Keychron’s new one-handed gaming keypad is good, however not $160 good

I really like one-handed gaming keypads. I really like them a lot that I even made my very own as a result of I couldn’t discover one which had all of the options I would like. So I’m thrilled at any time when I see a brand new, ultra-premium possibility in the marketplace… even when it isn’t fairly what I’m on the lookout for.

Say hi there to the Lemokey L0 HE by Keychron. That is ostensibly a premium various to the Lemokey X0, the corporate’s earlier try at a one-handed gaming keypad. However this one is much more blinged out, extra akin to the Keychron Q sequence of keyboards.

It’s acquired a chunky full-aluminum physique, magnetic switches for adjustable actuation, and fancy PBT keycaps that also showcase some RGB bling due to some clear home windows. You additionally get a snazzy scrolling knob, a number of ranges of inside foam, programming choices through a browser software, and the detachable USB-C cable lacking within the authentic design.

But it surely has a price ticket of $160. Holy freakin’ crap. I get that this factor has premium supplies and it’s a distinct segment product, however that’s 100 and sixty simoleons for primarily half a gaming keyboard. It positive doesn’t assist that it’s lacking a wrist relaxation—important for this manner issue, whether or not built-in or discrete—and it doesn’t have an possibility for wi-fi.

Mixed with restricted choices for these semi-proprietary switches and Lemokey’s incapacity to program settings for particular person video games, I can’t say I’m speeding to purchase one. Razer’s Tartarus Professional pad is cheaper with extra choices… and sure, I’m conscious that that’s an extraordinarily uncommon factor to say about any Razer product.