KeebFinder
Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare Keychron C1 Pro vs K8 Pro Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two of Keychron's popular 80% Pro-series keyboards. The choice is difficult because both share core features like QMK/VIA support, hot-swappable sockets, and sound-dampening foam. The decision ultimately hinges on whether you prioritize the ultra-low latency of a wired-only connection or the convenience of wireless multi-device pairing.

90
Keychron C1 Pro 8K QMK Wired Custom Mechanical Keyboard
94
Keychron K8 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

Select a keyboard to compare

4.7 (7)
3.3 (56)
  • Released in 2023
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • 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 2022
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-SW, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-Nordic layout standard
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1146 g
  • Sized at 35 x 355 x 123 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Plastic, ABS case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, South-face, Rgb South-face, White South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 90.1
  • Build Quality: 81.4
  • Productivity: 94.5
  • Customizability: 89.2
  • Portability: 57.5
Scores
  • Performance: 81.4
  • Build Quality: 89.4
  • Productivity: 94.6
  • Customizability: 97.2
  • Portability: 73.1
Name
Keychron C1 Pro
Name
Keychron K8 Pro
Release year
2023
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
80%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-SW, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-Nordic
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
8000 Hz;1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Tray Mount
Mount Style
Tray Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, South-face, White South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Case Material
Aluminum, Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
20 x 357 x 131 mm
Dimensions
35 x 355 x 123 mm
Weight
830g
Weight
1146g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If your priority is the lowest possible latency for gaming or you want a lightweight, high-value wired keyboard, the Keychron C1 Pro is the better option. If you need the flexibility to connect wirelessly to multiple devices, prefer a sturdier metal build, or require an ISO layout, the Keychron K8 Pro is worth the investment.

Keychron C1 Pro

  • +Adjustable 8000 Hz polling rate for ultra-low latency.
  • +Lighter weight (830g) and slimmer profile for easier portability.
  • +Includes sound absorbing foam, EPDM foam, and a silicone bottom pad according to its listing.
  • +Consistently comes with hot-swappable sockets and PBT keycaps.
  • +Generally available at a lower price point.
  • −Wired-only connectivity, no wireless option.
  • −All-plastic construction (case and plate).
  • −Limited to ANSI layout, no ISO options.

Keychron K8 Pro

  • +Bluetooth 5.1 wireless and wired USB-C connectivity.
  • +Available with an aluminum frame and a steel plate.
  • +Offers extensive ISO layout support for multiple regions.
  • +Available in a barebone kit for custom builds.
  • +Includes a 4000mAh rechargeable battery.
  • −Heavier at 1146g, partly due to the battery and metal components.
  • −Lower 1000 Hz polling rate compared to the C1 Pro's 8000 Hz.
  • −Some fully assembled versions are not hot-swappable and lack sound foam, as noted by the vendor.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The C1 Pro is the clear pick for wired gaming due to its high polling rate, and it's also more portable. The K8 Pro wins for office use, content creation, and modding thanks to its wireless features, battery, barebone option, and international layouts. For programming, both are equally capable due to their shared firmware and customization suites.

GamingKeychron C1 Pro
  • •The C1 Pro offers an adjustable 8000 Hz polling rate for lower latency.
  • •It is a dedicated wired connection, eliminating potential wireless interference.
  • •The vendor description emphasizes its 'game-changing speed' for competitive play.
OfficeKeychron K8 Pro
  • •The K8 Pro supports Bluetooth 5.1 for connecting to up to three devices.
  • •Its wireless design reduces cable clutter on a desk.
  • •It offers extensive ISO layout options for international users.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both keyboards feature full QMK and VIA support for deep key remapping.
  • •Both use south-facing RGB LEDs compatible with Cherry-profile keycaps.
  • •Both include sound-dampening foam and screw-in stabilizers for a better typing feel.
TravelKeychron C1 Pro
  • •The C1 Pro is significantly lighter at 830g compared to the K8 Pro's 1146g.
  • •Its lower profile (20mm height) may be easier to pack.
  • •A wired-only keyboard has no battery to manage or charge while traveling.
ModdingKeychron K8 Pro
  • •The K8 Pro is available in a barebone kit version without switches or keycaps.
  • •It features a steel plate and an optional aluminum frame case material.
  • •It supports multiple mounting styles including PCB mount, offering more flexibility.
Content CreationKeychron K8 Pro
  • •Wireless connectivity allows easy switching between a computer and a tablet.
  • •The 4000mAh battery supports long wireless usage sessions.
  • •Multi-device Bluetooth pairing is useful for workflows involving multiple machines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

97
$44
Keychron V1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron V1
75%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

92
$69
Keychron K4 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron K4 Pro
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

96
$54
Keychron V3 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3
80%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

68
$59
Keychron K8 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron K8
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

93
$59
Keychron Q2 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q2
65%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

96
$49
Keychron V5 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron V5
96%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

86
$67
Keychron K1 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K1 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

98
$44
Keychron V6 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V6
100%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

97
$59
Keychron Q3 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q3
80%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

94
$67
Keychron K2 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron K2 Pro
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount