diff --git a/piker/ui/__init__.py b/piker/ui/__init__.py
index 88771b2d..134e0da0 100644
--- a/piker/ui/__init__.py
+++ b/piker/ui/__init__.py
@@ -14,9 +14,8 @@
 # You should have received a copy of the GNU Affero General Public License
 # along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
 
-"""
-Stuff for your eyes, aka super hawt Qt UI components.
+'''
+UI components built using `Qt` with major versions swapped in via
+the import indirection in the `.qt` sub-mod.
 
-Currently we only support PyQt5 due to this issue in Pyside2:
-https://bugreports.qt.io/projects/PYSIDE/issues/PYSIDE-1313
-"""
+'''
diff --git a/piker/ui/_anchors.py b/piker/ui/_anchors.py
index 5d8217c8..09bcf71d 100644
--- a/piker/ui/_anchors.py
+++ b/piker/ui/_anchors.py
@@ -21,8 +21,10 @@ Anchor funtions for UI placement of annotions.
 from __future__ import annotations
 from typing import Callable, TYPE_CHECKING
 
-from PyQt5.QtCore import QPointF
-from PyQt5.QtWidgets import QGraphicsPathItem
+from piker.ui.qt import (
+    QPointF,
+    QGraphicsPathItem,
+)
 
 if TYPE_CHECKING:
     from ._chart import ChartPlotWidget
diff --git a/piker/ui/_annotate.py b/piker/ui/_annotate.py
index f3eeeb07..0dca9dcc 100644
--- a/piker/ui/_annotate.py
+++ b/piker/ui/_annotate.py
@@ -20,12 +20,22 @@ Annotations for ur faces.
 """
 from typing import Callable
 
-from PyQt5 import QtCore, QtGui, QtWidgets
-from PyQt5.QtCore import QPointF, QRectF
-from PyQt5.QtWidgets import QGraphicsPathItem
-from pyqtgraph import Point, functions as fn, Color
+from pyqtgraph import (
+    Point,
+    functions as fn,
+    Color,
+)
 import numpy as np
 
+from piker.ui.qt import (
+    QtCore,
+    QtGui,
+    QtWidgets,
+    QPointF,
+    QRectF,
+    QGraphicsPathItem,
+)
+
 
 def mk_marker_path(
 
diff --git a/piker/ui/_app.py b/piker/ui/_app.py
index 199ba656..5733e372 100644
--- a/piker/ui/_app.py
+++ b/piker/ui/_app.py
@@ -21,9 +21,11 @@ Main app startup and run.
 from functools import partial
 from types import ModuleType
 
-from PyQt5.QtCore import QEvent
 import trio
 
+from piker.ui.qt import (
+    QEvent,
+)
 from ..service import maybe_spawn_brokerd
 from . import _event
 from ._exec import run_qtractor
diff --git a/piker/ui/_axes.py b/piker/ui/_axes.py
index 461842db..5eab5afe 100644
--- a/piker/ui/_axes.py
+++ b/piker/ui/_axes.py
@@ -25,9 +25,16 @@ from math import floor
 
 import polars as pl
 import pyqtgraph as pg
-from PyQt5 import QtCore, QtGui, QtWidgets
-from PyQt5.QtCore import QPointF
 
+from piker.ui.qt import (
+    QtCore,
+    QtGui,
+    QtWidgets,
+    QPointF,
+    txt_flag,
+    align_flag,
+    px_cache_mode,
+)
 from . import _pg_overrides as pgo
 from ..accounting._mktinfo import float_digits
 from ._label import Label
@@ -414,11 +421,15 @@ class AxisLabel(pg.GraphicsObject):
         super().__init__()
         self.setParentItem(parent)
 
-        self.setFlag(self.ItemIgnoresTransformations)
+        self.setFlag(
+            self.GraphicsItemFlag.ItemIgnoresTransformations
+        )
         self.setZValue(100)
 
         # XXX: pretty sure this is faster
-        self.setCacheMode(QtWidgets.QGraphicsItem.DeviceCoordinateCache)
+        self.setCacheMode(
+            px_cache_mode.DeviceCoordinateCache
+        )
 
         self._parent = parent
 
@@ -555,21 +566,14 @@ class AxisLabel(pg.GraphicsObject):
 
         return (self.rect.width(), self.rect.height())
 
-# _common_text_flags = (
-#     QtCore.Qt.TextDontClip |
-#     QtCore.Qt.AlignCenter |
-#     QtCore.Qt.AlignTop |
-#     QtCore.Qt.AlignHCenter |
-#     QtCore.Qt.AlignVCenter
-# )
 
 
 class XAxisLabel(AxisLabel):
     _x_margin = 8
 
     text_flags = (
-        QtCore.Qt.TextDontClip
-        | QtCore.Qt.AlignCenter
+        align_flag.AlignCenter
+        | txt_flag.TextDontClip
     )
 
     def size_hint(self) -> tuple[float, float]:
@@ -626,10 +630,10 @@ class YAxisLabel(AxisLabel):
     _y_margin: int = 4
 
     text_flags = (
-        QtCore.Qt.AlignLeft
-        # QtCore.Qt.AlignHCenter
-        | QtCore.Qt.AlignVCenter
-        | QtCore.Qt.TextDontClip
+        align_flag.AlignLeft
+        | align_flag.AlignVCenter
+        # | align_flag.AlignHCenter
+        | txt_flag.TextDontClip
     )
 
     def __init__(
diff --git a/piker/ui/_chart.py b/piker/ui/_chart.py
index e00ad70b..afcd7dd0 100644
--- a/piker/ui/_chart.py
+++ b/piker/ui/_chart.py
@@ -28,22 +28,20 @@ from typing import (
     TYPE_CHECKING,
 )
 
