I like my keyboards small, however a 65% format that axes perform keys at all times felt like one step too far. The Lemokey P2 HE proved this assumption incorrect by giving me each I like about my go-to magnetic keyboard in a sleeker, extra environment friendly bundle.

Keychron Lemokey P2 HE. Credit score: Keychron

9/10

Model

Keychron Lemokey

Wi-fi

Sure (2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.2)

Backlight

Sure (RGB)

Media Controls

Quantity dial

The Lemokey P2 HE is a 65% magnetic keyboard that reaches an uncommonly small dimension by eradicating perform keys. It has full metallic physique, a selection between shine-through and conventional keycaps, a big suite of gaming options, and the power to tweak the actuation level of switches in .1mm increments.


Professionals & Cons
  • Magnetic switches really feel nice and allow gaming options
  • Keychron’s net launcher is best than ever
  • Stunning full metallic physique and mint-accented keycaps
  • No performance misplaced in ditching perform keys
  • Tender and silent keystrokes
  • Battery life is common
  • No selection of switches at checkout
  • No substitute switches included
  • Limitations to change hot-swapping

Worth and Availability

The Lemokey P2 HE retails for $170 and is available in three variants: black or white with shine-through keycaps, and black with mint-accented keycaps.

Included within the field is a USB-A 2.4 GHz receiver, a USB-A to USB-C cable, a dongle to connect the receiver to the cable, a hex key, a screwdriver, and a keycap/change puller. The shine-through keycap variants include an extra “esc” keycap, whereas the mint-accented variant comes with 14 additional keycaps.

Model

Keychron Lemokey

Wi-fi

Sure (2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.2)

Backlight

Sure (RGB)

Media Controls

Quantity dial

Battery

4,000 mAh

Num Pad

No

Change Sort

Magnetic (Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic Change)

Replaceable Keys

Sure

Variety of Keys

65

Appropriate Gadgets

PC, Mac

Wired operation

USB-C

Dimensions

12.51 x 4.57 inches

Materials

Full metallic

Keycaps

Cherry profile PBT (conventional or shine-through)

Inner Sound Dampening

Gasket mount

Wrist relaxation

No

Polling charge

1000 Hz

Format

65%

Adjustable Top

No

Software program Customization

Sure (net launcher)

Colours

Black, White

Scorching-swappable

Sure (restricted change choices)


When Smaller Is Higher

The Lemokey P2 HE on a desk with RGB on from above. Credit score: Tim Rattray / How-To Geek

My every day drivers over the previous 14 months (I’m counting) had been the mechanical Lemokey P1 Pro and the Lemokey P1 HE, its magnetic counterpart. I like these 75% keyboards for his or her eye-catching full metallic our bodies, satisfying switches, and tender sound dampening. Better of all, they arrive in at shockingly nice costs that beat way more costly keyboards by greater manufacturers, particularly when you think about the standard on provide.

On the identical time, I’ve discovered most different keyboards from Keychron’s Lemokey gaming model (and I’ve examined most of them) to stifle the blissful simplicity of the P1s. Fortunately, the Lemokey P2 HE utterly breaks this development. Not solely did it hit all the identical notes of its 75% siblings, however its extra compact dimension added surprising attraction.

Whereas I anticipated to overlook the perform keys, what I shortly realized is that it makes equal sense to make use of “Fn” alongside a corresponding numerical key to the identical ends. The rest may be sure to the Fn layer utilizing the online launcher, which means you don’t have to lose media management features (one thing the quantity dial already solves for). Since I primarily use my PC for gaming, I by no means use media controls, so I misplaced nearly nothing whereas gaining again desk house and the je ne sais quoi of typing on a stouter keyboard.

It is price noting that each the P1 HE and P2 HE got here in at $170. Put in any other case, you’re fairly actually paying the identical for much less right here. Whereas I do really feel the expertise of utilizing a trimmed keyboard justifies this “much less is extra” mentality, the P2 HE’s diminutive dimension ought to in all probability be mirrored in the associated fee, even when simply by a little bit.

Keychron High quality Continues to Impress

The volume dial and mint-accented keycaps on the right side on the Lemokey P2 HE. Credit score: Tim Rattray / How-To Geek

Keychron’s full-metal our bodies are the show-stopping trait that typifies the corporate’s craft, and the P2 HE isn’t any exception. This hunk of metallic is splendidly chilly to the contact and has some actual heft to it. You’re restricted to 1 typing angle—one thing you’ll wish to test in opposition to your individual preferences earlier than shopping for—however assuming it’s a match, there are few keyboards exterior the Keychron household extra good-looking than this one.

