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

Compare Keychron LemoKey P1 HE vs Pulsar PCMK V2 HE Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two Hall Effect gaming keyboards with different philosophies. The Keychron P1 HE offers a full-metal gasket-mount build, tri-mode wireless, and extensive firmware support. The Pulsar PCMK V2 HE is a wired-only TKL focused on an 8000Hz polling rate and a transparent plastic case. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize build quality and flexibility or pure wired performance on a budget.

96
Lemokey P1 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Gaming Keyboard
70
Pulsar PCMK 2 HE TKL Keyboard

Select a keyboard to compare

5.0 (3)
0.0 (0)
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Magnetic switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1630 g
  • Sized at 32 x 140 x 322 mm
  • Made with a Metal, Aluminum case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Has Magnetic switch options
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a Plate Mount mounting style
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Runs at a 8000 Hz polling rate
  • Made with a Plastic, Aluminum case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 93.3
  • Build Quality: 88.2
  • Productivity: 97.3
  • Customizability: 97.4
  • Portability: 81.6
Scores
  • Performance: 97.6
  • Build Quality: 63.4
  • Productivity: 75.9
  • Customizability: 61.3
  • Portability: 60.5
Name
Keychron LemoKey P1 HE
Name
Pulsar PCMK V2 HE
Release year
2025
Release year
2025
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Magnetic
Switch Options
Magnetic
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
80%
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE
Layout Standard
ANSI
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
Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
8000 Hz
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
-
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
Plate Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Metal, Aluminum
Case Material
Plastic, Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
32 x 140 x 322 mm
Dimensions
-
Weight
1630g
Weight
-
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

Your priority dictates the choice. For a premium, versatile keyboard you can use anywhere with extensive customization, the Keychron P1 HE is worth the higher cost. If your setup is permanently wired, you play latency-sensitive competitive games, and you want to spend less, the Pulsar PCMK V2 HE delivers on its core performance spec. Consider the P1 HE an investment in a flexible, high-end tool, and the PCMK V2 HE a specialized gaming instrument.

Keychron LemoKey P1 HE

  • +Tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired) with a 4000mAh battery.
  • +Full aluminum metal case with a gasket mount and multiple acoustic foam layers.
  • +Extensive firmware support via QMK, VIA, and the Lemokey Launcher web app.
  • +Includes a programmable knob and supports multiple layout standards (ANSI, ISO).
  • +Comes with screw-in stabilizers and double-shot PBT keycaps.

  • Heavier at 1800g, which reduces portability despite its smaller layout.
  • More expensive than the Pulsar option.
  • Hot-swap is limited to Gateron double-rail magnetic switches only.
  • Lower 1000Hz polling rate compared to the Pulsar's 8000Hz for wired gaming.

Pulsar PCMK V2 HE

  • +Very high 8000Hz polling rate with a stated 0.125ms latency for wired gaming.
  • +Lower cost than the Keychron P1 HE.
  • +Vendor description notes a 3-stage sound dampening foam and silicone case lining.
  • +Hot-swap PCB accepts both north and south pole facing magnetic switches.

  • Wired-only connectivity, with no wireless or battery option.
  • Case material is primarily plastic with an aluminum plate, and uses a plate mount design.
  • Lacks advanced firmware support like QMK or VIA, using Pulsar's proprietary Bibimbap software instead.
  • No knob, fewer layout options (ANSI only), and a larger 80% TKL footprint.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron P1 HE wins in most categories due to its superior connectivity, build, and customization features. It is the clear choice for office work, programming, travel, modding, and content creation. The Pulsar PCMK V2 HE takes the lead specifically for competitive gaming where its extreme 8000Hz polling rate is the primary concern, and a wired-only connection is acceptable.

GamingPulsar PCMK V2 HE
  • The Pulsar PCMK V2 HE has an 8000Hz polling rate with 0.125ms latency, higher than the P1 HE's 1000Hz.
  • Both keyboards feature rapid trigger and adjustable actuation points for Hall Effect switches.
  • The Pulsar's vendor description highlights a 3-stage sound dampening foam and silicone case lining for acoustics.
OfficeKeychron LemoKey P1 HE
  • The Keychron P1 HE offers Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity for use with multiple devices.
  • It includes a 4000mAh battery for cord-free operation.
  • The P1 HE supports multiple layout standards (ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE), offering more regional compatibility.
ProgrammingKeychron LemoKey P1 HE
  • The Keychron P1 HE has QMK and VIA firmware support for deep key remapping and macro programming.
  • Its 75% layout saves desk space while retaining essential navigation keys.
  • The vendor description mentions a programmable knob and macro column for workflow shortcuts.
TravelKeychron LemoKey P1 HE
  • The Keychron P1 HE is wireless, eliminating the need to carry a cable for use.
  • Its 75% layout is more compact than the Pulsar's 80% (TKL) layout.
  • The P1 HE's Bluetooth mode allows connection to laptops and tablets without a dongle.
ModdingKeychron LemoKey P1 HE
  • The Keychron P1 HE features a gasket mount design with acoustic foams for a customizable typing feel.
  • It uses screw-in stabilizers, which are typically preferred for modding over plate-mount.
  • It has extensive open-source firmware support (QMK/VIA) for software customization.
Content CreationKeychron LemoKey P1 HE
  • The Keychron P1 HE includes a programmable knob, which can be mapped to timeline scrubbing or volume control.
  • Wireless connectivity reduces cable clutter on a production desk.
  • The vendor description mentions analog mode and multi-action keys for nuanced control in supported applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

100
$160
Keychron Q1 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q1 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

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

99
$129
Keychron K2 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard
Keychron K2 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

95
$189
Keychron Q3 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q3 Max
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

89
$129
Keychron K8 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K8 HE
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

94
$194
Lemokey L1 QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Gaming Keyboard
Keychron Lemokey L1
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

71
$115
Vortex Multix TKL VIA Summer Hotswap Wireless Keyboard
Vortex Multix
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
Backlight,
VIA,
Plate Mount

93
$149
Keychron Q2 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard (US Layout)
Keychron Q2 Pro
65%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

70
$119
Muse65 HE
Varmilo Muse65 HE
65%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Metal case,
Tray Mount

95
$149
Keychron Q1 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q1 Pro
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount