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Compare Keychron L1 HE vs L3 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two premium, metal-bodied wireless keyboards from Keychron's Lemokey line. The choice is difficult because both share core features like gasket mounts, QMK/VIA programmability, and triple-mode connectivity. The decision ultimately hinges on whether you prioritize the cutting-edge, customizable hall effect technology of the L1 HE or the more familiar, broadly compatible MX-style switch ecosystem of the L3.

95
Lemokey L1 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Gaming Keyboard
95
Lemokey L3 QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard (US Layout)

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0.0 (0)
4.8 (24)
  • Released in 2025
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Magnetic switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • 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 2023
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS layout standard
  • 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: 92.9
  • Build Quality: 86.6
  • Productivity: 96.7
  • Customizability: 97
  • Portability: 83.2
Scores
  • Performance: 82.1
  • Build Quality: 88.1
  • Productivity: 97.2
  • Customizability: 97.3
  • Portability: 76
Name
Keychron L1 HE
Name
Keychron L3
Release year
2025
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
75%
Layout Size
80%
Layout Standard
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
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
30 x 401 x 137 mm
Weight
1977g
Weight
1976g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice depends on your willingness to invest in a specific, high-performance switch ecosystem. The Keychron L1 HE is for gamers and enthusiasts who want the precision and customization of magnetic hall effect switches. The Keychron L3 is the more versatile choice for typists and modders who value layout options, broader switch compatibility, and proven MX-style mechanics. Consider the L3 if you plan to experiment with many different switches.

Keychron L1 HE

  • +Advanced Gateron double-rail magnetic switches with adjustable actuation points.
  • +Features dynamic rapid trigger and analog mode for gaming.
  • +Compact 75% layout saves desk space.
  • +North-facing RGB lighting with shine-through double-shot PBT keycaps.
  • +Includes multiple acoustic foam layers (3mm acoustic, 3.5mm EPDM, PET, EVA) for sound dampening.
  • −Hot-swappable sockets are only compatible with specific magnetic switches, limiting switch choices.
  • −Lacks the ISO layout option that the L3 offers.
  • −The vendor description states the non-shine-through keycap version is not yet available.

Keychron L3

  • +Hot-swappable PCB supports a wide range of 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches.
  • +Offers both ANSI and ISO layout options for international users.
  • +Unique 80% layout includes a dedicated column of macro keys.
  • +Features a polycarbonate plate and screw-in PCB stabilizers.
  • +Includes 11 complimentary extra keycaps with the fully assembled version.
  • −Larger 80% layout (401mm wide) requires more desk space.
  • −Lacks the hall effect switch technology, rapid trigger, and adjustable actuation of the L1 HE.
  • −South-facing RGB is paired with non-shine-through keycaps, offering a more subdued backlight effect.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The L1 HE is the definitive pick for competitive gaming due to its magnetic switch technology. The L3 wins for office use and content creation, leveraging its larger layout with macro keys. For programming, both are equally capable. Travelers will prefer the L1 HE's smaller size, while modders will favor the L3's broader switch compatibility. Your primary activity dictates the winner.

GamingKeychron L1 HE
  • •Features hall effect magnetic switches with adjustable actuation points from 0.2 to 3.8 mm.
  • •Includes dynamic rapid trigger functionality for faster key repetition.
  • •Supports analog mode for variable input in compatible games.
OfficeKeychron L3
  • •Offers a larger 80% layout with dedicated macro column for productivity shortcuts.
  • •Vendor description notes it includes 11 complimentary extra keycaps for Mac/Windows customization.
  • •South-facing RGB with non-shine-through keycaps may be less distracting in shared spaces.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both feature full programmability via QMK and VIA open-source firmware.
  • •Both have hot-swappable PCBs for switch customization.
  • •Both offer a knob for media control or custom macros.
TravelKeychron L1 HE
  • •Has a more compact 75% layout (370mm wide) compared to the L3's 80% layout (401mm wide).
  • •Similar weight and battery capacity, but smaller footprint is easier to pack.
  • •North-facing RGB with shine-through keycaps may be preferable in varied lighting conditions.
ModdingKeychron L3
  • •Hot-swappable PCB is compatible with most 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches, offering a wider selection.
  • •Features a polycarbonate plate, which typically provides a different sound signature than aluminum.
  • •Includes screw-in PCB stabilizers, which are often preferred for modding over plate-mounted.
Content CreationKeychron L3
  • •Larger layout includes a dedicated column of macro keys for assigning application shortcuts.
  • •Includes a programmable knob for precise scrubbing or parameter adjustment.
  • •South-facing switch design avoids interference with Cherry-profile keycaps, important for aftermarket sets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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