Monsgeek M1 HE SP vs M1Magnetic vs Custom DIY
Choose the M1 HE SP for its rapid-trigger magnetic switches and adjustable actuation, or pick the standard M1 for a more flexible DIY kit with a higher customizability score.
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from$189at WhatGeek
from$99at Mechkeys
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Monsgeek M1 HE SP
Magnetic
Build quality in the top 20% of 75% boards under $200.
- Magnetic Hall effect switches (Akko Cream Yellow) with adjustable actuation from 0.2mm to 3.8mm.
- Rapid Trigger and Dynamic Keystrokes for advanced gaming performance.
- Onboard memory for saving profiles without needing software.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
Get the
Monsgeek M1
Custom DIY
Build quality in the top 5% of 75% boards under $100.
- Available as a DIY kit, allowing complete customization of switches and keycaps.
- Includes multiple sound dampening layers such as 3mm custom Poron case foam, Poron plate foam, and IXPE switch pad.
- Ships with unassembled Akko screw-in stabilizers and extra mod materials like Teflon pads and tape.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
If competitive gaming performance with rapid-trigger capabilities is your priority, the Monsgeek M1 HE SP is the clear winner, though availability is a concern as it is currently sold out. For the widest range of customization, a quieter typing experience, and a lower price point, the standard Monsgeek M1 DIY kit is the better choice. Your decision ultimately hinges on whether you need Hall effect magnetic switch features or a flexible platform for building and modding.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Monsgeek M1 HE SP
Monsgeek M1
Hall effect (magnetic)
Yes
No
Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing
Rapid trigger
Yes
No
Faster resets help in games and not in normal typing
Case material
Aluminum
Aluminum, Copper
Switch options
Linear, Magnetic
Clicky, Linear
Knob
No
Yes
- Monsgeek M1 HE SP
- Monsgeek M1
- Performance
- 8870
- Build quality
- 8088
- Productivity
- 8298
- Customizability
- 8799
- Portability
- 6765
- Layout size: 75%
- Connection: Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- QMK
- VIA
What will you mostly use it for?
The Monsgeek M1 HE SP wins decisively for gaming and content creation thanks to its magnetic switch technology and features like Rapid Trigger and Dynamic Keystrokes. The standard Monsgeek M1 is a better fit for office work, programming, and modding due to its sound dampening layers, N-Key Rollover, and higher customizability score. For travel, neither board has an advantage as they are both wired and heavy. The standard M1 carries a lower starting price, while the HE SP may be unavailable as it is listed as sold out and out of stock.
Pick the Monsgeek M1 HE SP
- Features Hall effect magnetic switches with adjustable actuation from 0.2mm to 3.8mm in 0.1mm steps.
- Includes Rapid Trigger (RT) and Dynamic Keystrokes (DKS) for nearly instant key response and advanced in-game controls.
- Offers a higher performance score (88.6) relative to its price tier compared to the standard M1 (70.3).
Monsgeek M1 HE SP vs M1 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
13 of 25 specs differ
Monsgeek M1 HE SP
Monsgeek M1
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Rapid trigger
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
USB-C
Case material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Monsgeek M1 HE SP vs M1: your questions
The main difference is the switch technology. The M1 HE SP uses magnetic Hall effect switches with adjustable actuation and rapid trigger features, while the standard M1 is a DIY kit designed for traditional mechanical switches and extensive modding.
The vendor description states the M1 HE SP is compatible with both regular magnetic switches and 3-pin mechanical switches. This allows some flexibility, but it is optimized for the included Akko Cream Yellow Magnetic Linear switches.
The vendor listing for the standard Monsgeek M1 includes a note that this version does not support QMK/VIA. However, the M1 HE SP listing states it can be customized via the MonsGeek Driver software.
The Monsgeek M1 HE SP is better for FPS gaming because of its Rapid Trigger (RT) and Dynamic Keystrokes (DKS) features, which allow for near-instant key response and advanced actions like counter-strafing in games like VALORANT.
No. Both the Monsgeek M1 HE SP and the standard Monsgeek M1 are wired keyboards that connect via USB-C. Neither model supports wireless connectivity.
According to the vendor, the standard M1 DIY kit includes 1 x Keyboard Kit, 1 x Type-C Coiled Cable, and 1 x User Manual. It does not come with switches, keycaps, or stabilizers pre-installed.
The standard M1 includes a 3mm custom Poron bottom case foam, a Poron plate foam, an IXPE switch pad, and a PET insulation layer in the bottom case to prevent short circuits and manage sound.
The magnetic switches on the M1 HE SP allow users to adjust each key's actuation point from 0.2mm to 3.8mm in 0.1mm increments. This is adjustable through the MonsGeek Driver software.
While it has adjustable actuation, the M1 HE SP does not have the same sound dampening features as the standard M1. For a quieter office environment, the standard M1 with its multiple foam layers would be a better choice.
The standard M1 uses unassembled Akko screw-in stabilizers with nylon housing. The vendor description mentions users may want to lubricate them for best performance.
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