Compare Keychron C1 vs V1 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a no-frills wired keyboard and a fully featured wireless customizable model, both from Keychron. The Keychron C1 is a straightforward TKL (80%) wired keyboard with a tray mount design and ABS keycaps, aimed at budget-conscious users who prioritize simplicity. The Keychron V1 Max is a feature-rich 75% wireless board with a gasket mount, QMK and VIA support, and a 4000mAh battery. The decision is hard because while the V1 Max offers far more features, the C1 delivers a solid typing experience at a significantly lower price.

Model
	-29% off 70	98	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	4.8 stars (180 reviews)	4.3 stars (32 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 Uses a Tray Mount mounting style Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity Weighs about 685 g Sized at 27 x 130 x 357 mm Features ABS keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting	Released in 2023 Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options Available in a 75% layout Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-PT, ISO, ANSI 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 Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery Weighs about 770 g Sized at 22 x 149 x 329 mm Features PBT, ABS keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 62 Build Quality: 60.6 Productivity: 74.8 Customizability: 73.7 Portability: 58	Scores Performance: 83.1 Build Quality: 86.3 Productivity: 97.3 Customizability: 99.4 Portability: 79.2
Name	Name Keychron C1	Name Keychron V1 Max
Release year	Release year 2020	Release year 2023
Switch Options	Switch Options Clicky, Tactile, Linear	Switch Options Tactile, Linear, 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 ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-PT, ISO, 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 Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity 4000 mAh
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 Gasket 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
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material ABS, Plastic	Case Material ABS, Plastic
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material ABS	Keycaps Material PBT, ABS
Dimensions	Dimensions 27 x 130 x 357 mm	Dimensions 22 x 149 x 329 mm
Weight	Weight 685g	Weight 770g

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Pros and Trade-offs

The Keychron V1 Max is the better choice if you need wireless flexibility, programmability, and a more refined typing feel from a gasket mount. The Keychron C1 is a solid, reliable wired option that costs less and still provides a hot-swappable PCB and RGB lighting. Buyers on a tight budget or those who never use wireless may prefer the C1, while anyone wanting a future-proof custom keyboard should invest in the V1 Max.

Keychron C1

+Lower price point is more accessible for budget buyers
+Full-size TKL (80%) layout with 87 keys and 12 multimedia keys for productivity
+RGB and white backlight options with 18 adjustable lighting patterns
+Lightweight at 685g for a wired keyboard

−Wired-only connectivity limits placement flexibility
−Tray mount design provides less typing feel refinement compared to gasket mount
−ABS keycaps are more prone to shine and wear over time
−Lacks QMK and VIA support for key remapping (only uses Karabiner Elements workaround on Mac per a review)

Keychron V1 Max

+Supports 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.1, and wired connectivity for versatile use
+Gasket mount design with PC plate reduces resonance and provides a softer typing feel
+Full QMK and VIA support enables unlimited key remapping and macro creation
+Double-shot PBT keycaps (OSA profile) offer excellent oil resistance and durability
+4000mAh battery provides extended wireless use (up to 190 hours backlight off per the manufacturer)

−Higher price than the C1 may be a barrier for budget-focused buyers
−Some user reviews report key chatter or connectivity issues after months of use
−Bluetooth polling rate is limited to 90 Hz per Keychron's specs, not ideal for competitive gaming

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron V1 Max wins in five of the six use cases evaluated, owing to its wireless flexibility, gasket mount design, and deep QMK/VIA programmability. For gaming, its 2.4 GHz low-latency connection and NKRO give it an edge. Office users benefit from a quieter sound profile and Bluetooth multipoint, while programmers and modders gain unmatched customization. Travelers appreciate the battery life and compact size. For content creation, the tie reflects that both boards offer essential media keys and OS compatibility, but the V1 Max's programmability could be a plus for more experienced users.

GamingKeychron V1 Max

•Offers 2.4 GHz wireless with a 1000 Hz polling rate for low-latency gaming
•N-Key Rollover (NKRO) supported in both wireless and wired modes
•Gasket mount and PC plate provide a quieter, more stable typing experience

OfficeKeychron V1 Max

•Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity allows seamless switching between computer, phone, and tablet
•Includes sound dampening foam for a quieter typing experience in shared spaces
•Double-shot PBT keycaps resist oil and wear better than the C1's ABS keycaps

ProgrammingKeychron V1 Max

•QMK and VIA support enables full key remapping, macros, and custom shortcuts
•Compact 75% layout saves desk space while retaining function row keys
•Screw-in PCB stabilizers provide smoother big key feel reduces wobble

TravelKeychron V1 Max

•Wireless connectivity (2.4 GHz and Bluetooth) eliminates cable clutter on the go
•4000mAh battery offers up to 190 hours of use with backlight off per Keychron's testing
•Smaller 75% footprint (329 x 149 mm) is more portable than the C1's TKL layout

ModdingKeychron V1 Max

•Gasket mount and PC plate offer a more compliant base for customizing typing feel
•Hot-swappable PCB supports both 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches
•Full QMK and VIA support allows for advanced firmware customization
•Screw-in PCB stabilizers can be replaced with third-party options

Content CreationTie

•Both keyboards include multimedia keys for quick access to media controls
•Both support Mac and Windows layouts out of the box
•The V1 Max's programmability can streamline editing shortcuts, while the C1 offers a simpler plug-and-play experience