Compare Keychron K3 HE vs S1 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers who want a low-profile 75% keyboard but are torn between cutting-edge magnetic switch technology and a refined all-metal build. The K3 HE introduces Hall Effect switches with adjustable actuation, rapid trigger, and triple wireless connectivity. The S1 is a wired-only keyboard with a full CNC aluminum chassis, steel plate, and a proven typing feel. The decision is hard because both offer QMK/VIA support and hot-swappable switches, but they excel in different priorities: speed and portability versus build heft and simplicity.

Model
	86	86	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	5.0 stars (4 reviews)	4.8 stars (18 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2026 Has Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options Built with the ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ANSI layout standard Utilizes Hall effect sensors Enables rapid trigger functionality Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity Equipped with a 2600 mAh battery Weighs about 575 g Sized at 25 x 319 x 126 mm Made with a Aluminum, Wood, ABS case Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting	Released in 2022 Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options Built with the ANSI layout standard Provides dedicated media keys Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity Weighs about 960 g Sized at 8 x 118 x 310 mm Made with a Aluminum case Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 92.4 Build Quality: 82.7 Productivity: 81.6 Customizability: 86.9 Portability: 81.8	Scores Performance: 82.6 Build Quality: 82.1 Productivity: 80.8 Customizability: 90.4 Portability: 65.1
Name	Name Keychron K3 HE	Name Keychron S1
Release year	Release year 2026	Release year 2022
Switch Options	Switch Options Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile	Profile Low Profile	Profile Low Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 75%	Layout Size 75%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 2600 mAh	Battery capacity -
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Tray Mount	Mount Style Tray Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, White, North-face	Backlight Rgb, North-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum, Wood, ABS	Case Material Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 25 x 319 x 126 mm	Dimensions 8 x 118 x 310 mm
Weight	Weight 575g	Weight 960g

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Pros and Trade-offs

If wireless flexibility, magnetic switch features, and portability matter most, the Keychron K3 HE is the clear choice. If you prioritize a solid, all-metal build and a stable wired connection for a premium typing feel, the Keychron S1 delivers. Both are excellent low-profile 75% keyboards, but your decision hinges on whether you want cutting-edge speed and portability or a heftier, more traditional mechanical experience.

Keychron K3 HE

+Hall Effect magnetic switches with adjustable actuation from 0.2 to 2.9 mm and Rapid Trigger.
+Triple connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2, 2.4 GHz, and Type-C wired.
+Lightweight at 575g, suitable for portability.
+Includes sound-absorbing foam, silicone bottom pad, and PET film for acoustic dampening.
+Per-key and mix RGB backlight customization via Keychron Launcher.

−Hot-swappable only with Keychron Ultra-Fast Lime Low-Profile magnetic switches.
−Body material uses aluminum with wood accents, not full metal; chassis is ABS plastic.
−LSA keycaps are not shine-through, reducing RGB visibility in low light.
−Battery life up to 55 hours, may require frequent charging for heavy wireless use.

Keychron S1

+Full CNC machined aluminum body and steel plate for a premium, sturdy build.
+1000 Hz polling rate and wired-only connection ensures consistent low latency.
+Hot-swappable with Gateron low-profile mechanical switches, a widely available standard.
+Weighs 960g for a stable, non-slip typing experience on the desk.
+Compatible with low-profile, XDA, and DSA keycap profiles for more customization.

−Wired-only connectivity, no Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz options.
−Heavy at 960g, not ideal for frequent travel.
−PBT keycaps are not shine-through, limiting RGB effect visibility.
−Some user reviews note quality control issues with stabilizer lubrication and assembly.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The K3 HE wins for Gaming outright thanks to its magnetic switch technology and wireless performance, and it also leads for Travel due to its light weight and wireless options. In Office, Programming, Modding, and Content Creation, the two keyboards tie because both offer strong programmability and low-profile comfort, though each brings different strengths like wireless connectivity or an all-metal chassis. The S1's wired-only limitation prevents it from competing in travel scenarios.

GamingKeychron K3 HE

•Hall Effect magnetic switches with adjustable actuation from 0.2 to 2.9 mm.
•Rapid Trigger and Last Key Priority for competitive FPS gameplay.
•1000 Hz polling in wired and 2.4 GHz modes.
•Analog mode for game controller-like input.

OfficeTie

•Both have 75% low-profile layouts suitable for desk efficiency.
•Both support QMK/VIA for custom macro and shortcut programming.
•K3 HE offers wireless connectivity for a cleaner desk, S1's wired-only may suit fixed setups.

ProgrammingTie

•Both feature QMK/VIA support for key remapping and macros.
•Both have Mac/Win support with dedicated keycaps.
•K3 HE's wireless flexibility is offset by S1's solid aluminum build for a stable typing surface.

TravelKeychron K3 HE

•Weighs 575g compared to S1's 960g, making it much lighter to carry.
•Supports Bluetooth 5.2 and 2.4 GHz wireless, no need for a cable.
•Compact dimensions (318.62 x 126 mm) and low front height enhance portability.

ModdingTie

•Both are hot-swappable for switches (K3 HE supports Keychron Ultra-Fast Lime; S1 supports Gateron low-profile).
•Both offer QMK/VIA firmware customization.
•K3 HE includes multiple foam layers; S1 has a full CNC aluminum body for unique modding potential.
•K3 HE uses tray mount, S1 uses tray/plate mount, giving different sound and feel outcomes.

Content CreationTie

•Both have 75% layout preserving function row and arrow keys for editing shortcuts.
•K3 HE's wireless connectivity reduces cable clutter on a creative desk.
•S1's all-metal build offers a premium, stable typing platform for extended sessions.
•Both support VIA for creating custom editing macros.