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Compare Epomaker HE68 Lite vs Keychron V1 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a specialized gaming tool and a versatile custom keyboard foundation. The Epomaker HE68 Lite is a focused 65% board built around Hall Effect magnetic switches and rapid trigger technology. The Keychron V1 is a 75% layout keyboard renowned for its open-source QMK/VIA firmware support and extensive modding potential. The decision hinges on whether ultra-precise gaming features or limitless programmability and a function row are more critical for your workflow.

81
EPOMAKER HE68 Lite
97
Keychron V1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard

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4.8 (54)
2.5 (61)
  • Released in 2025
  • Has Linear, Magnetic switch options
  • Available in a 65% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Enables rapid trigger functionality
  • Runs at a 8000 Hz polling rate
  • Weighs about 650 g
  • Sized at 40 x 120 x 322 mm
  • Made with a ABS case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2022
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO-NO layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Weighs about 995 g
  • Sized at 18 x 149 x 329 mm
  • Made with a Plastic, ABS case
  • Features PBT, ABS, keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 96.2
  • Build Quality: 74.4
  • Productivity: 85.2
  • Customizability: 73.9
  • Portability: 74.2
Scores
  • Performance: 90.9
  • Build Quality: 89.2
  • Productivity: 97.9
  • Customizability: 99.5
  • Portability: 64.7
Name
Epomaker HE68 Lite
Name
Keychron V1
Release year
2025
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Linear, Magnetic
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
65%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO-NO
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate
8000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz;8000 Hz
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
-
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Tray Mount
Mount Style
Tray Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS,
Dimensions
40 x 120 x 322 mm
Dimensions
18 x 149 x 329 mm
Weight
650g
Weight
995g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. For competitive gamers who value the absolute fastest actuation and anti-ghosting, the Epomaker HE68 Lite's Hall Effect technology is the compelling feature. For everyone else—especially typists, programmers, modders, and multi-OS users—the Keychron V1's superior layout, unmatched programmability, and barebones option offer far greater long-term value and flexibility.

Epomaker HE68 Lite

  • +Hall Effect magnetic switches with 0.01mm adjustable actuation and rapid trigger.
  • +High-performance 8000 Hz polling rate and 128kHz scan rate.
  • +Includes five layers of internal sound-dampening foam for a muted acoustic profile.
  • +Lighter weight and more compact 65% layout for portability.
  • +Comes with a carrying strap and extra switches in the box.
  • −Limited to linear magnetic switches only.
  • −65% layout lacks dedicated function and navigation keys, requiring layers.
  • −Uses a tray mount design, which can offer less typing consistency than gasket mounts.
  • −Software customization is tied to Epomaker's proprietary application.

Keychron V1

  • +Extensive customization via open-source QMK and VIA firmware.
  • +Available as a barebones kit or fully assembled, with a knob option.
  • +Supports a wide array of international ISO layouts.
  • +75% layout retains arrow keys and a function row in a compact form.
  • +Includes dedicated Mac/Windows keycaps and a system toggle switch.
  • −Heavier at 995g and larger than a 65% board.
  • −Base polling rate is listed as 1000 Hz, lower than the HE68 Lite's 8000 Hz.
  • −Keycaps are non-shine-through PBT, which may not appeal to some RGB users.
  • −Uses a tray mount design, though it is listed as supporting multiple mount styles.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Epomaker HE68 Lite wins for dedicated gaming and portability due to its Hall Effect switches and lighter, more compact form. The Keychron V1 is the clear choice for office work, programming, and content creation, thanks to its more complete 75% layout and superior programmability. For keyboard modders, the V1's barebones option and open-source firmware make it a more flexible platform.

GamingEpomaker HE68 Lite
  • •Features Hall Effect magnetic switches with 0.01mm adjustable actuation and rapid trigger.
  • •Offers an 8000 Hz polling rate and a 128kHz scan rate for minimal latency.
  • •Includes gaming-specific software features like SOCD (Snap Key) and Dynamic Keystroke.
OfficeKeychron V1
  • •75% layout retains dedicated function (F1-F12) and navigation keys for productivity.
  • •Includes dedicated Mac and Windows keycaps and a system toggle for multi-OS setups.
  • •Supports a programmable knob version for media control and shortcuts.
ProgrammingKeychron V1
  • •75% layout provides arrow keys and function row without a full-size footprint.
  • •Full QMK and VIA support allows for deep, layer-based key remapping and macros.
  • •Available in multiple international ISO layouts (DE, UK, ES, FR, Nordic).
TravelEpomaker HE68 Lite
  • •Lighter at 650g compared to the V1's 995g.
  • •More compact 65% layout (322mm length) saves desk and bag space.
  • •Includes a carrying strap according to the manufacturer's listing.
ModdingKeychron V1
  • •Offers a barebones kit option without switches or keycaps.
  • •Full QMK and VIA firmware support for unlimited programming.
  • •Supports both 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches and third-party screw-in stabilizers.
Content CreationKeychron V1
  • •Programmable knob version allows for precise control over volume, zoom, or brush size.
  • •QMK/VIA support enables complex macros for editing software.
  • •The 75% layout offers immediate access to function keys for shortcuts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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