MonsGeek M1 V5

The M1 V5 VIA is MonsGeek's mechanical-switch 75%. MonsGeek lists a CNC aluminum case that opens with a ball-catch quick-release instead of screws, a gasket mount, 3 mm Poron case foam, plate foam and IXPE switch pads, pre-lubed plate-mounted stabilizers, south-facing LEDs, 3-pin and 5-pin hot-swap sockets and a separate encoder board for the knob. It is tri-mode (USB-C, 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.0) with an 8,000 mAh battery, and remapping goes through VIA with QMK source available. The VIA edition does not support MonsGeek's own driver; a separate non-VIA edition does.

Reviews are consistent. Basic Tutorials rated material quality, battery life and bundle highly, noted occasional Bluetooth hiccups and disliked the mode switch under the caps key. Techxreviews liked the easy mods and improved sound, but found the knob can touch the case if pressed off-centre and warned about uneven flex if the foam under the PCB is removed. ComputerBase's verdict is that the metal case, tool-free access, long battery life, dry sound and open software are the strengths, while the stock Akko Piano Pro switches vary a little in feel and can feel slightly scratchy, and the mode switch and lack of grip points for lifting are awkward. At its German price it saw plastic-case alternatives as cheaper, but a Keychron Q1 as dearer.

It is the cheaper 75% metal option in this lineup; the HE and TMR versions swap the sensor and driver but keep the same chassis.