Is the Keychron V1 Ultra wireless?

Yes, Keychron lists 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.3 and wired USB-C connections for the V1 Ultra. Bluetooth can pair with three devices for switching between a computer, phone and tablet. The C1 is listed as wired only.

Does the Keychron C1 have hot-swappable switches?

Hot-swap depends on the variant. Keychron sells the C1 with Keychron Mechanical and Gateron G Pro switches in both fixed and hot-swappable versions. The hot-swap sockets accept most MX style 3-pin and 5-pin switches, per the product page.

What polling rate does the V1 Ultra offer?

Keychron lists an 8000 Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes, and 125 Hz over Bluetooth. The C1 lists a 1000 Hz polling rate over its wired connection.

Is the V1 Ultra good for travel?

Its 75% layout measures 328.5 mm wide, narrower than the C1's 357 mm, and it pairs over Bluetooth 5.3 with three devices. The 4000 mAh battery is rated for up to 660 hours with the backlight off, which reduces the need to carry a cable.

Which keyboard is better for typing quietly?

The V1 Ultra uses a gasket mount with a polycarbonate plate, which Keychron says reduces acoustic resonance for a softer, quieter feel. It also includes sound absorbing foam, EPDM foam and bottom case acoustic foam. The C1 uses a tray mount and does not list foam layers.

Do both keyboards support Mac and Windows?

Yes, both list macOS and Windows support, and the C1 ships with keycaps for both systems. The V1 Ultra adds a system toggle and extra keycaps so you can save separate layouts for each system. Keychron also lists Linux compatibility for the V1 Ultra.

What keycaps come on each keyboard?

The C1 uses double-shot ABS keycaps on the White and RGB backlight versions, and ABS on the non-backlit version. The V1 Ultra uses OSA profile double-shot PBT keycaps, which Keychron says resist oil and keep legends from fading.

Can I remap keys on the V1 Ultra?

Yes, the V1 Ultra runs ZMK firmware and works with the Keychron Launcher web app for key remapping and macro commands. Keychron notes the Launcher runs in Chrome, Edge or Opera and requires a wired connection. The C1 does not list QMK, VIA or a first-party remapping app.

How long does the V1 Ultra battery last?

Keychron rates it for up to 660 hours with the backlight off and up to 200 hours at the lowest RGB brightness. The 4000 mAh battery can be used while charging, so you do not have to wait for a full charge.

Does either keyboard have dedicated media controls?

The C1 has 12 multimedia keys on its tenkeyless layout. The V1 Ultra also lists multi-media keys and adds a knob for quick adjustments. Neither product listing mentions a screen.

Which keyboard is easier to modify?

The V1 Ultra ships with multiple foam layers, screw-in stabilizers and a hot-swappable PCB, which simplifies switch and stabilizer swaps. The C1 is hot-swappable only on certain variants and uses a tray mount with no listed foam layers. Both accept most MX style 3-pin and 5-pin switches.

Does the V1 Ultra support console gaming?

Keychron lists compatibility with macOS, Windows and Linux for the V1 Ultra, and does not mention consoles. The 8000 Hz polling rate applies to the wired and 2.4 GHz connections. The C1 lists macOS, Windows, Android and iOS in its system compatibility line.

Keychron C1 vs V1 Ultra: Wired TKL vs Wireless 8000 Hz 75%

Compare Keychron C1 vs V1 Ultra Differences Side by Side

This comparison suits buyers choosing between a straightforward wired tenkeyless board and a feature-dense 75% wireless model from the same brand. The C1 lists wired-only connectivity, a tray mount and ABS keycaps, and its hot-swap option depends on which switch variant you pick. The V1 Ultra lists tri-mode connectivity, an 8000 Hz polling rate in wired and 2.4 GHz modes, a gasket mount on a polycarbonate plate, PBT keycaps and ZMK firmware with the Keychron Launcher web app. The decision is hard because both are hot-swappable and pre-built, but they differ sharply on layout, mounting, materials and firmware depth.