-from PyQt5 import QtCore, QtWidgets
-from PyQt5.QtCore import (
+import pyqtgraph as pg
+import trio
+
+from piker.ui.qt import (
+    QtCore,
+    QtWidgets,
     Qt,
     QLineF,
-    # QPointF,
-)
-from PyQt5.QtWidgets import (
     QFrame,
     QWidget,
     QHBoxLayout,
     QVBoxLayout,
     QSplitter,
 )
-import pyqtgraph as pg
-import trio
-
 from ._axes import (
     DynamicDateAxis,
     PriceAxis,
@@ -570,8 +568,8 @@ class LinkedSplits(QWidget):
 
         # style?
         self.chart.setFrameStyle(
-            QFrame.StyledPanel |
-            QFrame.Plain
+            QFrame.Shape.StyledPanel |
+            QFrame.Shadow.Plain
         )
 
         return self.chart
@@ -689,8 +687,8 @@ class LinkedSplits(QWidget):
 
         cpw.plotItem.vb.linked = self
         cpw.setFrameStyle(
-            QtWidgets.QFrame.StyledPanel
-            # | QtWidgets.QFrame.Plain
+            QFrame.Shape.StyledPanel
+            # | QFrame.Shadow.Plain
         )
 
         # don't show the little "autoscale" A label.
diff --git a/piker/ui/_cursor.py b/piker/ui/_cursor.py
index c14387e0..7675b2e0 100644
--- a/piker/ui/_cursor.py
+++ b/piker/ui/_cursor.py
@@ -28,9 +28,14 @@ from typing import (
 import inspect
 import numpy as np
 import pyqtgraph as pg
-from PyQt5 import QtCore, QtWidgets
-from PyQt5.QtCore import QPointF, QRectF
 
+from piker.ui.qt import (
+    QPointF,
+    QRectF,
+    QtCore,
+    QtWidgets,
+    px_cache_mode,
+)
 from ._style import (
     _xaxis_at,
     hcolor,
@@ -104,7 +109,9 @@ class LineDot(pg.CurvePoint):
         dot.setParentItem(self)
 
         # keep a static size
-        self.setFlag(self.ItemIgnoresTransformations)
+        self.setFlag(
+            self.GraphicsItemFlag.ItemIgnoresTransformations
+        )
 
     def event(
         self,
@@ -424,10 +431,10 @@ class Cursor(pg.GraphicsObject):
         # vertical and horizonal lines and a y-axis label
 
         vl = plot.addLine(x=0, pen=self.lines_pen, movable=False)
-        vl.setCacheMode(QtWidgets.QGraphicsItem.DeviceCoordinateCache)
+        vl.setCacheMode(px_cache_mode.DeviceCoordinateCache)
 
         hl = plot.addLine(y=0, pen=self.lines_pen, movable=False)
-        hl.setCacheMode(QtWidgets.QGraphicsItem.DeviceCoordinateCache)
+        hl.setCacheMode(px_cache_mode.DeviceCoordinateCache)
         hl.hide()
 
         yl = YAxisLabel(
@@ -511,7 +518,10 @@ class Cursor(pg.GraphicsObject):
             plot=chart
         )
         chart.addItem(cursor)
-        self.graphics[chart].setdefault('cursors', []).append(cursor)
+        self.graphics[chart].setdefault(
+            'cursors',
+            [],
+        ).append(cursor)
         return cursor
 
     def mouseAction(
diff --git a/piker/ui/_curve.py b/piker/ui/_curve.py
index ff01c89d..dc368344 100644
--- a/piker/ui/_curve.py
+++ b/piker/ui/_curve.py
@@ -19,20 +19,21 @@ Fast, smooth, sexy curves.
 
 """
 from contextlib import contextmanager as cm
+from enum import EnumType
 from typing import Callable
 
 import numpy as np
 import pyqtgraph as pg
-from PyQt5 import QtWidgets
-from PyQt5.QtWidgets import QGraphicsItem
-from PyQt5.QtCore import (
+
+from piker.ui.qt import (
+    QtWidgets,
+    QGraphicsItem,
     Qt,
     QLineF,
     QRectF,
-)
-from PyQt5.QtGui import (
     QPainter,
     QPainterPath,
+    px_cache_mode,
 )
 from ._style import hcolor
 from ..log import get_logger
@@ -42,15 +43,16 @@ from ..toolz.profile import (
     ms_slower_then,
 )
 
-
 log = get_logger(__name__)
 
 
+pen_style: EnumType = Qt.PenStyle
+
 _line_styles: dict[str, int] = {
-    'solid': Qt.PenStyle.SolidLine,
-    'dash': Qt.PenStyle.DashLine,
-    'dot': Qt.PenStyle.DotLine,
-    'dashdot': Qt.PenStyle.DashDotLine,
+    'solid': pen_style.SolidLine,
+    'dash': pen_style.DashLine,
+    'dot': pen_style.DotLine,
+    'dashdot': pen_style.DashDotLine,
 }
 
