Compare Keychron C1 vs C2 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Keychron's two most affordable wired mechanical keyboards. The choice is difficult because both share identical core features like hot-swap sockets, 1000Hz polling, and RGB lighting, making the layout the primary differentiator. Your decision hinges entirely on whether you value a smaller footprint or need the numeric keypad for data entry or specific software.

Model
	-29% off 70	-25% off 70	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	4.8 stars (180 reviews)	4.8 stars (214 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear switch options Available in a 80% layout Weighs about 685 g Sized at 27 x 130 x 357 mm Made with a ABS, Plastic case Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting	Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options Available in a 100% layout Made with a Plastic, ABS case Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 62.2 Build Quality: 60.6 Productivity: 74.6 Customizability: 73.8 Portability: 58.1	Scores Performance: 62 Build Quality: 60.5 Productivity: 74.4 Customizability: 73.6 Portability: 46.9
Name	Name Keychron C1	Name Keychron C2
Release year	Release year 2020	Release year 2020
Switch Options	Switch Options Clicky, Tactile, Linear	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 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, White, North-face	Backlight Rgb, North-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material ABS, Plastic	Case Material Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material ABS	Keycaps Material ABS
Dimensions	Dimensions 27 x 130 x 357 mm	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight 685g	Weight -

*Something incorrect or missing? Please

let me know

!

Pros and Trade-offs

Your desk space and need for a number pad are the deciding factors. The Keychron C1 is the better all-rounder for gamers, travelers, and those with limited space. The Keychron C2 is the specialized tool for accountants, data analysts, and anyone who inputs numbers regularly. Since their performance, build, and modding potential are otherwise matched, confidently choose based on layout.

Keychron C1

+Compact tenkeyless layout saves substantial desk space.
+Lighter weight and smaller dimensions enhance portability.
+Frees up mousepad area for gaming.
+Includes double-shot ABS keycaps on backlit versions for durable legends.
+Hot-swappable versions support a wide range of MX-style switches.

−Lacks a dedicated number pad, requiring a separate device or using a function layer for numeric entry.
−The ABS plastic case may feel less premium than aluminum alternatives.
−Wired-only connectivity limits placement options.

Keychron C2

+Full-size layout includes a dedicated number pad for efficient data entry.
+Includes a dedicated Siri/Cortana key for voice assistant access.
+All essential keys are present without requiring function layer combinations.
+Hot-swappable versions offer easy switch customization without soldering.
+Shares the same 1000Hz polling rate and RGB lighting options as the C1.

−Large footprint requires a spacious desk and limits mouse movement area.
−Heavier and less portable than the tenkeyless C1.
−Wired-only connection, with some user reviews noting a potentially finicky USB-C port recess.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The C2 is the clear choice for office work and content creation where a number pad is non-negotiable. The C1 wins for gaming and travel due to its space-saving tenkeyless form factor. For programming and modding, the keyboards are functionally identical beyond layout, making it a tie based on personal workspace preference. Your primary task will dictate the winner.

GamingKeychron C1

•The C1's tenkeyless layout frees up more mousepad space for low-sensitivity gaming.
•Its smaller 685g weight and 357mm width make it easier to reposition on a desk.
•Both share the same 1000Hz polling rate for responsive inputs.

OfficeKeychron C2

•The C2's full-size layout with a dedicated number pad is essential for data entry and accounting tasks.
•It includes a dedicated Siri or Cortana key, as noted in its description.
•Both offer 12 multimedia keys and Mac/Windows support for a shared office environment.

ProgrammingTie

•Both keyboards offer the same hot-swappable PCB for customizing switch feel.
•Both use OEM profile ABS keycaps and have identical switch options (Red, Blue, Brown).
•Layout preference is personal; some prefer the C1's compactness, others the C2's separate arrow keys.

TravelKeychron C1

•The C1 is a tenkeyless (80%) board, making it significantly more compact for transport.
•Its specified weight of 685g is lighter than a full-size keyboard would be.
•The smaller dimensions (357 x 130mm) fit more easily into a backpack.

ModdingTie

•Both the C1 and C2 offer hot-swappable versions compatible with most 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches.
•Both feature a tray mount design with an ABS plastic case, offering similar modding foundations.
•The vendor states both include a switch puller and keycap puller in the box for hot-swappable versions.

Content CreationKeychron C2

•The C2's number pad allows for quick numeric input when editing timelines or adjusting layer properties.
•Full-size layout provides dedicated navigation keys without using function layers.
•The 18 RGB backlight modes, available on both, can be used for visual workspace customization.