Leading computer keyboard manufacturer, Keychron, has announced its first crowdfunded launch from the company’s newly formed premium gaming division. The Lemokey L3 is a full aluminum mechanical keyboard explicitly designed with gamers in mind.
The new keyboard has 91 customizable keys, which can be remapped or programmed with macros. The Lemokey L3 uses QMK/VIA firmware for advanced wireless gaming performance. According to a press release issued today, the new L3 has some impressive features, including a 2.4 GHz wireless connection with a 1000Hz polling rate that offers super low latency for seamless and ultra-responsive gaming.
Gamers can connect the Lemokey L3 with up to three devices over Bluetooth or use the wired option. The keyboard’s N-Key Rollover (NKRO) feature is enabled in every mode, which could give gamers a competitive advantage, particularly in games with repetitive key presses.
The L3 follows on from the launch of the Field 75, a similar gaming keyboard from Keychron’s major competitor NuPhy. The gaming keyboard market has seen several new and innovative releases lately, signifying a boost in interest from PC and Mac gamers.
One feature that gaming keyboards need is structural integrity. Gaming tends to evoke excited and heated responses and any gaming keyboard needs to withstand the rigors of intense gaming sessions. The L3 has a refined 6063 aluminum frame that is CNC machined. Keyboards with full aluminum construction offer exceptional strength, stability, and durability, making them ideal for the highest level of gaming competition.
All the keys on the L3 can be easily remapped or programmed with custom macro commands on all keyboard layers. By using QMK/VIA firmware, users of the L3 can have virtually endless customization, ensuring each gamer can tailor their keyboard to their specific needs. In addition, the L3 also has a rotary encoder knob and an additional macro column that can be customized using the VIA software.
The mechanical switches on the Lemokey L3 are hot-swappable. Users can choose and supply their own switches if buying the bare-bones version of the keyboard, although the fully assembled version comes with Gateron Jupiter switches.
To reduce the noise of its keys, the Lemokey L3 uses an innovative double-gasket design that reduces the noise of the keys while providing a more flexible typing experience during long gaming sessions. The gasket-mounted design minimizes noise transmission between the top frame and L3’s case, enabling gamers to focus on their gameplay without distractions.
As with any self-respecting gaming keyboard, the L3 will feature south-facing RGB LEDs that illuminate and backlight the keyboard when the non-shine-through PBT keycaps are installed. When the Cherry-profile keycaps are installed, the RGB design is also free from interference and compatible with different keycap profiles such as OEM, KSA, and XDA. The L3 will have 22 types of RGB backlight settings that can be further fine-tuned regarding RGB hue, saturation, brightness, effect speed and different modes.
The L3 will be available in three different mixed color schemes at launch. The keycaps are double-shot construction and made from PBT for an enhanced haptic experience. PBT is an incredibly durable material resistant to oils and ensures the legends on the keycaps won’t quickly fade, even after prolonged use.
Paul Tan is the COO of Keychron and had this to say about the launch of the company’s first keyboard under the Lemokey brand: “Many gaming keyboards lack customization options and fail to offer a premium typing experience. With the introduction of Lemokey, we aim to cater to the unique needs of the gaming community. L3 is a culmination of cutting-edge technology and exceptional craftsmanship, designed to deliver an unrivaled wireless gaming experience.”
Tan added: “The L3 is designed for effortless disassembly and reassembly, allowing users to customize each component easily. The keyboard is preinstalled with sound-absorbing foam, case foam, and gaskets to create a truly satisfying typing sound that enhances the overall gaming experience.”
I haven’t had an opportunity to road-test Tan’s claims, as the Lemokey L3 won’t begin shipping until September. From the information provided in the press release, the L3 sounds promising. The gaming keyboard market appears to be undergoing something of a renaissance recently, so it will be interesting to see how the L3 is received in this massive and demanding market.
The Lemokey L3 launches on Kickstarter today. The financial goal of the campaign is $50,000 so I doubt Keychron will have any trouble reaching that figure because the company already has an enviable reputation for making a great range of mechanical keyboards.
Pricing & Availability: The Lemokey L3 can be pre-ordered from today. The early bird price will be $189 for the barebone version, while $209 will get you the fully assembled version.
More info: www.kickstarter.com
Tech Specs:
- Number of keys: 91.
- Multimedia keys: 12.
- Layout: ANSI US.
- Hot-swappable: Yes. All 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches.
- Keycaps: Cherry PBT double shot.
- Switches: Gateron Jupiter (on fully assembled version).
- Stabilizer type: PCB screw-in.
- Switch face: South facing.
- Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz RF, Wired.
- Bluetooth version: 5.1.
- Frame: Aluminum.
- Plate material: PC.
- NKRO: Yes.
- Polling rate: 1000Hz (2.4GHz and Wired) 90Hz (Bluetooth).
- Battery capacity: 4000mHa.
- Working time: Up to 100 hours (low LED) and 200 hours (LED off).
- Dimensions: 401 x 137mm.
- Weight: 1.76kg.
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