 
@@ -69,12 +71,12 @@ class FlowGraphic(pg.GraphicsObject):
     # XXX-NOTE-XXX: graphics caching B)
     # see explanation for different caching modes:
     # https://stackoverflow.com/a/39410081
-    cache_mode: int = QGraphicsItem.DeviceCoordinateCache
+    cache_mode: int = px_cache_mode.DeviceCoordinateCache
     # XXX: WARNING item caching seems to only be useful
     # if we don't re-generate the entire QPainterPath every time
     # don't ever use this - it's a colossal nightmare of artefacts
     # and is disastrous for performance.
-    # QGraphicsItem.ItemCoordinateCache
+    # cache_mode.ItemCoordinateCache
     # TODO: still questions todo with coord-cacheing that we should
     # probably talk to a core dev about:
     # - if this makes trasform interactions slower (such as zooming)
@@ -176,7 +178,7 @@ class FlowGraphic(pg.GraphicsObject):
     @cm
     def reset_cache(self) -> None:
         try:
-            none = QGraphicsItem.NoCache
+            none = px_cache_mode.NoCache
             log.debug(
                 f'{self._name} -> CACHE DISABLE: {none}'
             )
diff --git a/piker/ui/_dataviz.py b/piker/ui/_dataviz.py
index cf3d5509..36251e48 100644
--- a/piker/ui/_dataviz.py
+++ b/piker/ui/_dataviz.py
@@ -40,8 +40,8 @@ from numpy import (
     ndarray,
 )
 import pyqtgraph as pg
-from PyQt5.QtCore import QLineF
 
+from piker.ui.qt import QLineF
 from ..data._sharedmem import (
     ShmArray,
 )
diff --git a/piker/ui/_display.py b/piker/ui/_display.py
index 5cb89f54..46e1b922 100644
--- a/piker/ui/_display.py
+++ b/piker/ui/_display.py
@@ -57,6 +57,7 @@ from piker.toolz import (
     Profiler,
 )
 from piker.log import get_logger
+from piker import config
 # from ..data._source import tf_in_1s
 from ._axes import YAxisLabel
 from ._chart import (
@@ -1231,6 +1232,8 @@ async def link_views_with_region(
     # region.sigRegionChangeFinished.connect(update_pi_from_region)
 
 
+# NOTE: default is set to 60 FPS until the runtime delivers the
+# discoverd hw value below.
 _quote_throttle_rate: int = 60 - 6
 
 
@@ -1272,26 +1275,54 @@ async def display_symbol_data(
     # TODO: ctl over update loop's maximum frequency.
     # - load this from a config.toml!
     # - allow dyanmic configuration from chart UI?
+    (
+        conf,
+        path,
+    ) = config.load()
+    ui_conf: dict = conf['ui']
+
     global _quote_throttle_rate
     from ._window import main_window
-    display_rate = main_window().current_screen().refreshRate()
-    _quote_throttle_rate = floor(display_rate) - 6
+
+    display_rate: int = floor(
+        main_window().current_screen().refreshRate()
+    ) - 6
+
+    mx_redraw_rate: int = ui_conf.get(
+        'max_redraw_rate',
+        _quote_throttle_rate,
+    )
+
+    if mx_redraw_rate < display_rate:
+        log.info(
+            'Down-throttling redraw rate to config setting\n'
+            f'display FPS: {display_rate}\n'
+            'max_redraw_rate: {max_redraw_rate}\n'
+        )
+    else:
+        _quote_throttle_rate = display_rate
 
     # TODO: we should be able to increase this if we use some
     # `mypyc` speedups elsewhere? 22ish seems to be the sweet
     # spot for single-feed chart.
     num_of_feeds = len(fqmes)
-    mx: int = 22
-    if num_of_feeds > 1:
-        # there will be more ctx switches with more than 1 feed so we
-        # max throttle down a bit more.
-        mx = 16
+    # if num_of_feeds > 1:
+
+    # there will be more ctx switches with more than 1 feed so we
+    # max throttle down a bit more.
+    mx_per_feed: int = (
+        ui_conf.get(
+        'per_feed_redraw_rate',
+        mx_redraw_rate,
+        )
+        or 16
+    )
 
     # limit to at least display's FPS
     # avoiding needless Qt-in-guest-mode context switches
     cycles_per_feed = min(
         round(_quote_throttle_rate/num_of_feeds),
-        mx,
+        mx_per_feed,
     )
 
     feed: Feed
diff --git a/piker/ui/_editors.py b/piker/ui/_editors.py
index 5158c507..9aba7978 100644
--- a/piker/ui/_editors.py
+++ b/piker/ui/_editors.py
@@ -32,24 +32,21 @@ from pyqtgraph import (
     QtCore,
     QtWidgets,
 )
-from PyQt5.QtCore import (
-    QPointF,
-    QRectF,
-)
-from PyQt5.QtGui import (
-    QColor,
-    QTransform,
-)
-from PyQt5.QtWidgets import (
-    QGraphicsProxyWidget,
-    QGraphicsScene,
-    QLabel,
-)
 
