Compare Keychron C1 vs V1 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two wired Keychron keyboards at different customizability levels. The Keychron C1 offers a straightforward, budget-friendly TKL experience with basic hot-swap options. The Keychron V1 steps up with QMK and VIA support, a gasket mount design, and a more compact 75% layout. The decision is hard because both are wired, both are hot-swappable, but the V1's extensive customization and build upgrades justify a higher price point for enthusiasts.

Model
	-29% off 70	97	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	4.8 stars (180 reviews)	2.5 stars (61 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2020 Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear switch options Available in a 80% layout Built with the ANSI layout standard 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 Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options Available in a 75% layout Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO-NO layout standard Comes with a knob Supports QMK firmware Supports VIA configuration Features N-key rollover Includes screw-in stabilizers Has built-in sound dampening Weighs about 995 g Sized at 18 x 149 x 329 mm Made with a Plastic, ABS case Features PBT, ABS, keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 62.2 Build Quality: 60.2 Productivity: 74.8 Customizability: 73.6 Portability: 58	Scores Performance: 90.8 Build Quality: 89.2 Productivity: 97.9 Customizability: 99.5 Portability: 64.7
Name	Name Keychron C1	Name Keychron V1
Release year	Release year 2020	Release year 2022
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 75%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO-NO
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;8000 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, South-face, White, White South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material ABS, Plastic	Case Material Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material ABS	Keycaps Material PBT, ABS,
Dimensions	Dimensions 27 x 130 x 357 mm	Dimensions 18 x 149 x 329 mm
Weight	Weight 685g	Weight 995g

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Pros and Trade-offs

If you prioritize programmability, build quality, and a modern 75% layout, the Keychron V1 is the clear winner with QMK/VIA support and gasket mount design. If you need a lighter, more affordable TKL keyboard and don't require extensive customization, the C1 serves well as a basic daily driver. The choice ultimately hinges on how much you value open-source firmware and mod potential over upfront savings.

Keychron C1

+Lighter weight at 685g makes it more portable than the V1.
+Lower price entry point for a basic wired mechanical keyboard.
+Available with white and RGB backlight options including non-backlight version.
+Compatible with almost all MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin switches as stated in vendor description.
+Includes a switch puller in the box for hot-swappable versions.

−Lacks QMK or VIA support for key remapping as noted in customer reviews.
−Uses ABS keycaps which may shine over time compared to PBT.
−Only offers a tray mount design which provides less typing feel flexibility.

Keychron V1

+Full QMK and VIA support for customizable keymaps and macros.
+Features a gasket mount design for improved typing feel and sound.
+Higher polling rate capability up to 8000 Hz for reduced latency.
+Double-shot PBT keycaps with oil resistance and longer life.
+Comes with screw-in PCB stabilizers for more stable large keys.

−Heavier at 995g, making it less suitable for frequent travel.
−Higher price point compared to the budget-focused C1.
−Average customer review score of 2.45/5 based on 61 reviews.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

Across most use cases, the Keychron V1 emerges as the stronger choice thanks to its QMK/VIA support, gasket mount, and higher polling rate option. The C1 wins only in portability due to its lighter weight. For gaming, office, programming, modding, and content creation, the V1's customizability and typing experience offer clear advantages. The C1 is a solid pick for a budget TKL or a lighter travel companion when programmability is not a priority.

GamingKeychron V1

•Supports up to 8000 Hz polling rate for lower latency as per specifications.
•South-facing RGB LEDs reduce interference with thicker keycaps used in gaming.
•Gasket mount design can provide a more consistent typing feel during fast inputs.
•Pre-lubed K Pro switches offer smoother operation out of the box.

OfficeKeychron V1