This QPAD keyboard and mouse combo is a dream

You’ve probably not heard of QPAD. I certainly hadn’t, until a wonderful bundle of peripherals from the company landed on my doorstep. I’ve been using the QPAD Flux 65 Model 5 keyboard and the M3 Vision mouse on my desktop PC for a while now, and they’re both an absolute dream to use.

The Flux 65 Model 5 keyboard is very small, and honestly, not my usual preference: I like having a full suite of keys and a numberpad on my keyboard. But this extra-tiny keyboard, lacking any function buttons, a numberpad or any additional bells and whistles, is actually an excellent addition to my desk. As a gamer and a writer, how often do I really use the number pad? (Not very often at all.) The extra space on my desk really makes a big difference, helping my desktop stay neat, tidy and minimalist.

There’s a chance you might find it restrictive, especially if you make use of function keys often for various tasks, but if they’re not something you use often, the QPAD Flux 65 Model 5 is an excellent choice – especially for smaller desks or those who value extra space. Need a notebook at the side of you while you type or play? This will facilitate it.

It helps that it’s very nice to type on. By default, it’s rather loud for such a small keyboard, but the keys are very responsive and have a great sense of weight behind them. It feels good under the fingers, with a good travel distance on each key. The keys themselves are standard size despite the smaller footprint of the keyboard, so it’s easy enough to get used to using, even if you’re moving from a full-size keyboard.

But what really sets the QPAD Flux 65 Model 5 apart from most of its competition is that the keys can be fine-tuned to your preferences. The actuation can be adjusted for each key individually, between 0.1 and 0.4mm. It means you can tweak the keyboard to your preferences, which is not only a boon for gaming but also for anyone who has a distinct preference when it comes to typing.

Another feature of the QPAD Flux 65 Model 5 is RGB lighting, which manages to be subtle yet attractive. It’s optional, of course, but I’ve quite enjoyed having it switched on, bringing a touch of colour to my desktop. Using QPAD’s downloadable software, you can customise the lighting patterns and intensity, too.

I’ve been using the keyboard alongside the QPAD M3 Vision mouse, a wireless mouse that looks seriously understated yet packs in some very neat bells and whistles. You can choose to use the mouse via Bluetooth or connected to the included receiver. I’ve opted for Bluetooth, connected straight to my PC, but I’m missing a trick by not using the receiver (which needs to be connected to your PC via USB).

Complete with a screen, the receiver will tell you your mouse’s polling rate, your DPI setting and how much battery it has left. It’s very nifty, and a very handy feature for those who really appreciate a fast DPI. The M3 Vision supports up to 26,000 DPI, and it’s very easy to change by pressing a button on the underside of the mouse.

On paper, QPAD says the mouse has up to 88 hours’ battery life. I haven’t yet used it long enough to need a charge, but it’s certainly lasted plenty long enough even straight out of the box. Since it charges via USB, you can carry on using it while it’s charging, so you don’t need to lose out on play or work time.

It’s a very lightweight mouse but feels very comfortable in the hand thanks to a traditional, understated design. This isn’t a fancy-looking mouse, but it packs in all the features you’d expect from a high-end peripheral, all hidden in a simple yet attractive design. On top you’ll find two standard buttons and a scroll wheel, and there are two further buttons on the side.

If you need extra grip as you hold the mouse, you’ll find grip tape (along with extra ‘skates’ for the bottom of the mouse) in the box. I’ve not needed them, as I’ve found the surface of the mouse comfortable enough to hold as it is, but it’s nice to know it’s included. The spare skates will come in handy eventually too, as they’ll naturally get a little worn with use – but I don’t expect to need to change them any time soon.

The QPAD peripherals sit somewhere in the mid-range market; they are not cheap, but they won’t totally break the bank either, with price tags that match the level of quality on offer. The QPAD M3 Vision mouse is available for £99.99, while the Flux 65 Model 5 keyboard is available for £119. If you value quality, customisation and an understated design, this keyboard and mouse combo come highly recommended from me.

Thanks to QPAD for providing the peripherals to facilitate this review.