 from pyqtgraph import functions as fn
 import numpy as np
 
 from piker.types import Struct
+from piker.ui.qt import (
+    Qt,
+    QPointF,
+    QRectF,
+    QGraphicsProxyWidget,
+    QGraphicsScene,
+    QLabel,
+    QColor,
+    QTransform,
+)
 from ._style import (
     hcolor,
     _font,
@@ -316,7 +313,9 @@ class SelectRect(QtWidgets.QGraphicsRectItem):
         self.setZValue(1e9)
 
         label = self._label = QLabel()
-        label.setTextFormat(0)  # markdown
+        label.setTextFormat(
+            Qt.TextFormat.MarkdownText
+        )
         label.setFont(_font.font)
         label.setMargin(0)
         label.setAlignment(
diff --git a/piker/ui/_event.py b/piker/ui/_event.py
index 27b98c97..44797fa4 100644
--- a/piker/ui/_event.py
+++ b/piker/ui/_event.py
@@ -23,28 +23,29 @@ from typing import Callable
 
 import trio
 from tractor.trionics import gather_contexts
-from PyQt5 import QtCore
-from PyQt5.QtCore import QEvent, pyqtBoundSignal
-from PyQt5.QtWidgets import QWidget
-from PyQt5.QtWidgets import (
-    QGraphicsSceneMouseEvent as gs_mouse,
-)
 
+from piker.ui.qt import (
+    QtCore,
+    QWidget,
+    QEvent,
+    keys,
+    gs_keys,
+    pyqtBoundSignal,
+)
 from piker.types import Struct
 
 
 MOUSE_EVENTS = {
-    gs_mouse.GraphicsSceneMousePress,
-    gs_mouse.GraphicsSceneMouseRelease,
-    QEvent.MouseButtonPress,
-    QEvent.MouseButtonRelease,
+    gs_keys.GraphicsSceneMousePress,
+    gs_keys.GraphicsSceneMouseRelease,
+    keys.MouseButtonPress,
+    keys.MouseButtonRelease,
     # QtGui.QMouseEvent,
 }
 
 
 # TODO: maybe consider some constrained ints down the road?
 # https://pydantic-docs.helpmanual.io/usage/types/#constrained-types
-
 class KeyboardMsg(Struct):
     '''Unpacked Qt keyboard event data.
 
@@ -114,7 +115,10 @@ class EventRelay(QtCore.QObject):
         # something to do with Qt internals and calling the
         # parent handler?
 
-        if etype in {QEvent.KeyPress, QEvent.KeyRelease}:
+        if etype in {
+            QEvent.Type.KeyPress,
+            QEvent.Type.KeyRelease,
+        }:
 
             msg = KeyboardMsg(
                 event=ev,
@@ -160,7 +164,9 @@ class EventRelay(QtCore.QObject):
 async def open_event_stream(
 
     source_widget: QWidget,
-    event_types: set[QEvent] = {QEvent.KeyPress},
+    event_types: set[QEvent] = {
+        QEvent.Type.KeyPress,
+    },
     filter_auto_repeats: bool = True,
 
 ) -> trio.abc.ReceiveChannel:
diff --git a/piker/ui/_exec.py b/piker/ui/_exec.py
index 5b0655da..ba91e534 100644
--- a/piker/ui/_exec.py
+++ b/piker/ui/_exec.py
@@ -30,25 +30,22 @@ from typing import (
 import platform
 import traceback
 
-# Qt specific
-import PyQt5  # noqa
-from PyQt5.QtWidgets import (
-    QWidget,
-    QMainWindow,
-    QApplication,
-)
-from PyQt5 import QtCore
-from PyQt5.QtCore import (
-    pyqtRemoveInputHook,
-    Qt,
-    QCoreApplication,
-)
 import qdarkstyle
 from qdarkstyle import DarkPalette
 # import qdarkgraystyle  # TODO: play with it
 import trio
 from outcome import Error
 
+# Qt version-agnostic
+from .qt import (
+    QWidget,
+    QMainWindow,
+    QApplication,
+    QtCore,
+    pyqtRemoveInputHook,
+    Qt,
+    QCoreApplication,
+)
 from ..service import (
     maybe_open_pikerd,
     get_runtime_vars,
@@ -150,7 +147,7 @@ def run_qtractor(
 
     # load dark theme
     stylesheet = qdarkstyle.load_stylesheet(
-        qt_api='pyqt5',
+        qt_api='pyqt6',
         palette=DarkPalette,
     )
     app.setStyleSheet(stylesheet)
diff --git a/piker/ui/_forms.py b/piker/ui/_forms.py
index de64747e..504dd418 100644
--- a/piker/ui/_forms.py
+++ b/piker/ui/_forms.py
@@ -28,9 +28,15 @@ from typing import (
 )
 
 import trio
-from PyQt5 import QtGui
-from PyQt5.QtCore import QSize, QModelIndex, Qt, QEvent
-from PyQt5.QtWidgets import (
+
+from piker.ui.qt import (
+    keys,
+    size_policy,
+    QtGui,
+    QSize,
+    QModelIndex,
+    Qt,
+    QEvent,
     QWidget,
     QLabel,
     QComboBox,
@@ -39,7 +45,6 @@ from PyQt5.QtWidgets import (
     QVBoxLayout,
     QFormLayout,
     QProgressBar,
-    QSizePolicy,
     QStyledItemDelegate,
     QStyleOptionViewItem,
 )
@@ -71,14 +76,14 @@ class Edit(QLineEdit):
 
         if width_in_chars:
             self._chars = int(width_in_chars)
-            x_size_policy = QSizePolicy.Fixed
+            x_size_policy = size_policy.Fixed
 
         else:
             # chart count which will be used to calculate
             # width of input field.
             self._chars: int = 6
             # fit to surroundingn frame width
-            x_size_policy = QSizePolicy.Expanding
+            x_size_policy = size_policy.Expanding
 
         super().__init__(parent)
 
