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

Compare Keychron C1 Pro vs Lemokey X1 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two wired 80% Keychron boards that share similar features but target different budgets. The decision is tough because both are hot-swappable, support QMK/VIA, and offer sound dampening. However, the C1 Pro focuses on competitive speed with an 8000 Hz polling rate and south-facing RGB, while the Lemokey X1 offers a more affordable entry point with a steel plate and red backlight.

91
Keychron C1 Pro 8K QMK Wired Custom Mechanical Keyboard
88
Lemokey X1 QMK/VIA Wired Mechanical Keyboard

Select a keyboard to compare

4.7 (7)
0.0 (0)
  • Released in 2023
  • 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 2024
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Weighs about 837 g
  • Sized at 37 x 357 x 129 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Plastic case
  • Features ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 90.1
  • Build Quality: 81.5
  • Productivity: 94.5
  • Customizability: 89.3
  • Portability: 57.5
Scores
  • Performance: 75.4
  • Build Quality: 83
  • Productivity: 95.4
  • Customizability: 89.4
  • Portability: 58.3
Name
Keychron C1 Pro
Name
Keychron Lemokey X1
Release year
2023
Release year
2024
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
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
Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate
8000 Hz;1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
-
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
 
North-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Case Material
ABS, Plastic
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
ABS
Dimensions
20 x 357 x 131 mm
Dimensions
37 x 357 x 129 mm
Weight
830g
Weight
837g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice depends on what matters most: for faster input speeds just pick the C1 Pro because only it features an 8000 Hz polling rate alongside PBT keycaps and south-facing RGB. If you like a firmer typing platform and a lower price, the Lemokey X1 with its steel plate and red backlight is a solid wired alternative. Both keyboards are hot-swappable and fully programmable via QMK and VIA, so either way you get great customization.

Keychron C1 Pro

  • +Features an 8000 Hz polling rate, adjustable down to 125 Hz, providing the lowest latency in wired keyboards.
  • +Comes with durable PBT keycaps that resist oil and fading better than ABS.
  • +Uses south-facing RGB LEDs, allowing interference-free use with Cherry profile aftermarket keycaps.
  • +Built-in advanced sound dampening with EPDM foam and silicone bottom pad for a softer typing sound.
  • −The plastic plate may feel less rigid compared to a steel plate for heavy typists.
  • −Uses non-shine-through PBT keycaps, meaning the south-facing RGB is less visible in bright conditions.

Keychron Lemokey X1

  • +Has a steel plate that provides a firmer and more stable typing feel.
  • +Comes with shine-through double-shot ABS keycaps and a red backlight for better visibility in low light.
  • +Includes pre-lubed Keychron mechanical switches (excluding clicky variants) for smoother typing out of the box.
  • +Offers three cable routing options on the bottom case for cleaner desk setups.
  • −ABS keycaps are more prone to developing a shiny, greasy appearance over time compared to PBT.
  • −The north-facing red LED backlight may cause interference with some Cherry profile keycaps if replaced.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron C1 Pro wins in gaming, modding, and content creation thanks to its 8000 Hz polling rate, south-facing RGB, and PBT keycaps. The Lemokey X1 takes the lead for programming due to its firmer steel plate and optional acoustic foam. For office, travel, and general use, both keyboards tie because they share the same layout, sound dampening, and platform compatibility. The C1 Pro is the better choice for users who prioritize speed and customization, while the Lemokey X1 offers value with a robust build.

GamingKeychron C1 Pro
  • •Offers a maximum polling rate of 8000 Hz, adjustable from 125Hz, for ultra-low latency compared to the Lemokey X1's fixed 1000 Hz.
  • •Features south-facing RGB LEDs that do not interfere with Cherry profile keycaps, providing better lighting for gaming setups.
  • •Uses PBT keycaps, which are more resistant to wear from intense gaming sessions than ABS keycaps.
OfficeTie
  • •Both keyboards feature an 80% TKL layout ideal for saving desk space while maintaining essential keys.
  • •Both include sound dampening foam (EPDM foam and silicone pad on C1 Pro; acoustic foam on Lemokey X1) that reduces noise in shared spaces.
  • •Both have a system toggle for macOS and Windows, supporting dual-platform office environments.
  • •Both feature screw-in stabilizers, which provide more stable keypresses for typing.
ProgrammingKeychron Lemokey X1
  • •The steel plate on the Lemokey X1 provides a firmer typing feel and more consistent feedback compared to the plastic plate on the C1 Pro.
  • •Uses OEM profile shine-through double-shot ABS keycaps, which are common and easy to replace, offering predictable feel.
  • •Included acoustic foam mod kit as standard helps reduce resonance, creating a quieter environment for concentration.
TravelTie
  • •Both have nearly identical dimensions and weight (C1 Pro: 830 g, 357x131 mm; Lemokey X1: 837 g, 357x129 mm), offering similar portability.
  • •Both are wired-only keyboards, meaning no battery management is required during travel.
  • •Both come with detachable USB-C cables, making packing simpler.
  • •The identical 80% layout ensures both fit in standard laptop bags.
ModdingKeychron C1 Pro
  • •South-facing RGB LEDs on the C1 Pro avoid interference with Cherry profile aftermarket keycaps, a major consideration for modifiers.
  • •Uses PBT keycaps out of the box, which are more durable and easier to revert if initial modding goes wrong.
  • •Vendor sells replacement keycaps and palm rests specifically listed for the C1 Pro, expanding customization options.
  • •Adjustable polling rate (125 Hz to 8000 Hz) via firmware offers more tinkering possibilities for performance mods.
Content CreationKeychron C1 Pro
  • •South-facing RGB lighting provides more uniform illumination under non-shine-through PBT keycaps, better for creators who need consistent lighting for video or photo shoots.
  • •Includes advanced sound absorbing foam (EPDM foam and silicone bottom pad) for a more refined acoustic profile that may appeal to ASMR-sensitive creators.
  • •PBT keycaps resist oil and fading better over long editing sessions, maintaining a clean appearance.
  • •Fully programmable macros via QMK, VIA, and Keychron Launcher for streamlining editing workflows.

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

89
$40
Keychron C3 Pro 8K QMK Wired Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron C3 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket 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

79
$36
SKYLOONG GK75 Rainbow Mechanical Knob Keyboard
Skyloong GK75
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

94
$59
Keychron K8 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron K8 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

91
$39
Keychron V4 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V4
60%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

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

69
$40
Foundation Mechanical Keyboard
Lofree Foundation
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
White LEDs,
Gasket 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

68
$40
Lipstick Mechanical Keyboard
Lofree Lipstick
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
White LEDs,
Gasket Mount