Keychron Q65 vs Lemokey P1Wired vs Wireless 65%

The Lemokey P1 is explicitly marketed as a gaming keyboard, offering wireless connectivity via 2.4 GHz (with 1000 Hz polling) and Bluetooth. It also includes enhanced acoustic foams and a PC plate for a dampened sound and flexible feel, features geared towards gamers. The Q65 is wired-only and uses a steel plate, which some gamers may find too stiff, but its 1000 Hz polling rate still provides low latency for competitive play.

No, the Keychron Q65 is a wired-only keyboard. It connects via a USB-C cable and does not support Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz wireless. If wireless connectivity is a requirement, the Lemokey P1, which supports both 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth, would be a more suitable choice.

The Keychron Q65 has a unique 65% layout that includes an additional column of macro keys on the left side, alongside a standard 65% layout. The Lemokey P1 has a more traditional 75% layout, which includes a function row and a dedicated macro column on the left, providing more keys overall but in a more conventional arrangement.

Yes, both keyboards feature hot-swappable PCBs that support 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches. This allows you to change switches without soldering. The Q65 specifies support for 3-pin and 5-pin switches, while the P1 includes similar hot-swappable sockets.

Yes, both keyboards support QMK firmware and VIA software for key remapping and macro customization. The Q65 uses the Keychron Launcher web app, while the P1 uses the Lemokey Launcher web app. The P1's VIA support requires downloading a JSON file to enable recognition until its code is approved.

The Keychron Q65 is significantly heavier at 2420 grams for the fully assembled version. The Lemokey P1 is lighter at 1650 grams for the fully assembled version. The Q65's weight offers a more stable desk presence, while the P1 is more portable.

The Keychron Q65 comes with double-shot PBT keycaps in an OSA profile (OEM height with SA-like shape). The Lemokey P1 comes with double-shot PBT keycaps in a Cherry profile. Both support standard MX-style keycap replacements.

The Lemokey P1 includes a combination of premium acoustic foams, specifically IXPE, PET, and absorbing foam, explicitly designed to reduce vibration and dampen sound. The Q65 uses a double-gasket design with silicone pads to reduce acoustic resonance between metal cases. The P1's approach may offer more comprehensive sound dampening.

The Keychron Q65 may be slightly better for programming due to its unique extra column of macro keys, which can be programmed with QMK/VIA for frequently used code snippets or IDE shortcuts. Its compact 65% layout also frees up desk space for other tools. However, the P1's 75% layout includes a function row and macro keys which are also useful for programming shortcuts.

The vendor description notes that VIA code for the Lemokey P1 is still awaiting approval from Github, so it is not automatically recognized. Users need to download a specific keymap JSON file from the product page, open VIA, enable the 'Show Design tab' in Settings, and drag the JSON file into the Design tab to get it working. This manual step is not required for the Q65.