@@ -86,7 +91,7 @@ class Edit(QLineEdit):
         # https://doc.qt.io/qt-5/qsizepolicy.html#Policy-enum
         self.setSizePolicy(
             x_size_policy,
-            QSizePolicy.Fixed,
+            size_policy.Fixed,
         )
         self.setFont(font.font)
 
@@ -180,11 +185,13 @@ class Selection(QComboBox):
 
         self._items: dict[str, int] = {}
         super().__init__(parent=parent)
-        self.setSizeAdjustPolicy(QComboBox.AdjustToContents)
+        self.setSizeAdjustPolicy(
+            QComboBox.SizeAdjustPolicy.AdjustToContents,
+        )
         # make line edit expand to surrounding frame
         self.setSizePolicy(
-            QSizePolicy.Expanding,
-            QSizePolicy.Fixed,
+            size_policy.Expanding,
+            size_policy.Fixed,
         )
         view = self.view()
         view.setUniformItemSizes(True)
@@ -308,8 +315,8 @@ class FieldsForm(QWidget):
 
         # size it as we specify
         self.setSizePolicy(
-            QSizePolicy.Expanding,
-            QSizePolicy.Expanding,
+            size_policy.Expanding,
+            size_policy.Expanding,
         )
 
         # XXX: not sure why we have to create this here exactly
@@ -416,8 +423,8 @@ class FieldsForm(QWidget):
         select.set_items(values)
 
         self.setSizePolicy(
-            QSizePolicy.Fixed,
-            QSizePolicy.Fixed,
+            size_policy.Fixed,
+            size_policy.Fixed,
         )
         select.show()
         self.form.addRow(label, select)
@@ -437,7 +444,10 @@ async def handle_field_input(
 
     async for kbmsg in recv_chan:
 
-        if kbmsg.etype in {QEvent.KeyPress, QEvent.KeyRelease}:
+        if kbmsg.etype in {
+            keys.KeyPress,
+            keys.KeyRelease,
+        }:
             event, etype, key, mods, txt = kbmsg.to_tuple()
             print(f'key: {kbmsg.key}, mods: {kbmsg.mods}, txt: {kbmsg.txt}')
 
diff --git a/piker/ui/_icons.py b/piker/ui/_icons.py
index feb0cbb6..c42a93b7 100644
--- a/piker/ui/_icons.py
+++ b/piker/ui/_icons.py
@@ -15,15 +15,18 @@
 # along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
 
 '''
-``QIcon`` hackery.
+`QIcon` hackery.
+
+Mostly dynamically loading pixmaps for use with `QGraphicsScene`.
 
 '''
-from PyQt5.QtWidgets import QStyle
-from PyQt5.QtGui import (
-    QIcon, QPixmap, QColor
+from piker.ui.qt import (
+    QSize,
+    QStyle,
+    QIcon,
+    QPixmap,
+    QColor,
 )
-from PyQt5.QtCore import QSize
-
 from ._style import hcolor
 
 # https://www.pythonguis.com/faq/built-in-qicons-pyqt/
@@ -44,7 +47,8 @@ def mk_icons(
     size: QSize,
 
 ) -> dict[str, QIcon]:
-    '''This helper is indempotent.
+    '''
+    This helper is indempotent.
 
     '''
     global _icons, _icon_names
@@ -56,7 +60,11 @@ def mk_icons(
     # load account selection using current style
     for name, icon_name in _icon_names.items():
 
-        stdpixmap = getattr(QStyle, icon_name)
+        stdpixmap = getattr(
+            # https://www.pythonguis.com/faq/built-in-qicons-pyqt/
+            QStyle.StandardPixmap,  # pyqt/pyside6
+            icon_name,
+        )
         stdicon = style.standardIcon(stdpixmap)
         pixmap = stdicon.pixmap(size)
 
diff --git a/piker/ui/_interaction.py b/piker/ui/_interaction.py
index 7c710506..9bd48139 100644
--- a/piker/ui/_interaction.py
+++ b/piker/ui/_interaction.py
@@ -36,23 +36,21 @@ import pyqtgraph as pg
 # this down the road.. Bo
 from pyqtgraph.GraphicsScene import mouseEvents as mevs
 # from pyqtgraph.GraphicsScene.mouseEvents import MouseDragEvent
-from PyQt5.QtWidgets import QGraphicsSceneMouseEvent as gs_mouse
-from PyQt5.QtGui import (
-    QWheelEvent,
-)
-from PyQt5.QtCore import (
-    Qt,
-    QEvent,
-)
 from pyqtgraph import (
     ViewBox,
     Point,
     QtCore,
+    functions as fn,
 )
-from pyqtgraph import functions as fn
 import numpy as np
 import trio
 
