By The Lemokey L5 HE ($209.99) wired gaming keyboard has a sturdy metal frame with hot-swappable magnetic key switches. It’s the first keyboard from Keychron’s gaming-focused subsidiary Lemokey that we’ve tested, and it stands out from other Keychron models thanks to its eye-catching metallic accents and clever keycap arrangement. We’re impressed overall, although we wish a keyboard this expensive had more functions. The Razer BlackWidow V4 75%, our Editors’ Choice winner for small wired gaming keyboards, is more affordable, but we don’t disregard the L5 HE as a chic substitute for gamers with large budgets.
Design
The Lemokey L5 HE is a powerful device. At 4.2 pounds, its densely machined aluminum structure makes it one of the heaviest keyboards we’ve tried. It weighs a lot more than the similarly sized Alienware Pro Wireless Keyboard, but it provides steady typing. The keypad included on full-size models is absent due to the 75% configuration. The keyboard is a hassle to carry due to its weight, even though it fits neatly in a suitcase and measures 1.7 by 12.9 by 5.9 inches (HWD). (You wouldn’t want to bring this type of keyboard to a tournament or a friend’s house. You’re better off using an even smaller 60% board for that.)
Three distinct color schemes are available for the L5 HE. The Cyber option, which is depicted in images throughout this article, features a few keycaps with a cyborg look and metallic green accents. While the cream-colored Down Master choice provides you with gold, the black alternative, Dark Master, has metallic red accents. Regardless of their paint jobs, all color variations are priced the same and contain the same internal PCB.
Regarding connectivity, the L5 HE lacks 2.4GHz wifi and Bluetooth, however many gamers might prefer wired-only. Compared to Bluetooth or 2.4GHz, a physical connection (in this case, a detachable braided USB-C cable) is more dependable, and wired connections usually offer greater polling rates, such as the L5 HE’s maximum of 8,000Hz. Although these high ratings are a nice bonus, most casual players won’t notice them because they aren’t uncommon nowadays. Right out of the box, the less costly BlackWidow V4 can likewise achieve an 8,000Hz polling rate. When connected in, even the Corsair K70 RGB Pro Mini can operate at 8,000 Hz (but not wirelessly).
The Cyber version features shine-through lettering on solid black alphanumeric keys. In contrast, the translucent keycaps are aesthetically pleasing and have a typeface that evokes the Cyber name. However, they are a little difficult to see when the backlighting is on, and L5 HE would likely be too bright to use without causing eye strain if all the keys were transparent. (Anyway, at full brightness). The control utility allows you to change the brightness level.)
Additional lighting features include a red LED on the Caps Lock key that illuminates when the key is engaged and a tiny red LED beneath the space bar that aids in locating a factory reset switch.
Software
Keychron keyboards were usually modifiable using the VIA open-source web application because they are based on the open-source QMK keyboard firmware. However, as of 2024, Launcher, a new control tool, is included with all Keychron keyboards.
You must go straight to the Launcher to configure your L5 HE because it is browser-based. After pairing it with the utility, you may perform all the functions you would anticipate from a comprehensive, well-designed keyboard tool, including choosing new RGB effects and remapping keys.
As previously stated, you can modify the sensitivity of any key and even designate numerous key inputs to particular keys according to the amount of pressure applied to them. Useful examples include bottoming out the switch to accelerate to a full sprint and slightly pushing the WASD buttons to stroll more slowly in first-person shooter games.
Conclusion
It’s challenging for tiny companies like Keychron to make an impression with a new product because magnetic keyboards have become more and more popular in recent years. We appreciate the L5 HE’s color palettes and steady weight (as long as you don’t have to carry it). The Launcher utility’s optimized user interface and the stock switches’ typing experience also impress us. Even though the L5 HE is a good device, it falls short of the Razer BlackWidow V4 in terms of performance to justify its price. For a lesser price ($170), that keyboard still qualifies as an Editors’ Choice because it matches the L5 HE’s high polling rate, has hot-swappable switches (but not magnetic ones), and even has a palm rest.
