Keychron C1 vs K3 V3Wired Budget vs Wireless Low-Profile
Choose the wired, standard-profile C1 for a lower cost entry point, or the wireless, low-profile K3 V3 for portability and advanced firmware.
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4.8 (180)4.8 · 180 reviews
from$39at Keychron
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron C1
Wired Budget
Build quality in the top 50% of 80% boards under $100.
- Lower cost entry point into mechanical keyboards.
- Hot-swappable versions support standard MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
- Includes a keycap puller and switch puller (for hot-swap versions) in the box.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
- No numpad.
Get the
Keychron K3 V3
Wireless Low-Profile
Build quality in the top 10% of 75% boards under $100.
- Dual Bluetooth 5.2 and wired connectivity for flexibility.
- Supports QMK and VIA firmware for deep customization via a web app.
- Low-profile design with ultra-slim Keychron Milk POM switches.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- No numpad.
Your budget and need for wireless operation are the primary deciders. The Keychron C1 is a solid, affordable wired keyboard ideal for a first mechanical purchase or a stationary setup. The Keychron K3 V3 justifies its higher cost with Bluetooth, extensive QMK programmability, and a unique low-profile form factor, making it better for multi-device users and enthusiasts who value customization.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Keychron C1
Keychron K3 V3
Layout size
80%
75%
Connection
Wired
Bluetooth, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Low profile
No
Yes
Case material
ABS, Plastic
ABS, Aluminum
Mount style
Tray Mount
PCB Mount, Plate Mount, Top Mount
- Keychron C1
- Keychron K3 V3
- Performance
- 6682
- Build quality
- 6283
- Productivity
- 7780
- Customizability
- 7589
- Portability
- 5977
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
What will you mostly use it for?
The Keychron K3 V3 is the more versatile choice, winning in most categories due to its wireless connectivity, advanced QMK firmware, and portable low-profile design. It is particularly strong for office use, programming, and travel. The Keychron C1 remains a competent, cost-effective option for users who primarily need a reliable wired keyboard and do not require the advanced features of the K3 V3.
Pick the Keychron K3 V3
- The K3 V3 offers a 1000Hz polling rate in wired mode for low latency.
- Its listing mentions N-Key Rollover for accurate simultaneous key presses.
- The lower 3° typing angle and lighter 540g weight may suit varied desk setups.
Keychron C1 vs K3 V3 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
13 of 25 specs differ
Keychron C1
Keychron K3 V3
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Keychron C1
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Keychron K3 V3
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW
In stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-SW
In stockDoes not ship to you
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Keychron C1 vs K3 V3: your questions
No, the Keychron C1 is a wired-only keyboard. It connects via a USB Type-C cable, as confirmed in its product specifications and vendor description.
No, the Keychron K3 V3's hot-swap sockets are not compatible with standard Cherry MX switches. According to the manufacturer, it only supports specific low-profile switches like the Keychron Milk POM or Gateron/Keychron low-profile mechanical switches.
Both keyboards are compatible with macOS and include keycaps for Mac layouts. The K3 V3's vendor page specifically highlights that it offers the same multimedia key functions as Apple keyboards, but with enhanced tactile feedback.
The product specifications list it as having wireless and wired connectivity. While not explicitly stated, the presence of a wired mode and a USB-C port in related marketing suggests it uses a removable cable for its wired connection.
The C1 has a plastic (ABS) case, while the K3 V3 uses a combination of ABS and aluminum for its frame. The K3 V3 also uses a top/PCB mount style and includes multiple foam layers for sound, which are not mentioned for the C1.
The Keychron C1 does not list support for QMK, VIA, or other key remapping software in its provided features. Its customization is primarily limited to physical switch swapping on hot-swappable versions.
The Keychron C1 has a fixed inclined frame. The Keychron K3 V3 has a lower fixed typing angle of 3° but also offers adjustable feet for three specific angles: 2.5°, 4.2°, and 6.5°.
Based on construction details, the K3 V3 is designed to be quieter. Its vendor description highlights the inclusion of IXPE, EPDM, and latex foam layers specifically for enhanced acoustic dampening and a quieter typing experience.
Yes, but with limitations. The K3 V3 uses low-profile LSA keycaps. You would need to source low-profile keycap sets that are compatible with its specific switch stems and keyboard layout.
The vendor description for the Keychron C1 mentions a 1-year warranty. Warranty information for the K3 V3 is not provided in the available data.
It can be suitable for gaming, especially in wired mode where it offers a 1000Hz polling rate and N-Key Rollover. The low-profile switches may offer a different feel compared to standard-height switches commonly used for gaming.
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