+from piker.ui.qt import (
+    QWheelEvent,
+    QGraphicsSceneMouseEvent as gs_mouse,
+    Qt,
+    QEvent,
+)
 from ..log import get_logger
 from ..toolz import (
     Profiler,
@@ -81,22 +79,22 @@ if TYPE_CHECKING:
 log = get_logger(__name__)
 
 NUMBER_LINE = {
-    Qt.Key_1,
-    Qt.Key_2,
-    Qt.Key_3,
-    Qt.Key_4,
-    Qt.Key_5,
-    Qt.Key_6,
-    Qt.Key_7,
-    Qt.Key_8,
-    Qt.Key_9,
-    Qt.Key_0,
+    Qt.Key.Key_1,
+    Qt.Key.Key_2,
+    Qt.Key.Key_3,
+    Qt.Key.Key_4,
+    Qt.Key.Key_5,
+    Qt.Key.Key_6,
+    Qt.Key.Key_7,
+    Qt.Key.Key_8,
+    Qt.Key.Key_9,
+    Qt.Key.Key_0,
 }
 
 ORDER_MODE = {
-    Qt.Key_A,
-    Qt.Key_F,
-    Qt.Key_D,
+    Qt.Key.Key_A,
+    Qt.Key.Key_F,
+    Qt.Key.Key_D,
 }
 
 
diff --git a/piker/ui/_l1.py b/piker/ui/_l1.py
index 23162c70..8d29d90c 100644
--- a/piker/ui/_l1.py
+++ b/piker/ui/_l1.py
@@ -21,9 +21,12 @@ Double auction top-of-book (L1) graphics.
 from typing import Tuple
 
 import pyqtgraph as pg
-from PyQt5 import QtCore, QtGui
-from PyQt5.QtCore import QPointF
 
+from piker.ui.qt import (
+    QPointF,
+    QtCore,
+    QtGui,
+)
 from ._axes import YAxisLabel
 from ._style import hcolor
 from ._pg_overrides import PlotItem
diff --git a/piker/ui/_label.py b/piker/ui/_label.py
index 1e010f18..0e90b7fe 100644
--- a/piker/ui/_label.py
+++ b/piker/ui/_label.py
@@ -25,10 +25,17 @@ from typing import (
 )
 
 import pyqtgraph as pg
-from PyQt5 import QtGui, QtWidgets
-from PyQt5.QtWidgets import QLabel, QSizePolicy
-from PyQt5.QtCore import QPointF, QRectF, Qt
 
+from piker.ui.qt import (
+    px_cache_mode,
+    QtGui,
+    QtWidgets,
+    QLabel,
+    size_policy,
+    QPointF,
+    QRectF,
+    Qt,
+)
 from ._style import (
     DpiAwareFont,
     hcolor,
@@ -78,7 +85,7 @@ class Label:
         self._x_offset = x_offset
 
         txt = self.txt = QtWidgets.QGraphicsTextItem(parent=parent)
-        txt.setCacheMode(QtWidgets.QGraphicsItem.DeviceCoordinateCache)
+        txt.setCacheMode(px_cache_mode.DeviceCoordinateCache)
 
         vb.scene().addItem(txt)
 
@@ -103,7 +110,7 @@ class Label:
         self._anchor_func = self.txt.pos().x
 
         # not sure if this makes a diff
-        self.txt.setCacheMode(QtWidgets.QGraphicsItem.DeviceCoordinateCache)
+        self.txt.setCacheMode(px_cache_mode.DeviceCoordinateCache)
 
         # TODO: edit and selection support
         # https://doc.qt.io/qt-5/qt.html#TextInteractionFlag-enum
@@ -299,12 +306,14 @@ class FormatLabel(QLabel):
             """
         )
         self.setFont(_font.font)
-        self.setTextFormat(Qt.MarkdownText)  # markdown
+        self.setTextFormat(
+            Qt.TextFormat.MarkdownText
+        )
         self.setMargin(0)
 
         self.setSizePolicy(
-            QSizePolicy.Expanding,
-            QSizePolicy.Expanding,
+            size_policy.Expanding,
+            size_policy.Expanding,
         )
         self.setAlignment(
             Qt.AlignVCenter | Qt.AlignLeft
diff --git a/piker/ui/_lines.py b/piker/ui/_lines.py
index a2ea5331..e1b6d3ed 100644
--- a/piker/ui/_lines.py
+++ b/piker/ui/_lines.py
@@ -27,20 +27,22 @@ from typing import (
 )
 
 import pyqtgraph as pg
-from pyqtgraph import Point, functions as fn
-from PyQt5 import (
+from pyqtgraph import (
+    Point,
+    functions as fn,
+)
+
+from piker.ui.qt import (
+    px_cache_mode,
     QtCore,
     QtGui,
-)
-from PyQt5.QtWidgets import (
     QGraphicsPathItem,
     QStyleOptionGraphicsItem,
     QGraphicsItem,
     QGraphicsScene,
     QWidget,
+    QPointF,
 )
-from PyQt5.QtCore import QPointF
-
 from ._annotate import LevelMarker
 from ._anchors import (
     vbr_left,
@@ -140,7 +142,9 @@ class LevelLine(pg.InfiniteLine):
         self._right_end_sc: float = 0
 
