Keychron Q1 Ultra vs Lemokey L18K vs QMK/VIA

The Q1 Ultra uses ZMK firmware and offers an 8000 Hz polling rate in wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes. The L1 uses QMK/VIA firmware and tops out at a 1000 Hz polling rate. Both are 75% aluminum keyboards with gasket mounts, hot-swappable PCBs, and 4000 mAh batteries.

The Q1 Ultra lists an 8000 Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes, which the vendor frames around low latency for gaming. The L1 offers a 1000 Hz polling rate in 2.4 GHz and wired modes. For competitive gaming, the higher polling rate of the Q1 Ultra is the main advantage.

Yes, the L1 supports QMK firmware and VIA software for remapping keys and creating macros on Windows, macOS, and Linux. The vendor notes that VIA code for the L1 is still awaiting approval, so you may need to import a JSON keymap file manually. The Q1 Ultra uses ZMK and the Keychron Launcher web app instead.

Yes, the L1 is offered in a Barebone Knob version that does not include keycaps or switches. The Q1 Ultra is listed only as a Pre-Built configuration. A barebone kit suits buyers who already have switches and keycaps or want to choose their own.

The Q1 Ultra weighs 1724 g, while the L1 weighs about 1887 g in the fully assembled version. Both are aluminum-bodied boards, so neither is lightweight, but the Q1 Ultra is the lighter of the two. Portability is limited for both compared with smaller plastic keyboards.

The Q1 Ultra lists up to 660 hours with the backlight off and up to 200 hours at the lowest RGB brightness. The L1 lists up to 200 hours with the backlight off and up to 100 hours at the lowest brightness. Both use a 4000 mAh rechargeable battery.

Yes, both keyboards are hot-swappable and accept most 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches without soldering. The Q1 Ultra ships with Keychron Silk POM switches, while the L1 fully assembled version ships with Gateron Jupiter switches. Both use screw-in PCB stabilizers.

The Q1 Ultra uses KSA double-shot PBT keycaps, which the vendor describes as oil-resistant and durable. The L1 uses Cherry double-shot PBT keycaps that are non-shine-through. Both are PBT, so the choice comes down to keycap profile preference rather than material.

Yes, both list Mac and Windows support, along with Linux compatibility. The Q1 Ultra includes Mac and Windows keycaps and a system toggle for saving two layouts. The L1 includes Mac and Windows keycaps as well and works with QMK/VIA across those systems.

The Q1 Ultra lists ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-PT, and JIS layouts. The L1 lists ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, and ISO-SW layouts. Buyers needing a specific regional layout should check availability for their exact variant.

The L1 supports QMK/VIA, which many programmers use for custom layers and macros across Windows, macOS, and Linux. The Q1 Ultra relies on ZMK and the Keychron Launcher web app for remapping. If you already use QMK/VIA keymaps, the L1 fits that workflow more directly.

The Q1 Ultra is lighter at 1724 g and slightly more compact at 32 x 328 x 145 mm compared with the L1 at about 1887 g and 33 x 369 x 146 mm. Both are aluminum 75% boards with Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless, so neither is a lightweight travel keyboard. For occasional transport, the Q1 Ultra is the easier carry.