Lenovo launches new 8kHz magnetic keyboard with customized Legion switches

Lenovo has launched a new magnetic gaming keyboard in China, the Legion R9. It comes with a compact 68-key layout, and the company is offering two switch options. One of them is a customized version of Huano Classic HiFi Latte.

There's not much difference from the regular version of the magnetic switch, with the flux staying at 550Gs and the actuation force at around 35gf. Lenovo claims that the joint customization has enhanced the lifespan, from 100 million to 120 million actuations.

The company further highlights that the Legion R9 gaming keyboard comes with a "6-layer HiFi" inner core to offer better typing sound, but there's no mention of the sound profile. However, the Huano Classif HiFi switches are known to lean towards a deep and low-pitched "thock" sound.

Moving beyond the switches, this Lenovo magnetic gaming keyboard is available only in a wired version, but the good news is that it supports an 8K polling rate. The company says that the Neptune MCU inside ensures 0.1ms latency, which should lead to a very responsive gaming experience.

As for the build, Lenovo says the keyboard has an aluminum alloy shell, which means it will be relatively heavy, similar to the MonsGeek Fun 60 Ultra we reviewed. There's a total of 150 ARGB LEDs throughout the keyboard, and a slanted RGB bar on the bottom.

Other highlights include a quick polling rate switching through the FN button, an option between Legion-themed front-printed or transparent keycaps, and availability in two colorways. The Legion R9 costs CNY 999 in China, around $149, and while there's no word on the global launch yet, Lenovo has a good track record of launching Legion-branded accessories outside China. For those looking for something similar, the Aula Hero 68 XS 8K dual-mode wireless can be a good pick (curr. $73.99 on Amazon).