         # use px caching
-        self.setCacheMode(QGraphicsItem.DeviceCoordinateCache)
+        self.setCacheMode(
+            px_cache_mode.DeviceCoordinateCache
+        )
 
     def txt_offsets(self) -> tuple[int, int]:
         return 0, 0
@@ -211,7 +215,7 @@ class LevelLine(pg.InfiniteLine):
     ) -> None:
 
         if not called_from_on_pos_change:
-            last = self.value()
+            last: float = self.value()
 
             # if the position hasn't changed then ``.update_labels()``
             # will not be called by a non-triggered `.on_pos_change()`,
diff --git a/piker/ui/_ohlc.py b/piker/ui/_ohlc.py
index c43926a1..34fa3362 100644
--- a/piker/ui/_ohlc.py
+++ b/piker/ui/_ohlc.py
@@ -20,16 +20,14 @@ Super fast OHLC sampling graphics types.
 from __future__ import annotations
 
 import numpy as np
-from PyQt5 import (
+
+from piker.ui.qt import (
     QtGui,
     QtWidgets,
-)
-from PyQt5.QtCore import (
+    QPainterPath,
     QLineF,
     QRectF,
 )
-from PyQt5.QtGui import QPainterPath
-
 from ._curve import FlowGraphic
 from ..toolz import (
     Profiler,
diff --git a/piker/ui/_remote_ctl.py b/piker/ui/_remote_ctl.py
index 0dddc5c5..ccc8d6e9 100644
--- a/piker/ui/_remote_ctl.py
+++ b/piker/ui/_remote_ctl.py
@@ -38,14 +38,14 @@ from tractor import (
     Context,
     MsgStream,
 )
-from PyQt5.QtWidgets import (
-    QGraphicsItem,
-)
 
 from piker.log import get_logger
 from piker.types import Struct
 from piker.service import find_service
 from piker.brokers import SymbolNotFound
+from piker.ui.qt import (
+    QGraphicsItem,
+)
 from ._display import DisplayState
 from ._interaction import ChartView
 from ._editors import SelectRect
diff --git a/piker/ui/_render.py b/piker/ui/_render.py
index bd3d1757..64fad999 100644
--- a/piker/ui/_render.py
+++ b/piker/ui/_render.py
@@ -30,8 +30,8 @@ from typing import (
 import msgspec
 import numpy as np
 import pyqtgraph as pg
-from PyQt5.QtGui import QPainterPath
 
+from piker.ui.qt import QPainterPath
 from ..data._formatters import (
     IncrementalFormatter,
 )
diff --git a/piker/ui/_search.py b/piker/ui/_search.py
index d6af5535..16b25a46 100644
--- a/piker/ui/_search.py
+++ b/piker/ui/_search.py
@@ -48,27 +48,24 @@ from pprint import pformat
 from rapidfuzz import process as fuzzy
 import trio
 from trio_typing import TaskStatus
-from PyQt5 import QtCore
-from PyQt5 import QtWidgets
-from PyQt5.QtCore import (
+
+from piker.ui.qt import (
+    size_policy,
+    align_flag,
     Qt,
+    QtCore,
+    QtWidgets,
     QModelIndex,
     QItemSelectionModel,
-)
-from PyQt5.QtGui import (
     # QLayout,
     QStandardItem,
     QStandardItemModel,
-)
-from PyQt5.QtWidgets import (
     QWidget,
     QTreeView,
     # QListWidgetItem,
     # QAbstractScrollArea,
     # QStyledItemDelegate,
 )
-
-
 from ..log import get_logger
 from ._style import (
     _font,
@@ -129,8 +126,8 @@ class CompleterView(QTreeView):
 
         # ux settings
         self.setSizePolicy(
-            QtWidgets.QSizePolicy.Expanding,
-            QtWidgets.QSizePolicy.Expanding,
+            size_policy.Expanding,
+            size_policy.Expanding,
         )
         self.setItemsExpandable(True)
         self.setExpandsOnDoubleClick(False)
@@ -567,8 +564,8 @@ class SearchWidget(QtWidgets.QWidget):
 
         # size it as we specify
         self.setSizePolicy(
-            QtWidgets.QSizePolicy.Fixed,
-            QtWidgets.QSizePolicy.Fixed,
+            size_policy.Fixed,
+            size_policy.Fixed,
         )
 
         self.godwidget = godwidget
@@ -592,14 +589,16 @@ class SearchWidget(QtWidgets.QWidget):
             }}
             """
         )
-        label.setTextFormat(3)  # markdown
+        label.setTextFormat(
+            Qt.TextFormat.MarkdownText
+        )
         label.setFont(_font.font)
         label.setMargin(4)
         label.setText("search:")
         label.show()
         label.setAlignment(
-            QtCore.Qt.AlignVCenter
-            | QtCore.Qt.AlignLeft
+            align_flag.AlignVCenter
+            | align_flag.AlignLeft
         )
 
         self.bar_hbox.addWidget(label)
@@ -617,9 +616,17 @@ class SearchWidget(QtWidgets.QWidget):
 
         self.vbox.addLayout(self.bar_hbox)
 
