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

Compare Keychron C1 vs Q1 HE Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a budget-friendly wired mechanical keyboard and a premium wireless model with advanced magnetic switches. The decision is hard because both are from Keychron, but they serve very different markets. The C1 is a simple, functional 80% board for those on a tight budget or who prefer a wired setup. The Q1 HE is a high-end 75% keyboard packed with cutting-edge Hall Effect technology and wireless connectivity for competitive gaming and customization. Your choice hinges on whether you value advanced features and performance or a straightforward, cost-effective typing experience.

-29% off
70
Keychron C1 Wired Mechanical Keyboard (US ANSI Layout)
100
Keychron Q1 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

Select a keyboard to compare

4.8 (180)
4.0 (34)
  • Released in 2020
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear switch options
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • 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 2023
  • Has Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-DE, ANSI, JIS layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Enables rapid trigger functionality
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only connectivity
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 4000 g
  • Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Features PBT, ABS, keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 62
  • Build Quality: 60.6
  • Productivity: 74.8
  • Customizability: 73.7
  • Portability: 58
Scores
  • Performance: 100
  • Build Quality: 90
  • Productivity: 96.8
  • Customizability: 99.4
  • Portability: 81.2
Name
Keychron C1
Name
Keychron Q1 HE
Release year
2020
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear
Switch Options
Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-DE, ANSI, JIS
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, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz;8000 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
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, North-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS, Plastic
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS,
Dimensions
27 x 130 x 357 mm
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Weight
685g
Weight
4000g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

For most users who want the best performance and features, the Keychron Q1 HE is the clear winner with its Hall Effect switches, wireless freedom, and premium build. However, if your budget is tight or you only need a basic, reliable wired keyboard for typing and light use, the Keychron C1 is a capable and practical choice. The decision ultimately comes down to how much you value advanced gaming tech and customizability versus simplicity and affordability.

Keychron C1

  • +Very affordable, with a price range starting at $39.99 from the vendor
  • +Lightweight design at only 685g for easy portability
  • +Wired USB-C connection provides a simple, reliable setup
  • +Tenkeyless (80%) layout with dedicated multimedia keys
  • +Hot-swappable PCB option compatible with most MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin switches
  • −No wireless connectivity options, wired only
  • −ABS plastic case and keycaps are less durable than aluminum and PBT
  • −No QMK or VIA support for key remapping, as noted in customer reviews
  • −Tray mount design may feel less premium compared to gasket mount

Keychron Q1 HE

  • +Advanced Hall Effect switches with adjustable actuation points from 0.2 to 3.8 mm
  • +Wireless connectivity with 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.2, and wired modes
  • +Premium all-aluminum 6063 case for durability and feel
  • +Double-gasket design with sound dampening for improved acoustics
  • +QMK and VIA support for deep customization via Keychron Launcher
  • −Significantly heavier at 4000g, making it less portable
  • −Higher price point, starting at $219.99 from the vendor
  • −Magnetic switches are only compatible with Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic Switch brand
  • −No keyboard legs, as noted in customer reviews

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron Q1 HE clearly dominates for gaming, modding, and content creation due to its advanced Hall Effect switches, customizable features, and wireless options. The Keychron C1 wins on travel and office use because it is much lighter, cheaper, and simpler. For programming, the choice is a tie: the Q1 HE offers superior customization, while the C1 provides a functional layout at a lower cost.

GamingKeychron Q1 HE
  • •Hall Effect switches with adjustable actuation from 0.2 to 3.8 mm
  • •Dynamic Rapid Trigger feature for faster repeated keystrokes
  • •4-in-1 action keys allow multiple commands per key press
  • •2.4 GHz wireless with 1000 Hz polling rate for low latency
OfficeKeychron C1
  • •Lower price point makes it a more budget-friendly option for the workplace
  • •Tenkeyless (80%) layout is compact yet retains function keys for productivity
  • •Wired-only connection is simple and reliable without battery concerns
  • •Vendor description says it is best for home and office use
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both keyboards offer hot-swappable switches for customized feel
  • •Q1 HE offers QMK and VIA support for extensive key remapping and macros
  • •C1 lacks software-based remapping, relying on macOS/Windows system tools
  • •Q1 HE's PBT keycaps are more durable against oils from long coding sessions
TravelKeychron C1
  • •C1 is significantly lighter at 685g compared to Q1 HE's 4000g
  • •Wired-only connection means no battery to charge or worry about
  • •Smaller overall dimensions for easier packing
ModdingKeychron Q1 HE
  • •Double-gasket design and sound dampening provide a superior base for modifications
  • •Screw-in PCB stabilizers offer a more stable platform for modding
  • •All-aluminum case is a premium material for enthusiasts to customize
  • •QMK firmware allows for deep software-level modifications
Content CreationKeychron Q1 HE
  • •Knob support allows for easy timeline scrubbing or volume control
  • •Bluetooth 5.2 connection for easy pairing with tablets and other devices
  • •QMK and VIA support for creating complex macros for editing software

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

99
$129
Keychron K2 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard
Keychron K2 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

91
$50
Keychron C1 Pro 8K QMK Wired Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron C1 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

96
$149
Keychron Q3 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q3 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

91
$44
Keychron V2 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V2
65%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

95
$149
Keychron Q1 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q1 Pro
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
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

98
$94
Keychron V1 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V1 Max
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

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

93
$149
Keychron Q2 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard (US Layout)
Keychron Q2 Pro
65%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount