, I was super happy. It sounded just like the way I wanted (obviously the kind of switch you go for have a big impact on the final sound, for what concerns me I decided to go for the Akko piano linear switch v3). I am also very satisfied with the stabilisers that are included with this keyboard. At first I started modding the stabs but honestly, I realised that all you need is some lube, I have 0 complains and I think if you are approaching to the world of mechanical keyboard for the first time, it is a luxury not having to mod the stabilisers. By all means you can do it if you want to, but is not necessary, and having to just lube them makes the assembly so much easier.

Talking about the assembly, one thing I would suggest to Akko is making it easier for people to figure out what the tools included in the box are for, and maybe providing a link to a step by step assembly video. Being a newbie, I realised I spent a lot of time trying to understand how to assemble the keyboard and what some of the stickers were for. It’s all part of the learning process and I had fun figuring things out online, but the process could be made more accessible.

Also, for example, I realised that I always had to disconnect and reconnect my usb cable after booting my pc, for the keyboard to be recognised. After a while searching online, I ended up on an Akko page where it was mentioned that this is a known issue, that can be solved by flashing an update on the motherboard. Doing that solved the issue straight away, but again it would have been nice if the keyboard came with some useful links for common questions/issues.

Overall though, like I said, the experience is totally positive. The product is not cheap, but I think it strikes a great balance between price and quality. Also, there are not many full size keyboards in the “custom keyboard” world, and in my opinion, this is a great choice.

Ps. Like other people mentioned, the cherry on top would have been being able to purchase an ISO layout version of the keyboard, but in a couple of weeks I was able to get used to it.

Dear Akko

I'm interested in MonsGeek M5 QMK with Iso Layout. Full Keyboard.

Like so many European clients,
I would appreciate a version of this keyboard with an Iso layout.

I am the owner of a MonsGeek M1W SP with iso layout, its fantastic keyboard.

Best Regards!

Really good quality keyboard i bought this for my wife as a gift very impressed with it easy to build and really nice sound :) my only gripe was missing screws from the pcb plate i had to use some spares fro. Another kit i already own so 1 less star. But apart from that minor gripe the keyboard is great :)

Nice kit, very well make. Robust and nice and with a lot of extras to improve the sound
I miss a switch extract tool

Amazing looking keyboard case, very easy to disassemble. My only gripes with the board are the unavailability of an ISO layout and no inclusion of a keycap and switch puller in the packaging.