The Gateron double-rail magnetic switches that Keychron employs in its Lemokey lineup are sublimely easy. The gasket mount design additionally does plenty of heavy lifting in offering each keystroke a softness and silence that’ll thrill anybody seeking to minimize out key clacking. I find it irresistible, although there are two caveats to think about: this body is just suitable with Gateron magnetic switches, which severely limits hot-swapping, and solely one of many three suitable switches is out there at buy. If you need lighter or heavier switches, you’ll have to buy a set for an additional $36 and carry out the surgical procedure your self.

I additionally want to indicate some critical love for the keycaps. Going off different Lemokey fashions, the shine-through keycaps really feel splendidly trendy, however it’s the mint-accented keycaps that my check unit got here outfitted with that I actually fell for. The colorway is putting but subdued, and I personally desire it to the extra aggressive, “gamer-esque” reds utilized in previous fashions. The one disgrace is that there isn’t an equal for the white-framed keyboard.

Keychron sadly doesn’t embrace substitute switches prefer it used to, which can also be a small disgrace. Nevertheless, they make up for this by offering a bag filled with 14 various keycaps. That is nice in case you’re remapping keys or simply need a totally different shade format. The shine-through variant solely comes with one substitute, which is unlucky, although it makes some sense given their larger value of manufacturing.

No-Fuss Connectivity and Battery Life

The connection mode switch and 2.4 GHz adapter for the Lemokey P2 HE. Credit score: Tim Rattray / How-To Geek

The gang of ordinary connectivity choices is all right here: wired, 2.4 GHz wi-fi, and Bluetooth 5.2 (with three swappable profiles). All of them work like a appeal and may be toggled between utilizing a change on the again. Frankly, probably the most noteworthy factor in regards to the connectivity is that, by proxy of being smaller, the P2 HE can also be a bit lighter, making it much less strenuous to entry that change. It’s a small comfort to make sure, however given that you just’ll have to cost with regularity, it’s not insignificant.

Battery life is by far the best weak point of the P2 HE, and in case you’re utilizing any RGB backlighting in any respect, you’ll end up charging weekly with pretty common use. I’ve seen worse, and I’ve seen higher, so given what number of dwelling runs this keyboard hits within the different essential classes, it was straightforward to miss. It’s nearly some extent of reward to say that is the worst factor in regards to the keyboard. (However please, keyboard firms, put greater batteries in your keyboards. I’ll pay extra!)

One factor I did discover noteworthy is that whereas the P2 HE doesn’t make any strikes to enhance Keychron’s traditionally underwhelming RGB presentation, the smaller dimension does result in a barely extra impactful impact. Nonetheless, RGB fiends are going to wish to look elsewhere.

VIA Customization Receives a Glow-Up

Keychron’s net launcher for personalisation bought a brand new coat of paint that takes it from “practical by means of the tough edges” to suave and pristine. Each the visible format and enter suggestions have obtained large enhancements, outclassing most software program customization instruments I’ve used.

I’ll be sincere, I’ve undervalued VIA customization and bonafide on-board storage in different Keychron choices. Nevertheless, provided that firms with far extra money and assets hold failing in each of those classes to the purpose of rendering their products distinctly less usable, these options shouldn’t be taken as a right. The P2 HE shines brighter for having net customization, and it’s price taking the prospect on attempting it out once more if previous cruder variations turned you off of the idea.

The fundamentals you count on are all right here: key and layer mapping, macro creation, and light-weight RGB tinkering. Magnetic keyboards allow a complete suite of spectacular options that basically shine by means of customization although. Chief amongst these is the power to set the actuation factors of switches in increments of .1mm, and gaming options like final keystroke prioritization and a model of Snap Tap. There are additionally some extra area of interest choices, like simulation of an analog gamepad and assigning 4 inputs to 1 key. All of it provides as much as some of the strong suites of gaming options out there for magnetic keyboards.

Ought to You Purchase the Lemokey P2 HE?

The Lemokey P2 HE and its box on a couch. Credit score: Tim Rattray / How-To Geek

The Lemokey P2 HE is a simple high advice for anybody seeking to get a magnetic keyboard. In case your major use on your PC is gaming, you’re not prone to miss the devoted perform keys. And if you’ll, the P1 HE is identical keyboard with the perform keys intact.

Keychron Lemokey P2 HE. Credit score: Keychron

9/10

Model

Keychron Lemokey

Wi-fi

Sure (2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.2)

Backlight

Sure (RGB)

Media Controls

Quantity dial

The Lemokey P2 HE is a 65% magnetic keyboard that reaches an uncommonly small dimension by eradicating perform keys. It has full metallic physique, a selection between shine-through and conventional keycaps, a big suite of gaming options, and the power to tweak the actuation level of switches in .1mm increments.



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