Keychron C0 HE vs C140% Gaming Pad or 80% Workhorse?
Choose the Keychron C0 HE for a dedicated gaming edge and speed, or the Keychron C1 for a full typing layout and broader compatibility at a lower cost.
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4.0 (10)4.0 · 10 reviews
from$59at Keychron
4.8 (180)4.8 · 180 reviews
from$39at Keychron
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron C0 HE
Hall effect
Build quality in the bottom 45% of 40% boards under $150.
- Ultra-fast 8000 Hz polling rate for low latency in competitive games.
- One-handed 35-key design provides extra mouse space for gaming.
- Hall Effect magnetic switches allow for adjustable actuation points.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- Compact layout only. No function row, dedicated arrow keys, or numpad.
Get the
Keychron C1
Build quality in the top 50% of 80% boards under $100.
- Full 87-key tenkeyless layout includes dedicated arrow keys and function row.
- Highly rated by users with a 4.8/5 average from 180 reviews.
- Hot-swap socket (on select versions) is compatible with almost all MX-style switches.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- No numpad.
If your primary goal is competitive gaming and you have no need for a full typing layout, the Keychron C0 HE offers unmatched speed with its 8000 Hz polling and magnetic switches. However, for most users who need a keyboard for both work and play, the Keychron C1 provides a far more versatile, proven, and well-reviewed experience at a potentially lower cost. Your decision comes down to needing a specialized gaming tool versus a reliable daily workhorse.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Keychron C0 HE
Keychron C1
Layout size
40%
80%
Hall effect (magnetic)
Yes
No
Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing
Max polling rate
8,000 Hz
1,000 Hz
Higher polling helps competitive FPS and does nothing for typing
Case material
Plastic
ABS, Plastic
Switch options
Clicky, Linear, Magnetic, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
- Keychron C0 HE
- Keychron C1
- Performance
- 8566
- Build quality
- 5862
- Productivity
- 6077
- Customizability
- 6275
- Portability
- 6859
- Connection: Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Mount style: Tray Mount
- Keycaps: ABS
What will you mostly use it for?
The Keychron C0 HE is a clear winner for gaming due to its high polling rate and specialized design. For office, programming, and content creation tasks, the Keychron C1's full tenkeyless layout and typing-oriented features make it the better choice. In travel and modding, the choice is tied, as each product has unique benefits and significant limitations in those areas. Overall, the C1 is the versatile all-rounder, while the C0 HE is a performance-focused specialist.
Pick the Keychron C0 HE
- 8000 Hz polling rate offers a potential latency advantage over the C1's 1000 Hz.
- Dedicated 35-key one-handed design frees desk space for mouse movements.
- Hall Effect magnetic switches with adjustable actuation points for responsive control.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron C0 HE
10 owner reviews
“The layout is more comfortable than the razor. The pad isn't very soft and it would be nice if it had a tilt adjustment. I like that it includes shine through keycaps unlike their backlit keyboards. I'm happy I bought it.”
“Make it ortholinear or columnar staggered and I'll buy it. I have an ageing Razor Nostromo and I want to replace it with something that has real Linux support (and the ZSA Moonlander it too expensive).”
Keychron C1
180 owner reviews
“This is my first mechanical keyboard. It is a fantastic keyboard and a fantastic typing experience. It seems extremely well built as well. Highly recommended.”
Keychron C0 HE vs C1 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
11 of 21 specs differ
Keychron C0 HE
Keychron C1
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Keychron C0 HE vs C1: your questions
The Keychron C0 HE uses OEM profile shine-through double-shot ABS keycaps. While these are standard MX-style stems and can be replaced with most aftermarket keycaps, the non-standard 40% layout means you will need a specific keycap set or individual keys to cover the 35-key arrangement.
Yes, the Keychron C1 is suitable for gaming. It uses standard mechanical switches and has a 1000 Hz polling rate. However, it does not have the ultra-fast 8000 Hz polling rate or the specialized one-handed design of the C0 HE, so it is better suited for casual or general gaming rather than competitive esports.
Yes, the Keychron C0 HE is compatible with both macOS and Windows, as well as Linux. It includes support for these systems and can be configured using the Keychron Launcher web app.
The Keychron C1 is available with several switch options including Gateron G Pro Mechanical switches (Red, Blue, Brown) and Keychron Mechanical switches. Some versions are hot-swappable, allowing you to replace them with almost any MX-style 3-pin or 5-pin mechanical switch.
Yes, the Keychron C0 HE is hot-swappable, but it is only compatible with Keychron Ultra-fast Lime Magnetic Switches. It does not support other magnetic switches like the Gateron Magnetic Jade or Gateron KS-20.
The Keychron C0 HE is lighter at 450 grams compared to the Keychron C1 at 685 grams. However, both are wired-only keyboards, so their portability depends on your use case. The C0 HE's one-handed design is only useful as a gaming add-on, while the C1 is a full keyboard.
Yes, the Keychron C1 is available in an RGB Backlight version that features 18 types of RGB lighting effects. It also comes in a White Backlight and a Non-Backlight version.
You can program the Keychron C0 HE using the Keychron Launcher, which is a web-based app. It allows you to remap keys, adjust actuation points, and set macros. It works on Chrome, Opera, and Edge browsers.
No, the Keychron C1 does not come with a wrist rest. However, it features an inclined bottom frame to improve typing ergonomics. The Keychron C0 HE, in contrast, includes an integrated silicone palm rest.
The main difference is their purpose. The Keychron C0 HE is a niche one-handed gaming keypad with a 40% layout, Hall Effect switches, and an 8000 Hz polling rate for speed. The Keychron C1 is a standard 80% tenkeyless mechanical keyboard designed for typing and general use.
Not sold on either?
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