The Turtle Beach Command Series KB5 mechanical keyboard is a unique and eye-catching addition to any gaming setup. With its retro-industrial design, it stands out from the crowd and offers a range of features that cater to both gamers and productivity enthusiasts alike.
One of the standout features of the KB5 is its 2.4-inch Command Touch Display, which is positioned at the top right above the number pad. This display offers five programmable profiles, each with three pages and up to six virtual buttons per page, giving you as many as 18 customisable shortcuts and inputs. The compact display works in a similar way to a Stream Deck or Corsair's Gallion 100 SD, allowing you to use preset templates or create your own.
I found setting up the KB5 display to be very intuitive, even easier than a Stream Deck. It's great for launching game clients like Steam, GOG, and Epic without any hassle. Taking in-game screenshots and video is simple, and of course, if you're streaming, the display really comes into its own.
The KB5 also features Titan low-profile mechanical switches, which provide a satisfying and responsive typing experience. With a 1.2mm actuation point and 3.1mm total travel, keystrokes require minimal force, and the 8K polling rate with 0.125ms latency ensures fast response times in games.
The keyboard's retro-industrial style is a refreshing change from the sleek and minimalist designs that dominate the market. The grey brushed metal chassis, accented with copper in the top-left corner and finished with exposed screws, gives it a steampunk look that is both unique and eye-catching.
However, the KB5 is not without its drawbacks. The keyboard is quite slim overall, and it does take up a fair amount of desk space. The keys also feel wider than those on my usual everyday keyboard, which took some adjustment when typing, but it does make resting your fingers on the WASD keys more comfortable with games.
Overall, the Turtle Beach Command Series KB5 mechanical keyboard is a fun and distinctive keyboard that will particularly appeal to fans of the steampunk design. While it may not be for everyone, it offers a range of features that cater to both gamers and productivity enthusiasts alike, making it a great addition to any setup.
