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Compare Keychron C1 vs K4 Pro Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers choosing between two Keychron boards with the same tray mount and 1000 Hz polling but very different feature sets. The C1 is a wired 80% TKL at a lower price, while the K4 Pro adds Bluetooth, a 96% layout with a number pad, QMK/VIA programming and PBT keycaps. The decision is hard because both are hot-swappable and use ABS case shells, so the real question is whether wireless and programmability matter more than simplicity and lower weight. The reviews also tell different stories: the C1 has a large review base, while the K4 Pro has fewer reviews and one report of an early PCB issue.

72
Keychron C1 Wired Mechanische Tastatur (US ANSI Layout)
92
Keychron K4 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

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4.8 (180)
4.7 (7)
  • Released in 2020
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 685 g
  • Sized at 27 x 130 x 357 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Plastic case
  • Features ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2022
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK layout standard
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1280 g
  • Sized at 31 x 391 x 139 mm
  • Made with a Plastic, ABS case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, South-face, Rgb South-face, White South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 66.3
  • Build Quality: 62.9
  • Productivity: 77.4
  • Customizability: 76.1
  • Portability: 58.9
Scores
  • Performance: 81.5
  • Build Quality: 83.9
  • Productivity: 94.7
  • Customizability: 95.8
  • Portability: 53.5
Name
Keychron C1
Name
Keychron K4 Pro
Release year
2020
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
96%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK
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
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, White, North-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, South-face, White South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS, Plastic
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material
ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
27 x 130 x 357 mm
Dimensions
31 x 391 x 139 mm
Weight
685g
Weight
1280g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Choose the K4 Pro if you need wireless connectivity, a number pad, QMK/VIA programming or PBT keycaps, since those are the features the C1 does not offer. Choose the C1 if you want a lighter wired TKL at a lower price and do not need Bluetooth or firmware-level remapping. The K4 Pro is the more capable board, but check for the latest PCB revision given the reported number pad issue on early units.

Keychron C1

  • +Wired-only 80% TKL with a 1000 Hz polling rate and hot-swappable switch sockets.
  • +Lighter than the K4 Pro at about 685 g, which makes it easier to move around.
  • +Offers a non-backlight retro color version as well as white and RGB backlight options.
  • +Includes a switch puller with hot-swappable versions and ships with USB-C cable and keycap puller.
  • +Supports both macOS and Windows with included keycaps for each.
  • −Wired-only connectivity, with no Bluetooth option.
  • −No QMK or VIA support, so remapping depends on third-party tools according to user reviews.
  • −ABS keycaps on the non-backlit version, and reviewers note the black legends look poor without backlight.
  • −No number pad, which limits spreadsheet and data-entry convenience.

Keychron K4 Pro

  • +Wireless and wired with Bluetooth 5.1, connecting to up to 3 devices.
  • +QMK and VIA support through the Keychron Launcher web app for remapping and macros.
  • +96% layout with a number pad in a body narrower than a full-size keyboard.
  • +Double-shot PBT keycaps in OSA profile with south-facing RGB and a steel plate.
  • +Hot-swappable, available as a barebone kit, and includes sound-absorbing foam and a silicone dampening pad.
  • −Heavier at about 1280 g, which limits portability.
  • −Only 7 reviews, including one report of an early PCB defect on the number pad 0/INS key.
  • −A reviewer notes the stock stabilizer lubrication was poor and the space bar rattled until relubed.
  • −Tray mount and ABS case, the same basic construction class as the C1.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The K4 Pro takes five of six categories because of its wireless connectivity, 96% layout, QMK/VIA support and PBT keycaps. The C1 only wins for travel, where its lighter 685 g body and wired-only simplicity are an advantage. Office and programming work favor the K4 Pro's number pad and remapping options. Gaming edges to the K4 Pro on its N-key rollover claim and steel plate, though both share a 1000 Hz polling rate. Modding is the clearest gap, since the C1 offers hot-swap but no QMK or VIA layer.

GamingKeychron K4 Pro
  • •The K4 Pro has a 1000 Hz polling rate and N-key rollover for both wireless and wired modes, per Keychron's specifications.
  • •The C1 is wired only, with the same 1000 Hz polling rate, but no N-key rollover claim in its listing.
  • •The K4 Pro's steel plate and sound-absorbing foam are listed by Keychron, while the C1 is a simpler ABS tray-mount build.
OfficeKeychron K4 Pro
  • •The K4 Pro's 96% layout includes a number pad for spreadsheet and data entry work.
  • •Bluetooth lets you switch between up to 3 devices, useful for moving between a work laptop and desktop.
  • •The K4 Pro ships with double-shot PBT keycaps and sound-dampening foam, which Keychron says reduce noise and improve feel.
ProgrammingKeychron K4 Pro
  • •QMK and VIA support on the K4 Pro allow key remapping, macros and shortcuts through the Keychron Launcher web app.
  • •The 96% layout keeps a number pad while staying narrower than a full-size board.
  • •The C1 lacks VIA support, and one reviewer notes using Karabiner Elements on Mac only, not Windows.
TravelKeychron C1
  • •The C1 weighs about 685 g, roughly half the K4 Pro's 1280 g.
  • •The C1 is a wired-only 80% TKL, so there is no battery to manage, but it also means no wireless use on the go.
  • •The K4 Pro is heavier and larger at 391 x 139 mm, which makes it less convenient to carry.
ModdingKeychron K4 Pro
  • •The K4 Pro supports QMK and VIA, enabling key remapping and macros beyond simple hot-swap.
  • •Keychron lists screw-in PCB stabilizers and compatibility with third-party screw-in stabilizers.
  • •The K4 Pro is available as a barebone kit, and its sound-absorbing foam and silicone dampening pad are part of the build.
  • •The C1 is hot-swappable but has no QMK/VIA support and a simpler ABS tray-mount construction.
Content CreationKeychron K4 Pro
  • •QMK/VIA programmability on the K4 Pro lets you set macros for editing shortcuts.
  • •The 96% layout provides a number pad without full-size width, useful for timeline and spreadsheet work.
  • •Bluetooth switching across up to 3 devices suits multi-device editing setups.
  • •The C1 can be hot-swapped but has no programmable firmware layer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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