Compare Keychron C1 Pro vs V1 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two wired, enthusiast-grade Keychron keyboards. The choice is difficult because both offer QMK/VIA firmware, hot-swap sockets, and south-facing RGB. The C1 Pro is a TKL with a high 8000Hz polling rate, while the V1 is a 75% board with a more compact layout, optional knob, and broader layout support. Your decision hinges on prioritizing raw speed versus space efficiency and extra controls.

Model
	93	98	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	4.8 stars (9 reviews)	2.4 stars (62 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2023 Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options Available in a 80% layout Built with the ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-IT, ANSI layout standard Runs at a 8000 Hz polling rate Weighs about 830 g Sized at 20 x 357 x 131 mm Features PBT keycaps	Released in 2022 Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options Available in a 75% layout Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK layout standard Provides dedicated media keys Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate Weighs about 995 g Sized at 18 x 149 x 329 mm Features PBT, ABS keycaps
Score	Scores Performance: 90.9 Build Quality: 82.8 Productivity: 97.7 Customizability: 92.3 Portability: 57.6	Scores Performance: 91.3 Build Quality: 89.2 Productivity: 97.9 Customizability: 99.4 Portability: 64.7
Name	Name Keychron C1 Pro	Name Keychron V1
Release year	Release year 2023	Release year 2022
Switch Options	Switch Options Tactile, Linear, 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 75%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-IT, ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK
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;8000 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, South-face, White, White South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Plastic, ABS	Case Material Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT, ABS
Dimensions	Dimensions 20 x 357 x 131 mm	Dimensions 18 x 149 x 329 mm
Weight	Weight 830g	Weight 995g

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Pros and Trade-offs

Select the Keychron C1 Pro if your main focus is competitive gaming and you value the potential latency edge of an 8000Hz polling rate. For virtually all other uses—including general productivity, programming, content creation, and custom keyboard building—the Keychron V1 is the more versatile choice due to its smarter 75% layout, optional knob, and excellent modding platform.

Keychron C1 Pro

+Features an adjustable 8000Hz polling rate for high-speed responsiveness.
+Includes sound dampening with EPDM foam and a silicone bottom pad for a thocky sound.
+Offers three adjustable typing angles (4.8°, 8.5°, 10.7°) for ergonomics.
+Uses OSA profile double-shot PBT keycaps for durability and a specific typing feel.

−Uses a basic tray mount design and a plastic plate.
−Lacks a programmable knob or multimedia controls.
−Only available in ANSI layout, with no ISO options.

Keychron V1

+Compact 75% layout saves desk space while keeping arrow and function keys.
+Offers a version with a programmable aluminum rotary encoder (knob).
+Available as a fully assembled board or a barebones DIY kit.
+Supports a wide array of international ISO layouts (UK, DE, Nordic, etc.).
+Features screw-in PCB stabilizers and options for a steel or polycarbonate plate.

−Default polling rate is listed as 1000Hz, lower than the C1 Pro's maximum.
−Some configurations may come with ABS keycaps instead of PBT.
−Has a lower default typing angle (4°) compared to the C1 Pro.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The V1 wins in most categories due to its versatile 75% layout, programmable knob, and strong modding foundation with barebones kits and screw-in stabilizers. The C1 Pro's primary advantage is its 8000Hz polling rate, making it the clear pick for competitive gaming where every millisecond counts. For office work, programming, and content creation, the V1's space efficiency and extra controls are more beneficial.

GamingKeychron C1 Pro

•The C1 Pro offers an adjustable 8000Hz polling rate for potentially lower latency.
•Its TKL layout provides dedicated arrow and navigation keys without a full-size footprint.

OfficeKeychron V1

•The V1's 75% layout saves more desk space while retaining essential keys.
•Its programmable knob can be mapped to volume, scrolling, or other productivity macros.
•It offers extensive ISO layout options for international users.

ProgrammingKeychron V1

•The compact 75% layout of the V1 frees up desk space for a mouse or notepad.
•The programmable knob offers quick control over scrolling or IDE functions.
•Screw-in PCB stabilizers on the V1 may provide a more consistent typing feel on large keys.

TravelKeychron V1

•The V1 has a smaller footprint (328 x 148 mm) compared to the C1 Pro (357 x 131 mm).
•It is slightly heavier (995g vs 830g), but its more compact dimensions may fit better in a bag.

ModdingKeychron V1

•The V1 is available as a barebones kit, allowing you to choose your own switches and keycaps from the start.
•It features a steel plate option and screw-in PCB stabilizers for easier customization.
•It supports a gasket mount style according to its metadata, which can offer a different typing feel.

Content CreationKeychron V1

•The V1's programmable knob is highly useful for timeline scrubbing, brush size adjustment, or volume control.
•Its compact layout maximizes space for a graphics tablet or other peripherals.