-        self.vbox.setAlignment(self.bar, Qt.AlignTop | Qt.AlignRight)
+        self.vbox.setAlignment(
+            self.bar,
+            align_flag.AlignTop
+            | align_flag.AlignRight,
+        )
         self.vbox.addWidget(self.bar.view)
-        self.vbox.setAlignment(self.view, Qt.AlignTop | Qt.AlignLeft)
+        self.vbox.setAlignment(
+            self.view,
+            align_flag.AlignTop
+            | align_flag.AlignLeft,
+        )
 
     def focus(self) -> None:
         self.show()
diff --git a/piker/ui/_style.py b/piker/ui/_style.py
index 2d17b62d..302d9d30 100644
--- a/piker/ui/_style.py
+++ b/piker/ui/_style.py
@@ -22,10 +22,14 @@ from typing import Dict
 import math
 
 import pyqtgraph as pg
-from PyQt5 import QtCore, QtGui
-from PyQt5.QtCore import Qt, QCoreApplication
 from qdarkstyle import DarkPalette
 
+from .qt import (
+    QtCore,
+    QtGui,
+    Qt,
+    QCoreApplication,
+)
 from ..log import get_logger
 
 from .. import config
diff --git a/piker/ui/_window.py b/piker/ui/_window.py
index 0fc87c24..a15ecd24 100644
--- a/piker/ui/_window.py
+++ b/piker/ui/_window.py
@@ -27,16 +27,14 @@ from typing import (
 )
 import uuid
 
-from PyQt5 import QtCore
-from PyQt5.QtWidgets import (
+from piker.ui.qt import (
+    Qt,
+    QtCore,
     QWidget,
     QMainWindow,
     QApplication,
     QLabel,
     QStatusBar,
-)
-
-from PyQt5.QtGui import (
     QScreen,
     QCloseEvent,
 )
@@ -197,7 +195,9 @@ class MainWindow(QMainWindow):
                 """
                 # font-size : {font_size}px;
             )
-            label.setTextFormat(3)  # markdown
+            label.setTextFormat(
+                Qt.TextFormat.MarkdownText
+            )
             label.setFont(_font_small.font)
             label.setMargin(2)
             label.setAlignment(
diff --git a/piker/ui/order_mode.py b/piker/ui/order_mode.py
index ea96e97a..d5720e8a 100644
--- a/piker/ui/order_mode.py
+++ b/piker/ui/order_mode.py
@@ -34,7 +34,6 @@ import uuid
 from bidict import bidict
 import tractor
 import trio
-from PyQt5.QtCore import Qt
 
 from piker import config
 from piker.accounting import (
@@ -59,6 +58,7 @@ from piker.data import (
 )
 from piker.types import Struct
 from piker.log import get_logger
+from piker.ui.qt import Qt
 from ._editors import LineEditor, ArrowEditor
 from ._lines import order_line, LevelLine
 from ._position import (
@@ -358,7 +358,7 @@ class OrderMode:
         send_msg: bool = True,
         order: Order | None = None,
 
-    ) -> Dialog | None:
+    ) -> Dialog|None:
         '''
         Send execution order to EMS return a level line to
         represent the order on a chart.
@@ -494,7 +494,7 @@ class OrderMode:
         uuid: str,
         order: Order | None = None,
 
-    ) -> Dialog:
+    ) -> Dialog | None:
         '''
         Order submitted status event handler.
 
@@ -515,6 +515,11 @@ class OrderMode:
             # if an order msg is provided update the line
             # **from** that msg.
             if order:
+                if order.price <= 0:
+                    log.error(f'Order has 0 price, cancelling..\n{order}')
+                    self.cancel_orders([order.oid])
+                    return None
+
                 line.set_level(order.price)
                 self.on_level_change_update_next_order_info(
                     level=order.price,
@@ -1013,8 +1018,13 @@ async def process_trade_msg(
 
 ) -> tuple[Dialog, Status]:
 
-    fmsg = pformat(msg)
-    log.debug(f'Received order msg:\n{fmsg}')
+    # TODO: obvi once we're parsing to native struct instances we can
+    # drop the `pformat()` call Bo
+    fmtmsg: Struct | dict = msg
+    if not isinstance(msg, Struct):
+        fmtmsg: str = pformat(msg)
+
+    log.debug(f'Received order msg:\n{fmtmsg}')
     name = msg['name']
 
     if name in (
@@ -1030,7 +1040,7 @@ async def process_trade_msg(
         ):
             log.info(
                 f'Loading position for `{fqme}`:\n'
-                f'{fmsg}'
+                f'{fmtmsg}'
             )
             tracker = mode.trackers[msg['account']]
             tracker.live_pp.update_from_msg(msg)
@@ -1072,7 +1082,7 @@ async def process_trade_msg(
 
             elif order.action != 'cancel':
                 log.warning(
-                    f'received msg for untracked dialog:\n{fmsg}'
+                    f'received msg for untracked dialog:\n{fmtmsg}'
                 )
                 assert msg.resp in ('open', 'dark_open'), f'Unknown msg: {msg}'
 
@@ -1139,7 +1149,7 @@ async def process_trade_msg(
             req={'exec_mode': 'dark'},
         ):
             # TODO: UX for a "pending" clear/live order
-            log.info(f'Dark order triggered for {fmsg}')
+            log.info(f'Dark order triggered for {fmtmsg}')
 
         case Status(
             resp='triggered',