Keychron Q1 Max vs Lemokey L3: 75% vs 80% Showdown

Compare Keychron Q1 Max vs Lemokey L3 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two premium full-metal wireless keyboards from Keychron and its Lemokey sub-brand. The Q1 Max offers a compact 75% layout with a standard navigation column, making it a versatile choice for desks with limited space. The Lemokey L3 uses an 80% tenkeyless layout with an additional macro column on the left, giving it a wider footprint but more programmable keys out of the box. Both share the same aluminum build, 2.4 GHz connectivity, and powerful QMK/VIA firmware support, so your decision hinges on layout preference and the value of dedicated macro keys.

Model
Rating	3.9 stars (97 reviews)	4.8 stars (24 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options Available in a 75% layout Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-CH, JIS layout standard Provides dedicated media keys Weighs about 1724 g Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm	Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options Available in a 80% layout Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS layout standard Weighs about 1976 g Sized at 30 x 401 x 137 mm
Score	Scores Performance: 82 Build Quality: 89 Productivity: 96.8 Customizability: 99.4 Portability: 80.9	Scores Performance: 82.1 Build Quality: 88 Productivity: 97.1 Customizability: 97.3 Portability: 75.6
Name	Name Keychron Q1 Max	Name Keychron Lemokey L3
Release year	Release year 2023	Release year 2023
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky	Switch Options Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 75%	Layout Size 80%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-CH, JIS	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO, JIS
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 Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 4000 mAh	Battery capacity 4000 mAh
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 Gasket Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight Rgb, South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum	Case Material Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 23 x 145 x 328 mm	Dimensions 30 x 401 x 137 mm
Weight	Weight 1724g	Weight 1976g

Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard

Lemokey L3 QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard (US Layout)

Select a keyboard to compare

3.9 stars (97 reviews)

4.8 stars (24 reviews)

Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
Available in a 75% layout
Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-CH, JIS layout standard
Provides dedicated media keys
Weighs about 1724 g
Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm

Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
Available in a 80% layout
Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS layout standard
Weighs about 1976 g
Sized at 30 x 401 x 137 mm

Scores

Performance: 82
Build Quality: 89
Productivity: 96.8
Customizability: 99.4
Portability: 80.9

Scores

Performance: 82.1
Build Quality: 88
Productivity: 97.1
Customizability: 97.3
Portability: 75.6

Name

Keychron Q1 Max

Name

Keychron Lemokey L3

Release year

2023

Release year

2023

Switch Options

Linear, Tactile, Clicky

Switch Options

Tactile, Linear, Clicky

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

75%

Layout Size

80%

Layout Standard

ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-CH, JIS

Layout Standard

ANSI, ISO, JIS

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

USB passthrough

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

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

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb, South-face

Backlight

Rgb, South-face

Case Colors

Case Material

Aluminum

Case Material

Aluminum

Keycaps Material

PBT

Keycaps Material

PBT

Dimensions

23 x 145 x 328 mm

Dimensions

30 x 401 x 137 mm

Weight

1724g

Weight

1976g

Pros and Trade-offs

Choose the Keychron Q1 Max if you want a more portable 75% keyboard that still packs all the premium features including multiple foam layers and a balanced typing experience. Opt for the Lemokey L3 if you need the extra programmability of a macro column and prefer a heavier, more solid desk presence. Both are excellent aluminum wireless keyboards, but your layout needs and desire for dedicated macro keys will be the deciding factor.

Keychron Q1 Max

+Compact 75% layout with a knob saves desk space
+Includes multiple acoustic foam layers (IXPE, PET, latex) for a refined sound
+Available with side-printed OSA keycaps for a clean, low-profile look
+Lighter at 1724g, easier to reposition on a desk

−No dedicated macro keys for extra programmability
−Heavier than typical portable keyboards, even at 1724g

Keychron Lemokey L3

+Dedicated macro column with 5 extra keys for customizable shortcuts
+Includes a rotary encoder knob for volume or zoom control
+Comes with Cherry profile double-shot PBT keycaps for a classic feel
+11 complimentary extra keycaps included with the Fully Assembled version

−Wider 80% TKL layout (401mm) may not fit smaller desks or bags
−Heavier than the Q1 Max at 1976g, less portable
−No side-printed keycap option, only standard Cherry profile keycaps

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

For gaming and programming, both keyboards perform equally well due to identical wireless polling rates and QMK/VIA programmability. The Q1 Max wins for office and travel thanks to its smaller 75% footprint and lighter weight. Modding enthusiasts will prefer the Q1 Max’s extra acoustic foam layers. The Lemokey L3 pulls ahead for content creation with its dedicated macro column and knob for quick shortcut access.

GamingTie

•Both offer 1000 Hz polling rate on 2.4 GHz and wired modes for low latency
•Both feature hot-swappable switches and south-facing RGB for custom setups
•The Q1 Max is lighter at 1724g for easier repositioning
•The L3 offers extra macro keys for programmable in-game commands

OfficeKeychron Q1 Max

•The Q1 Max’s 75% layout saves desk space while keeping dedicated function keys
•Side-printed OSA keycaps on the Q1 Max reduce distraction in shared workspaces
•The Q1 Max is lighter (1724g) than the L3 (1976g), making it easier to adjust

ProgrammingTie

•Both support QMK/VIA for full key remapping and macro creation
•Both use gasket mount designs with PC plates for a comfortable typing feel
•The L3’s macro column provides additional programmable keys for shortcuts

TravelKeychron Q1 Max

•The Q1 Max is smaller (328mm width) and lighter (1724g) than the L3 (401mm, 1976g)
•A compact 75% layout fits better in most bags compared to the L3’s 80% form factor

ModdingKeychron Q1 Max

•The Q1 Max includes more acoustic foam layers: IXPE foam, PET film, and a latex bottom pad
•The Q1 Max is available in Barebone kit form, while the L3 Barebone option is limited

Content CreationKeychron Lemokey L3

•The L3’s macro column and aluminum knob offer dedicated controls for editing shortcuts
•The L3 has a heavier, more stable feel at 1976g for a solid desktop station

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Compare Keychron Q1 Max vs Lemokey L3 Differences Side by Side

Pros and Trade-offs

Keychron Q1 Max

Keychron Lemokey L3

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which keyboard has a better typing sound, the Q1 Max or Lemokey L3?

Can I use the Keychron Q1 Max and Lemokey L3 for gaming?

What is the main layout difference between the Q1 Max and L3?

Are the Q1 Max and L3 compatible with QMK and VIA software?

How heavy are the Keychron Q1 Max and Lemokey L3?

Which keyboard has better Bluetooth battery life?

Can I hot-swap switches on both the Q1 Max and L3?

Do the Q1 Max and L3 come with a knob?

Which keyboard is better for a small desk or limited space?

What keycap profiles do the Q1 Max and L3 use?

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