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Compare Keychron C1 vs LemoKey P1 HE Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between an entry-level wired tenkeyless keyboard and a premium wireless magnetic-switch gaming board, both from Keychron. The decision is hard because the C1 offers a proven, low-cost mechanical experience while the P1 HE introduces Hall-effect sensing, rapid trigger, and a full metal build. The C1 suits budget-focused users who need a reliable wired keyboard with hot-swap options, whereas the P1 HE targets competitive gamers who want low-latency wireless, adjustable actuation, and deep programmability. The price gap is substantial, so the right choice depends heavily on your priority for advanced features versus cost savings.

-29% off
70
Keychron C1 Wired Mechanical Keyboard (US ANSI Layout)
96
Lemokey P1 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Gaming Keyboard

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4.8 (180)
5.0 (3)
  • Released in 2020
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear switch options
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 685 g
  • Sized at 27 x 130 x 357 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Plastic case
  • Features ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2025
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Magnetic switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Enables rapid trigger functionality
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1630 g
  • Sized at 32 x 140 x 322 mm
  • Made with a Metal, Aluminum case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 62
  • Build Quality: 60.6
  • Productivity: 74.8
  • Customizability: 73.7
  • Portability: 58
Scores
  • Performance: 93.4
  • Build Quality: 88.2
  • Productivity: 97.3
  • Customizability: 97.4
  • Portability: 81.7
Name
Keychron C1
Name
Keychron LemoKey P1 HE
Release year
2020
Release year
2025
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Magnetic
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE
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
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
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
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, North-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS, Plastic
Case Material
Metal, Aluminum
Keycaps Material
ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
27 x 130 x 357 mm
Dimensions
32 x 140 x 322 mm
Weight
685g
Weight
1630g
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Pros and Trade-offs

The Keychron C1 is a strong choice if you want an affordable, lightweight wired keyboard with basic hot-swap capability and proven reliability. The Lemokey P1 HE is the clear winner for gamers and power users who need magnetic switches, wireless freedom, and extensive customization via QMK/VIA. Your final decision should hinge on whether you prioritize cost and portability versus advanced gaming features and a premium build.

Keychron C1

  • +Low starting price point for a hot-swappable mechanical keyboard.
  • +Lightweight at 685 grams, ideal for portability.
  • +Tenkeyless layout with 87 keys offers a compact footprint without sacrificing arrow keys.
  • +Double-shot ABS keycaps on backlit versions prevent legend fading.
  • +High customer satisfaction with a 4.8 out of 5 rating from 180 reviews.
  • −Wired-only connectivity limits desk setup flexibility.
  • −ABS keycap material is less durable against shine compared to PBT.
  • −Tray mount design provides less flex and sound dampening than the P1 HE's gasket mount.
  • −No QMK or VIA support for key remapping beyond basic system shortcuts.

Keychron LemoKey P1 HE

  • +Full metal aluminum body and aluminum plate provide a premium, durable feel.
  • +Gateron double-rail magnetic switches with adjustable actuation (0.2-3.8 mm) and rapid trigger.
  • +Wireless connectivity with 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.2, plus a 4000 mAh battery.
  • +QMK and VIA support allow deep key remapping and macros via a web launcher.
  • +Cherry profile double-shot PBT keycaps are oil-resistant and more durable than ABS.
  • −Significantly heavier at 1630 grams, less portable than the C1.
  • −Only compatible with Gateron double-rail magnetic switches, limiting switch choices.
  • −Higher price point compared to the C1, putting it out of reach for budget buyers.
  • −Fewer customer reviews (3 reviews) available to assess long-term reliability.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Lemokey P1 HE wins most use cases due to its advanced magnetic switches, wireless options, and extensive programmability. Gaming, programming, modding, and content creation benefit from features like rapid trigger, QMK/VIA support, and a programmable knob. The Keychron C1’s lighter weight and wired simplicity make it the better choice for travel, while office work is a tie since both keyboards support Mac/Windows and have multimedia keys. The P1 HE's higher price is justified for users who need cutting-edge gaming performance or deep customization.

GamingKeychron LemoKey P1 HE
  • •Gateron double-rail magnetic switches support rapid trigger and adjustable actuation from 0.2 to 3.8 mm.
  • •2.4 GHz wireless and wired both offer a 1000 Hz polling rate for low latency.
  • •Features last keystroke prioritization (LKP) and snap click for competitive play.
  • •Analog mode allows nuanced control in compatible games.
OfficeTie
  • •Both keyboards include Mac and Windows support and multimedia keys for productivity.
  • •The C1 is lighter and more compact for a desk, while the P1 HE offers wireless freedom to reduce cable clutter.
  • •P1 HE has a full metal body and sound dampening for a quieter office environment.
  • •C1 provides a 4.8 out of 5 rating from 180 reviews, indicating proven reliability for office work.
ProgrammingKeychron LemoKey P1 HE
  • •P1 HE supports QMK and VIA for full key remapping and macros via a web launcher.
  • •Programmable knob and macro column allow custom shortcuts for coding workflows.
  • •Gasket mount design and sound dampening materials (3 mm acoustic foam, EPDM foam) provide a comfortable typing feel for long sessions.
TravelKeychron C1
  • •The C1 weighs only 685 grams, making it much lighter than the 1630-gram P1 HE.
  • •Compact 80% tenkeyless layout is smaller than the 75% P1 HE in overall footprint.
  • •Wired-only design means no battery to charge, simplifying travel setup.
ModdingKeychron LemoKey P1 HE
  • •Hot-swappable magnetic switches allow easy swap of Gateron double-rail magnetic switches without soldering.
  • •Gasket mount and screw-in PCB stabilizers provide a solid foundation for customization.
  • •Includes sound dampening layers (acoustic foam, EPDM foam, PET film) that modders often add manually.
  • •Open-source QMK firmware and VIA support enable deep software customization.
Content CreationKeychron LemoKey P1 HE
  • •Programmable knob and macro column let creators assign shortcuts for editing tools.
  • •Wireless 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity reduce desk cable mess during video or audio work.
  • •Cherry profile double-shot PBT keycaps are durable and oil-resistant for heavy daily use.
  • •4000 mAh battery offers up to 100 hours of wireless use with backlight off.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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