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Compare Keychron V1 Max vs Lemokey L1 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers who want a wireless 75% keyboard with QMK/VIA support but are torn between a lightweight plastic model and a premium aluminum one. Both keyboards share the same core features: 1000 Hz polling over 2.4 GHz, a 4000mAh battery, hot-swappable switches, and south-facing RGB. The decision gets hard because the V1 Max is much lighter and more affordable, while the Lemokey L1 offers a full CNC-machined aluminum frame that nearly triples the weight. If portability or budget is your priority, the V1 Max is the obvious pick; if you want a premium feel and don't plan to move the keyboard often, the L1 is the stronger choice.

98
Keychron V1 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
94
Lemokey L1 QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Gaming Keyboard

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4.3 (32)
0.0 (0)
  • Released in 2023
  • Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-PT, ISO, ANSI layout standard
  • Weighs about 770 g
  • Sized at 22 x 149 x 329 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Plastic case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Released in 2024
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW layout standard
  • Weighs about 1887 g
  • Sized at 33 x 369 x 146 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Features PBT keycaps
Scores
  • Performance: 83.1
  • Build Quality: 86.3
  • Productivity: 97.3
  • Customizability: 99.4
  • Portability: 79.2
Scores
  • Performance: 82.7
  • Build Quality: 89.4
  • Productivity: 97.8
  • Customizability: 100
  • Portability: 82.4
Name
Keychron V1 Max
Name
Keychron Lemokey L1
Release year
2023
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-PT, ISO, ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW
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
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
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS, Plastic
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
22 x 149 x 329 mm
Dimensions
33 x 369 x 146 mm
Weight
770g
Weight
1887g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice comes down to material and weight. The Keychron V1 Max delivers the same wireless performance and programmability in a lightweight, affordable plastic package that is easy to take anywhere. The Lemokey L1 offers a premium, heavy aluminum frame and double-gasket acoustic design for those who value desk presence and are willing to pay more. If portability or value matters, choose the V1 Max. If you want a high-end build and can handle the weight, get the Lemokey L1.

Keychron V1 Max

  • +ABS plastic housing keeps the keyboard weight low at 770g, making it easy to move around or transport.
  • +Costs less than the Lemokey L1, offering similar wireless and programmability features for a lower price.
  • +Sound-dampening foam and a gasket mount with a PC plate contribute to a quieter, softer typing experience.
  • +Available in ANSI and multiple ISO layouts, including Nordic and Swiss, directly from Keychron.
  • +Frequently bought together with optional palm rests (silicone or resin) that match the 75% form factor.

  • ABS plastic case may feel less premium and durable compared to a full aluminum frame.
  • Some user reviews report key chatter and connectivity issues with the 2.4 GHz dongle after several months of use.
  • The OSA profile keycaps, while comfortable, are not shine-through, making the legends less visible in low light without ambient backlight.

Keychron Lemokey L1

  • +Full CNC-machined 6030 aluminum frame with 24 processes (CNC, polishing, anodizing, sandblasting) gives a premium, solid feel.
  • +Double-gasket mount design with two layers of sound-dampening foam provides enhanced acoustic tuning and a cushioned typing feel.
  • +Comes with Cherry profile double-shot PBT keycaps that are durable, anti-oil, and wear-resistant according to the manufacturer.
  • +Includes a programmable roller (preset to volume) and a connection mode toggle for convenient controls.

  • Very heavy at 1887g, making it impractical for regular travel or desk relocation.
  • Costs more than the V1 Max, with a higher entry price for the fully assembled version.
  • The VIA code is not yet approved by Github, requiring manual JSON import to remap keys, which adds setup complexity.
  • No customer reviews available at launch, making real-world reliability and longevity harder to assess.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron V1 Max wins for Office and Travel due to its lightweight ABS construction and lower cost. The Lemokey L1 takes the Modding category thanks to its double-gasket design and aluminum case. The two keyboards tie for Gaming, Programming, and Content Creation, as they share the same core performance specs (1000 Hz polling, QMK/VIA support, and hot-swap PCB). The main differentiator across use cases comes down to the case material and weight, not features or performance.

GamingTie
  • Both offer a 1000 Hz polling rate over 2.4 GHz and wired modes for competitive gaming.
  • Both use a PC plate and gasket mount design for a flexible typing feel.
  • The V1 Max is lighter at 770g, which may be preferable for LAN events, while the L1's 1887g weight adds stability on a desk.
OfficeKeychron V1 Max
  • The V1 Max is significantly lighter (770g vs 1887g), making it easier to move between desks or take to meetings.
  • The V1 Max costs less, which is a practical consideration for bulk office setups or individual budgets.
  • The V1 Max includes sound-dampening foam and a gasket mount for a quieter typing experience suitable for shared spaces.
ProgrammingTie
  • Both keyboards support QMK and VIA for full key remapping and macro creation on any system (macOS, Windows, Linux).
  • Both use an ARM Cortex-M4 MCU with 256K Flash, offering the same flexibility for custom firmware.
  • The 75% layout is identical on both, preserving arrow keys and function row for coding efficiency.
TravelKeychron V1 Max
  • The V1 Max weighs 770g, making it much more portable than the 1887g Lemokey L1.
  • The V1 Max uses ABS plastic, which is less likely to dent if bumped during travel compared to a CNC aluminum case.
  • Its smaller dimensions (329 x 149 x 22 mm) fit more easily into a bag than the L1's larger frame.
ModdingKeychron Lemokey L1
  • The L1 features a double-gasket mount design with two layers of sound-dampening foam, offering more built-in acoustic tuning potential.
  • The L1 ships with Cherry profile double-shot PBT keycaps, which modders often prefer over the V1 Max's OSA profile.
  • The aluminum case of the L1 provides a sturdier platform for plate foam, switch films, and other mods that benefit from a rigid housing.
Content CreationTie
  • Both support multi-device switching via Bluetooth 5.1 for use with a computer, tablet, and phone.
  • Both have a programmable knob that can be mapped to timeline scrub, volume, or zoom functions.
  • The shared 75% layout and full key remapping allow creators to set up custom hotkeys in editing software.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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