Compare Keychron C1 Pro vs C2 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two wired Keychron C-series keyboards: the compact 80% C1 Pro and the full-size 100% C2. The decision is difficult because both share a similar plastic tray-mount build, hot-swappable support, and a budget-friendly price, but they differ dramatically in layout size, polling rate, firmware features, and included accessories. The C1 Pro offers an 8000 Hz polling rate, QMK/VIA support, and PBT keycaps, while the C2 provides a dedicated numpad, a lower starting price point, and a much larger user review base. Understanding these trade-offs is key to picking the right board for your daily use.

Model
	90	-25% off 70	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	4.7 stars (7 reviews)	4.8 stars (214 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2023 Available in a 80% layout 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 Features PBT keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting	Released in 2020 Available in a 100% layout Provides dedicated media keys Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate Features ABS keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 90.1 Build Quality: 81.4 Productivity: 94.5 Customizability: 89.2 Portability: 57.5	Scores Performance: 61.9 Build Quality: 60.1 Productivity: 74.5 Customizability: 73.4 Portability: 47.1
Name	Name Keychron C1 Pro	Name Keychron C2
Release year	Release year 2023	Release year 2020
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 80%	Layout Size 100%
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, North-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Plastic, ABS	Case Material Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material ABS
Dimensions	Dimensions 20 x 357 x 131 mm	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight 830g	Weight -

*Something incorrect or missing? Please

let me know

!

Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice hinges on layout and speed. For high-speed gaming, deep programmability, and a compact desk-friendly size, the Keychron C1 Pro with its 8000 Hz polling, QMK support, and PBT keycaps is the clear winner. If your work requires a full number pad and you are less concerned with firmware customization, the Keychron C2 offers a reliable, full-featured keyboard at a lower price point with proven user satisfaction. Buy the C1 Pro for performance and control; buy the C2 for classic full-size value.

Keychron C1 Pro

+Full QMK and VIA support with the Keychron Launcher web configurator for unlimited custom key mapping.
+Adjustable 8000 Hz polling rate for ultra-low latency compared to standard 1000 Hz keyboards.
+Comes with PBT keycaps in an OSA profile, providing oil resistance and an SA-like shape for comfort.
+Three-level adjustable typing angle (4.8, 8.5, and 10.7 degrees) for ergonomic comfort.
+Includes advanced sound dampening materials: EPDM foam, bottom case acoustic foam, and a silicone bottom pad.

−Lacks a dedicated number pad, which is less efficient for data entry and accounting tasks.
−Wired-only connectivity limits placement flexibility compared to wireless options.
−ABS construction and plastic plate may feel less premium than metal alternatives.
−Plate-mounted stabilizers (as per specs) can feel less stable than screw-in stabs on other boards.

Keychron C2

+Full 104-key layout with a dedicated number pad is ideal for office productivity and spreadsheet work.
+Includes 12 dedicated multimedia keys for convenient volume and media control.
+Available in multiple backlight options (non-backlit, white, RGB) and switch configurations to fit any budget.
+Has a much larger review base (214 reviews) with a high average rating of 4.8/5 stars.

−Polling rate is standard 1000 Hz, offering no latency advantage over most competitors.
−Uses ABS keycaps, which are more prone to shine and wear over time compared to PBT.
−Lacks QMK, VIA, or any on-board programmable firmware, limiting customization to pre-set lighting and multimedia keys.
−Some user reviews note that the USB-C port recess may not fit all third-party cables securely.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron C1 Pro wins the majority of use cases, dominating in Gaming, Programming, Travel, Modding, and Content Creation due to its high 8000 Hz polling rate and superior QMK/VIA programmability. The Keychron C2 only wins in the Office category, where its full-size layout and dedicated numpad provide a clear productivity advantage for number-heavy tasks. The C1 Pro's PBT keycaps, sound dampening, and south-facing RGB give it an edge in build refinement, while the C2 appeals to users who prioritize a traditional full-size layout and lower entry price at the cost of firmware flexibility and speed.

GamingKeychron C1 Pro

•An 8000 Hz adjustable polling rate (125 Hz to 8000 Hz) enables faster input registration and lower latency.
•Includes sound dampening foam (EPDM and silicone pad) for a quieter, more focused gaming experience.
•TKL design saves desk space for mouse movement.

OfficeKeychron C2

•Full 104-key layout with a dedicated number pad is more efficient for spreadsheet work and data entry.
•Includes 12 multimedia keys for quick volume and playback control.
•Available in a wider range of configurations, including non-backlit and white backlit versions.

ProgrammingKeychron C1 Pro

•Full QMK and VIA support allow for deep key remapping, custom layers, and macros.
•The Keychron Launcher web app provides easy per-key customization without software installation.
•PBT keycaps offer superior oil resistance and a textured feel for long coding sessions.

TravelKeychron C1 Pro

•80% (TKL) form factor is more compact than the full-size C2, fitting easier into bags.
•Lighter overall design, weighing 830g compared to the larger C2.

ModdingKeychron C1 Pro

•QMK and VIA support provides unlimited firmware-level modification and custom layouts.
•Includes advanced sound dampening (EPDM foam, silicone bottom pad) that modders can build upon.
•South-facing RGB LEDs avoid interference with Cherry-profile custom keycaps.

Content CreationKeychron C1 Pro

•QMK support allows for complex macro and shortcut programming for video and photo editing workflows.
•8000 Hz polling ensures lower latency for time-sensitive editing precision.
•TKL size frees up space for a drawing tablet or audio interface.