Compare Keychron C1 Pro vs C1 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Keychron's two wired TKL keyboards. The choice hinges on whether the premium features of the C1 Pro justify its higher cost over the simpler C1. Both share a hot-swappable design and 80% layout, but diverge significantly in firmware support, acoustic tuning, and performance specs.

Model
	90	-29% off 70	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	4.7 stars (7 reviews)	4.8 stars (180 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2023 Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options Supports QMK firmware Supports VIA configuration Features N-key rollover Includes screw-in stabilizers Has built-in sound dampening Runs at a 8000 Hz polling rate Weighs about 830 g Sized at 20 x 357 x 131 mm Made with a Plastic, ABS case Features PBT keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting	Released in 2020 Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear switch options Provides dedicated media keys Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate Weighs about 685 g Sized at 27 x 130 x 357 mm Made with a ABS, Plastic case Features ABS keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 90.2 Build Quality: 81.4 Productivity: 94.5 Customizability: 89 Portability: 57.5	Scores Performance: 62.3 Build Quality: 60.8 Productivity: 74.8 Customizability: 74 Portability: 58.2
Name	Name Keychron C1 Pro	Name Keychron C1
Release year	Release year 2023	Release year 2020
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky	Switch Options Clicky, Tactile, Linear
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 80%	Layout Size 80%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Wired, Wired only	Connection Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 8000 Hz;1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity -
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Tray Mount	Mount Style Tray Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face	Backlight Rgb, White, North-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Plastic, ABS	Case Material ABS, Plastic
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material ABS
Dimensions	Dimensions 20 x 357 x 131 mm	Dimensions 27 x 130 x 357 mm
Weight	Weight 830g	Weight 685g

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Pros and Trade-offs

The Keychron C1 Pro is the upgrade pick for users who prioritize cutting-edge responsiveness, extensive programmability, and a better out-of-box typing experience. The standard Keychron C1 remains a solid, value-oriented TKL for those who want a simple, hot-swappable mechanical keyboard without the premium features. Your budget and need for 8000Hz polling or QMK customization should guide your final decision.

Keychron C1 Pro

+Adjustable 8000 Hz polling rate for high-performance gaming.
+Full QMK and VIA support for deep key remapping and macros.
+Includes PBT keycaps, screw-in stabilizers, and multiple foam layers for sound dampening.
+South-facing RGB LEDs prevent interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.
+Offers three adjustable typing angles for ergonomics.

−Heavier at 830g, making it less portable.
−Likely commands a higher price than the base C1 model.
−Lacks a dedicated wireless connectivity option.

Keychron C1

+More affordable entry point into a hot-swappable TKL keyboard.
+Lighter weight of 685g is better for portability.
+Available in non-backlit, white backlight, and RGB backlight versions.
+Includes multimedia keys for quick media control.

−Uses ABS keycaps which may develop shine over time.
−Limited to a 1000 Hz polling rate.
−Lacks advanced firmware support like QMK or VIA.
−North-facing RGB LEDs can interfere with some Cherry-profile keycaps.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The C1 Pro is the clear choice for performance-focused gaming, heavy customization, and programming due to its high polling rate and QMK support. The standard C1 wins for travel purely on its lower weight. For office use, the decision comes down to valuing the C1 Pro's premium materials against the C1's lower cost. Content creators and modders will find significantly more tools and tuning potential with the C1 Pro.

GamingKeychron C1 Pro

•The C1 Pro offers an adjustable 8000 Hz polling rate for lower latency.
•Its south-facing RGB LEDs avoid interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.
•The listing mentions sound-absorbing foam for a quieter environment.

OfficeTie

•Both have a TKL layout that saves desk space.
•Both include Mac and Windows keycaps and support.
•The C1 Pro's PBT keycaps may resist shine longer, while the C1 is a more budget-conscious option.

ProgrammingKeychron C1 Pro

•The C1 Pro supports QMK and VIA for extensive key remapping and macros.
•Its adjustable typing angle (4.8°, 8.5°, 10.7°) offers more ergonomic flexibility.
•PBT keycaps provide a more durable typing surface.

TravelKeychron C1

•The Keychron C1 is lighter at 685g compared to the C1 Pro's 830g.
•Both have the same TKL footprint, but the lighter weight of the C1 is an advantage for portability.

ModdingKeychron C1 Pro

•The C1 Pro includes screw-in stabilizers and multiple foam layers (sound absorbing, bottom case acoustic, EPDM, silicone pad) for easier acoustic tuning.
•Full QMK and VIA support allows for deep firmware customization.
•South-facing RGB and PBT keycaps offer a better base for aftermarket keycap sets.

Content CreationKeychron C1 Pro

•QMK/VIA support on the C1 Pro enables complex macros for editing software.
•The higher 8000 Hz polling rate can benefit precise timeline scrubbing.
•The manufacturer describes a 'thocky' typing sound which some creators prefer for audio.