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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.

77
Keychron K3 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard
85
Keychron S1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard

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0.0 (0)
4.8 (18)
  • Released in 2026
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Magnetic switch options
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Offers Yes, North-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2022
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Connects via USB-C
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • 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
Scores
  • Performance: 70.9
  • Build Quality: 72.2
  • Productivity: 68.5
  • Customizability: 84.2
  • Portability: 77.9
Scores
  • Performance: 81.5
  • Build Quality: 81.6
  • Productivity: 80.1
  • Customizability: 89.6
  • Portability: 62.8
Name
Keychron K3 HE
Name
Keychron S1
Release year
2026
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Magnetic
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Low Profile
Profile
Low Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
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
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
1000 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
 
North-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
-
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
8 x 118 x 310 mm
Weight
-
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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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