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Compare Keychron L1 HE vs L1 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two high-end 75% wireless keyboards from Keychron's Lemokey line. The choice hinges on whether you prioritize cutting-edge gaming performance with magnetic switches or prefer a more traditional, versatile mechanical keyboard. Both share a premium aluminum build, gasket mount, and extensive programmability, making the decision difficult for enthusiasts who value quality but have different core needs.

95
Lemokey L1 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Gaming Keyboard
96
Lemokey L1 QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Gaming Keyboard

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  • Released in 2025
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Magnetic switch options
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Enables rapid trigger functionality
  • Weighs about 1977 g
  • Sized at 33 x 370 x 146 mm
  • Made with a Metal, Aluminum case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • 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
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 92.9
  • Build Quality: 86.6
  • Productivity: 96.7
  • Customizability: 97
  • Portability: 83.2
Scores
  • Performance: 82
  • Build Quality: 88
  • Productivity: 97.1
  • Customizability: 97.2
  • Portability: 81.6
Name
Keychron L1 HE
Name
Keychron L1
Release year
2025
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Magnetic
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
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, North-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Metal, Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
33 x 370 x 146 mm
Dimensions
33 x 369 x 146 mm
Weight
1977g
Weight
1887g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. Invest in the Keychron L1 HE if you are a serious gamer who will utilize its magnetic switches, rapid trigger, and deep actuation customization. Choose the standard Keychron L1 if you value the freedom to install any MX-style switch, need a specific ISO layout, or want longer battery life for general use. Both are excellently built, programmable keyboards.

Keychron L1 HE

  • +Gateron double-rail magnetic switches with adjustable actuation points (0.2-3.8mm).
  • +Includes gaming-focused features: rapid trigger, dynamic keystrokes, and analog mode.
  • +North-facing RGB lighting designed for shine-through keycap versions.
  • +Full metal case and aluminum plate construction.
  • +Enhanced acoustic package with multiple foam layers (3mm acoustic, 3.5mm EPDM, PET, EVA).

  • Hot-swappable only for proprietary Gateron magnetic switches, limiting switch choices.
  • Higher base price compared to the standard L1.
  • Shorter claimed Bluetooth battery life (up to 100 hours) than the L1.

Keychron L1

  • +Hot-swappable for a wide range of standard 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches.
  • +Available in multiple ISO layouts (UK, German, Nordic, Swiss) and as a barebone kit.
  • +Longer Bluetooth battery life, rated up to 200 hours with lighting off.
  • +South-facing RGB LEDs avoid interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.
  • +Features a polycarbonate plate and double-gasket design for a specific sound and feel.

  • Lacks advanced gaming features like rapid trigger and adjustable actuation points.
  • Uses Bluetooth 5.1 versus the L1 HE's Bluetooth 5.2.
  • Non-shine-through keycaps may not appeal to users who prefer backlit legends.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The L1 HE is the definitive choice for competitive gaming due to its hall effect switches and rapid trigger. For office use and travel, the standard L1 gains an edge with its longer battery life and wider layout selection. Modders will prefer the L1 for its universal switch compatibility, while programmers and content creators will find both models equally capable due to shared high-end programmability and layout.

GamingKeychron L1 HE
  • Includes rapid trigger and adjustable actuation points from 0.2 to 3.8mm.
  • Features Gateron double-rail magnetic switches for ultra-fast response.
  • Supports dynamic keystrokes with 4-in-1 action keys.
OfficeKeychron L1
  • Offers significantly longer Bluetooth working time, up to 200 hours with backlight off.
  • Available in a wider range of ISO layouts including UK, German, and Nordic.
  • South-facing RGB with non-shine-through keycaps may reduce glare in well-lit offices.
ProgrammingTie
  • Both support QMK and VIA for deep key remapping and macro creation.
  • Both have a 75% layout with a knob for productivity shortcuts.
  • Both feature hot-swappable PCBs for switch preference customization.
TravelKeychron L1
  • It is slightly lighter at 1887g compared to the L1 HE's 1977g.
  • The longer wireless battery life reduces charging frequency on the go.
ModdingKeychron L1
  • Hot-swappable PCB is compatible with most 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches.
  • Features a polycarbonate plate which can offer a different typing feel.
  • Available in a barebone kit version for custom builds.
Content CreationTie
  • Both include a programmable roller/knob for media control like volume adjustment.
  • Both support extensive macro programming via QMK/VIA or the Lemokey Launcher.
  • Both have a compact 75% layout that saves desk space for peripherals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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