Abstract
- The Lemokey P1 HE provides magnetic switches to the P1 Professional’s design however lacks that mechanical keyboard’s space-age aesthetic.
- Keychron mechanical switches proceed to impress in really feel and gaming options, and you’ll sizzling swap between the corporate’s three change variants.
- Whereas the RGB design is not very cohesive, the shine-through keycaps are an ideal improve that provides backlighting.
With Keychron recurrently releasing magnetic change variants of its keyboards, it was solely a matter of time till the Lemokey P1 Professional—my private favourite—acquired its due. This got here within the type of the Lemokey P1 HE, and whereas it is nice, it has misplaced a few of its mechanical sibling’s soul as a consequence of a homogenized aesthetic.
Lemokey P1 HE
A magnetic tenkeyless gaming keyboard with shine-through keycaps, a quantity dial, and software-enabled gaming options resembling fast set off and snap motion.
- Incredible magnetic switches
- Tons of customizable gaming options
- Nice sound dampening
- Spacious format is sweet for giant arms
- Lacks the P1 Professional’s defining aluminum physique
- No selection of switches at buy
- RGB is not cohesive
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Worth and Availability
The Lemokey P1 HE retails for $169.00 and is available in two variants: with shine-through keycaps (accessible in black and white) and with out (black solely).
Included within the field are a USB-A to USB-C cable, USB-A 2.4 GHz receiver, an adapter to connect the receiver to the cable, instruments (a screwdriver, hex key, and mixed keycap and change puller), and a substitute ESC keycap. The model with out shine-through keycaps comes with a bigger set of replacements.
Similar Nice Type-Issue, however the Pizzazz Is Gone
I used to be extremely excited about the P1 HE after its CES 2025 announcement. Its mechanical forebearer, the P1 Pro, is my present keyboard of selection because of its comfy typing angle and uniquely beautiful aluminum physique. I additionally cherished Keychron’s Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic Nebula Switches for his or her easy really feel and gameplay potential once I reviewed them within the K2 HE, however that keyboard was slightly cramped for my massive arms. This left me craving for precisely the most effective of each worlds that the P1 HE offers.
Functionally, the whole lot I hoped for is right here. The P1 HE retains the P1 Professional’s spacious tenkeyless case, with the identical dependable double-shot Cherry profile PBT keycaps and certifiably analog reprogrammable dial. Plus, as a lot as I really like the weighty tactile banana switches in my P1 Professional, Keychron’s linear magnetic switches are extra sensible for gaming with roughly two-thirds the beginning power.
Nevertheless, the P1 Professional had a visible design X issue that elevated it above equally practical competitors for me. Its CNC-machined aluminum physique pops off the desk with its sheen of retrofuturism. In a sea of gaming keyboards which are visually indistinguishable, I worth this extremely.
Sadly, the P1 HE discarded this defining aesthetic for Keychron’s standard-issue full metallic case. The make and construct are nonetheless of a top quality, however there’s nothing thrilling about it. That is meant to mix right into a black or white color-coordinated gaming setup with out bringing consideration to itself, however finally leads to an absence of aptitude to distinguish it from related keyboards.
Some folks can be unperturbed and even glad about this homogenization, however it’s all about context right here. The Lemokey branding has been synonymous with these CNC aluminum instances so far, so by altering this the model loses worth. When the older, cheaper P1 feels extra premium than the brand new one, it looks like Keychron’s gaming keyboards are regressing. It’s not solely dissimilar to how I felt in regards to the Lemokey L4, besides not less than the P1 HE isn’t dropping any performance.
On an analogous notice, the P1 HE’s RGB lighting looks like one step ahead and one step again. The shine-through keycaps are impressively illuminated, however as a result of that backlighting doesn’t unfold all through the case, it leaves jarring black gaps between keys. The P1 Professional wasn’t an RGB showcase both, however not less than it felt extra cohesive. This mentioned, I do suppose the shine-through keycaps win out for the performance of backlighting.
Keychron Magnetic Switches Are Nonetheless Winners
Keychron’s magnetic switches are among the finest round, and that doesn’t change right here. If something, they really feel higher than ever because of the unbelievable sound dampening of the P1 HE’s gasket mount. Each stroke makes a satisfying comfortable thud, together with the area bar. I would go so far as to say it is one of the vital chic spare bars I’ve utilized in a sea of underwhelming ones.
The most important draw of magnetic switches is their suitability for gaming, and Keychron has all of it: actuation level adjustment in .1 mm increments, per-key fast set off, macros that may assign as much as 4 actions to 1 keystroke, long-press change (basically giving any key a toggleable “turbo” perform), snap action for immediately swapping between two key inputs relying on which is additional depressed (a strafing godsend), and a gamepad simulator. These can all be accessed via the Lemokey Launcher web tool alongside the standard keymapping, RGB settings, and macro creator.
To sweeten the pot, Keychron permits you to hot-swap between any of its three Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic Swap variants. Whereas sizzling swapping doesn’t lengthen to mechanical switches, few magnetic keyboards assist a couple of mannequin of change. I do want that Keychron supplied a selection of pre-installed switches at checkout, although. If you’d like a change with kind of power, you’ll have to pay an additional $35 for a set and really feel comfy with disassembly.
All of the Connectivity You Want
The three modes of connectivity most trendy wi-fi keyboards provide are right here: 2.4 GHz with a polling charge of 1,000 Hz, Bluetooth 5.2 with three on-board profiles, and wired. A change on the again allows you to swap between these, they usually all work with no hitch.
Whereas a most 1,000 Hz polling charge could sound like a bummer within the wake of most high-end gaming keyboards providing 4K or 8K caps, the reality is that these are completely useless CPU power suckers for most people. I’m glad Keychron determined to maintain costs down by not piling on extra.
So far as battery life is worried, you’ll get a couple of week of reasonable use with RGB on earlier than it’s essential cost. Flip off RGB and that will increase exponentially. It’s fairly commonplace fare for a wi-fi keyboard, and fairly good mileage for a 4,000 mAh battery. If this isn’t sufficient for you, the instruments that include the keyboard mean you can disassemble it and swap in your personal.
Ought to You Purchase the Lemokey P1 HE?
The P1 design and magnetic switches are a reasonably fierce combo, making the Lemokey P1 HE the most effective 75% magnetic choices available on the market. Its $169.00 value level is fairly aggressive amongst high-end magnetic gaming keyboards, too. Nevertheless, when you’re not set on shopping for a magnetic keyboard, the mechanical Lemokey P1 Pro is actually the identical factor in a extra premium case for $40 much less.
Lemokey P1 HE
A magnetic tenkeyless gaming keyboard with shine-through keycaps, a quantity dial, and software-enabled gaming options resembling fast set off and snap motion.