KeebFinder
Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare Keychron Q3 HE vs L3 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two premium 80% aluminum keyboards from Keychron. The choice is difficult because both share high-end features like gasket mounts, hot-swappable PCBs, and QMK/VIA support. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize the cutting-edge, wired-only performance of magnetic switches or the wireless versatility and classic switch compatibility of a more traditional design.

98
Keychron Q3 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
95
Lemokey L3 QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard (US Layout)

Select a keyboard to compare

5.0 (18)
4.8 (24)
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Magnetic switch options
  • Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO, ANSI layout standard
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Enables rapid trigger functionality
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 1775 g
  • Sized at 23 x 137 x 365 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Metal case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White RGB lighting
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS layout standard
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Weighs about 1976 g
  • Sized at 30 x 401 x 137 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 99.9
  • Build Quality: 88.5
  • Productivity: 96.5
  • Customizability: 99.6
  • Portability: 78
Scores
  • Performance: 82.1
  • Build Quality: 88.1
  • Productivity: 97.2
  • Customizability: 97.3
  • Portability: 76
Name
Keychron Q3 HE
Name
Keychron L3
Release year
2024
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Magnetic
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
80%
Layout Standard
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO, ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, JIS
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, Wired only
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz;8000 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
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face, White
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum, Metal
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
23 x 137 x 365 mm
Dimensions
30 x 401 x 137 mm
Weight
1775g
Weight
1976g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!
Show more

Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. For competitive gaming where every millisecond counts, the Keychron Q3 HE's 8K polling rate and highly tunable magnetic switches are unmatched. For all other scenarios, especially if you value a clean desk or need to switch between multiple devices wirelessly, the Lemokey L3 is the more practical and versatile keyboard. Both are excellently built with strong modding support.

Keychron Q3 HE

  • +Features an 8000 Hz polling rate for ultra-low latency gaming.
  • +Uses adjustable magnetic switches with software-tunable actuation points and rapid trigger.
  • +Includes a double-gasket mount design with additional silicone pads for sound dampening.
  • +Boasts multiple internal foam layers (EVA, EPDM, PET, silicone) for acoustic control.
  • +Offers advanced gaming features like Analog Mode and Last Key Priority (LKP).
  • −Limited to a wired-only connection, lacking wireless functionality.
  • −Magnetic switch hot-swap is restricted to Keychron's Ultra-fast Lime switches only.
  • −Uses OSA profile keycaps, which have a different shape than the more common Cherry profile on the L3.

Keychron L3

  • +Provides versatile 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.1 wireless connectivity.
  • +Hot-swappable PCB supports a wide range of standard 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches.
  • +Comes with Cherry profile double-shot PBT keycaps for a traditional typing feel.
  • +Includes a 4000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
  • +Offers a barebone kit option for those who want to supply their own switches and keycaps.
  • −Maximum polling rate is 1000 Hz, lower than the Q3 HE's 8000 Hz.
  • −Lacks the advanced actuation point adjustment and rapid trigger features of magnetic switches.
  • −Wireless connectivity may introduce latency not present in a direct wired connection.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Q3 HE is the clear choice for competitive gamers who need the absolute lowest latency and customizable switch behavior. The L3 wins for office and travel use due to its wireless connectivity, and for content creation where device flexibility is key. For programming and modding, both are highly capable, with the Q3 HE offering more advanced switch tuning and the L3 providing broader mechanical switch compatibility.

GamingKeychron Q3 HE
  • •The Q3 HE offers an 8000 Hz polling rate for minimal input lag, while the L3 is limited to 1000 Hz.
  • •It features adjustable actuation points (0.1-3.35mm) and rapid trigger functionality via its magnetic switches.
  • •The manufacturer lists gaming-specific features like Last Key Priority (LKP) and Analog Mode for controller-like precision.
OfficeKeychron L3
  • •The L3 supports a stable 2.4 GHz wireless connection and Bluetooth 5.1 for connecting to multiple devices.
  • •Its Cherry profile double-shot PBT keycaps are noted for a comfortable typing angle.
  • •The wireless functionality offers greater flexibility for a clean desk setup and device switching.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both keyboards support QMK and VIA for deep key remapping and macro creation.
  • •Both feature hot-swappable PCBs, allowing switch customization for preferred typing feel.
  • •Each includes dedicated macro keys and a knob for productivity shortcuts.
TravelKeychron L3
  • •The L3's wireless connectivity eliminates the need for a cable when moving between setups.
  • •It has a slightly lower front height (19.8mm vs 20.6mm without keycaps), which may be easier to pair with a travel case.
  • •Bluetooth allows for easy connection to laptops or tablets without occupying a USB port.
ModdingKeychron Q3 HE
  • •The Q3 HE's magnetic switches offer unique software-tunable parameters like actuation point and dynamic keystrokes.
  • •Its build includes multiple foam layers (EVA foam, EPDM film, PET film, silicone pad) for acoustic customization.
  • •It features a double-gasket design with silicone pads between the top and bottom cases for sound dampening.
Content CreationKeychron L3
  • •Wireless connectivity provides more freedom for arranging peripherals on a creative workspace.
  • •The ability to connect via Bluetooth to multiple devices (computer, tablet, phone) aids in multitasking across platforms.
  • •The programmable knob and macro column can be mapped to media editing shortcuts for faster workflow.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

98
$186
Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q1 Max
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

95
$159
Keychron Q10 Pro (Alice Layout) QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q10 Pro Alice
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

96
$194
Lemokey L1 QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Gaming Keyboard
Keychron L1
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

95
$205
Keychron Q2 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q2 Max
65%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

96
$199
Keychron Q5 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q5 Max
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

94
$159
Keychron Q8 Pro (Alice Layout) QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q8 Pro Alice
65%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

97
$229
Keychron Q6 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q6 HE
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Metal case,
Gasket Mount

96
$169
Lemokey P1 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Gaming Keyboard
Keychron P1 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Metal case,
Gasket Mount

97
$199
Keychron Q6 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q6 Max
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

95
$186
Keychron Q3 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q3 Max
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount