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Compare Keychron K8 HE vs Lemokey L1 HE Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Keychron's two hall effect wireless keyboards. The K8 HE and L1 HE share core magnetic switch technology but differ significantly in price, build, and layout. The choice hinges on whether you prioritize a lower-cost 80% layout or a premium 75% gasket-mount design with a knob and macro column.

89
Keychron K8 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
-18% off
96
Lemokey L1 HE Aluminum 75% RGB Keyboard

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5.0 (2)
0.0 (0)
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ISO, ANSI, JIS layout standard
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Supports Wired, Wired only, Bluetooth, Wireless, 2.4 GHz connectivity
  • Made with a Aluminum, ABS, Wood case
  • Offers Yes, North-face, Rgb, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Weighs about 1977 g
  • Sized at 33 x 370 x 146 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Metal case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 92.5
  • Build Quality: 84.5
  • Productivity: 88.6
  • Customizability: 89.9
  • Portability: 76.4
Scores
  • Performance: 93.4
  • Build Quality: 88.2
  • Productivity: 97.3
  • Customizability: 97.4
  • Portability: 81.7
Name
Keychron K8 HE
Name
Keychron Lemokey L1 HE
Release year
2025
Release year
2025
Switch Options
Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ISO, ANSI, JIS
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
Wired, Wired only, Bluetooth, Wireless, 2.4 GHz
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
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
 
North-face, Rgb
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum, ABS, Wood
Case Material
Aluminum, Metal
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
33 x 370 x 146 mm
Weight
-
Weight
1977g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

Your budget and desire for premium features are the deciding factors. The Keychron L1 HE justifies its higher cost with a gasket mount, full metal body, programmable knob, and superior sound-dampening package. The Keychron K8 HE delivers the essential hall effect gaming performance and wireless convenience in a more affordable, slightly larger package. Choose the L1 for a top-tier build, or the K8 for value-focused performance.

Keychron K8 HE

  • +More affordable entry point into hall effect magnetic switch technology.
  • +Lighter weight (approx. 1162-1185g) is better for portability.
  • +80% layout includes dedicated arrow keys and navigation cluster.
  • +Available with optional wood accent case on the Special Edition.
  • +Includes multiple internal foam layers (EVA, EPDM, silicone pad) for sound dampening.

  • Uses a tray mount system, which is typically less flexible than a gasket mount.
  • Bottom case is made of ABS plastic, not full metal.
  • Hot-swap is limited to specific Gateron double-rail magnetic switches only.

Keychron Lemokey L1 HE

  • +Premium gasket mount design for a cushioned, consistent typing feel.
  • +Includes a programmable aluminum knob and a column of macro keys.
  • +Full metal body construction for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
  • +Comprehensive sound dampening with acoustic foam, EPDM foam, PET film, and EVA foam.
  • +More compact 75% layout maximizes desk space.

  • Significantly higher price point.
  • Much heavier at 1977g, reducing portability.
  • Hot-swap is limited to specific Gateron double-rail magnetic switches only.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The L1 HE wins in categories valuing premium construction and dedicated controls, such as Office, Modding, and Content Creation. The K8 HE is the better choice for Travel due to its lower weight and for Programming if you prefer its specific 80% layout with a nav cluster. For Gaming, the core performance features are identical, making it a tie.

GamingTie
  • Both feature 1000 Hz polling rate, rapid trigger, and adjustable actuation points for magnetic switches.
  • Both support advanced gaming features like dynamic keystrokes, analog mode, and last keystroke prioritization.
  • The L1 HE's gasket mount may offer a more cushioned feel, while the K8 HE's tray mount is a proven standard.
OfficeKeychron Lemokey L1 HE
  • The L1 HE includes a programmable knob for convenient volume or media control.
  • Its 75% layout saves more desk space than the K8 HE's 80% layout while retaining most keys.
  • Both support multi-device Bluetooth and include Mac/Windows keycaps.
ProgrammingKeychron K8 HE
  • The K8 HE's 80% layout includes dedicated arrow keys and a navigation cluster, which some programmers prefer.
  • Both offer full QMK and VIA support for deep key remapping and macros.
  • The K8 HE is available at a lower price point, offering similar core programmability.
TravelKeychron K8 HE
  • The K8 HE is significantly lighter, with listings showing approximately 1162-1185g versus the L1 HE's 1977g.
  • The 80% layout is only slightly larger than a 75%, but the weight difference is more impactful for portability.
  • Both have the same 4000mAh battery for wireless use.
ModdingKeychron Lemokey L1 HE
  • The L1 HE features a gasket mount design, which is generally preferred for its typing feel and sound profile.
  • It includes a wider array of sound dampening foams like EPDM, PET, and EVA foam, as listed by the manufacturer.
  • Both are hot-swappable, but both are also restricted to compatible Gateron double-rail magnetic switches only.
Content CreationKeychron Lemokey L1 HE
  • The L1 HE's programmable knob and macro column offer direct hardware controls for editing software.
  • Its premium metal build and gasket mount may provide a more satisfying long-term typing experience.
  • Both support dynamic keystrokes for assigning multiple actions to a single key based on press depth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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