Model
Rating	4.8 stars (180 reviews)	5.0 stars (1 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2020 Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options Available in a 80% layout Built with the ANSI layout standard Uses a Tray Mount mounting style Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate 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 2026 Has Linear, Tactile switch options Available in a 75% layout Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, 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 Runs at a 8000 Hz polling rate Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery Weighs about 770 g Sized at 29 x 329 x 149 mm Made with a Plastic, ABS case Features PBT keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, White, South-face, Rgb South-face, White South-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 66.3 Build Quality: 62.9 Productivity: 77.4 Customizability: 76.1 Portability: 58.9	Scores Performance: 91 Build Quality: 83.9 Productivity: 97.8 Customizability: 93.9 Portability: 79.4
Name	Name Keychron C1	Name Keychron V1 Ultra
Release year	Release year 2020	Release year 2026
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky	Switch Options Linear, Tactile
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-ES, ISO-FR, 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 8000 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, White, South-face, 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
Dimensions	Dimensions 27 x 130 x 357 mm	Dimensions 29 x 329 x 149 mm
Weight	Weight 685g	Weight 770g

Keychron C1 Wired Mechanische Tastatur (US ANSI Layout)

Keychron V1 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

Select a keyboard to compare

4.8 stars (180 reviews)

5.0 stars (1 reviews)

Released in 2020
Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
Available in a 80% layout
Built with the ANSI layout standard
Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
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 2026
Has Linear, Tactile switch options
Available in a 75% layout
Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, 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
Runs at a 8000 Hz polling rate
Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
Weighs about 770 g
Sized at 29 x 329 x 149 mm
Made with a Plastic, ABS case
Features PBT 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: 91
Build Quality: 83.9
Productivity: 97.8
Customizability: 93.9
Portability: 79.4

Name

Keychron C1

Name

Keychron V1 Ultra

Release year

2020

Release year

2026

Switch Options

Linear, Tactile, Clicky

Switch Options

Linear, Tactile

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

80%

Layout Size

75%

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Standard

ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO, ANSI

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

USB passthrough

Connection

Wired, Wired only

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Polling Rate

1000 Hz

Polling Rate

8000 Hz

Battery capacity

4000 mAh

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Tray Mount

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb, White, North-face

Backlight

Rgb, White, South-face, White South-face

Case Colors

Case Material

ABS, Plastic

Case Material

Plastic, ABS

Keycaps Material

ABS

Keycaps Material

PBT

Dimensions

27 x 130 x 357 mm

Dimensions

29 x 329 x 149 mm

Weight

685g

Weight

770g

Pros and Trade-offs

Choose the V1 Ultra if you want wireless flexibility, an 8000 Hz polling rate, a gasket mount and PBT keycaps in a 75% frame. Choose the C1 if a plain wired tenkeyless board with a familiar layout and 12 multimedia keys covers your needs and you prefer to spend less. The hot-swap option on the C1 depends on the variant, so confirm the switch type before ordering.

Keychron C1

+Tenkeyless 80% ANSI layout with 12 multimedia keys, per the Keychron spec sheet.
+Wired USB-C connection with a 1000 Hz polling rate, which keeps the setup simple.
+Hot-swappable variants accept most MX style 3-pin and 5-pin switches without soldering.
+Multiple versions, including non-backlit retro, white backlight and RGB, plus Gateron G Pro or Keychron Mechanical switch options.
+Long track record in reviews, with 180 ratings and a 4.8 out of 5 average on the listing.

−Wired only, with no Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz option listed.
−ABS case and ABS keycaps, with double-shot ABS only on the backlit versions.
−Tray mount construction, which is a simpler design than the gasket setup on the V1 Ultra.
−No QMK or VIA support, and a reviewer notes remapping relied on third-party tools.

Keychron V1 Ultra

+Tri-mode connectivity: 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.3 and wired USB-C.
+8000 Hz polling rate in wired and 2.4 GHz modes, with 125 Hz over Bluetooth.
+Gasket mount with a polycarbonate plate and multiple acoustic foam layers.
+OSA double-shot PBT keycaps and south-facing RGB with per-key and Mix RGB options.
+ZMK firmware with the Keychron Launcher web app for remapping and macros, plus screw-in stabilizers and a knob.

−A single review on the listing, so the feedback base is far smaller than the C1's.
−Bluetooth polling is listed at 125 Hz, well below the wired and 2.4 GHz figures.
−Battery life drops from up to 660 hours with the backlight off to up to 200 hours at the lowest RGB brightness.
−Plastic case, so the weight and materials stay in the same family as the C1.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The V1 Ultra takes every category here because it lists tri-mode connectivity, an 8000 Hz polling rate, a gasket mount and PBT keycaps. The C1 counters mainly on simplicity and a lower price tier, with a familiar tenkeyless layout and a wired-only design. Travel and Office lean toward the V1 Ultra's wireless options and knob, while Modding favors its foam layers and screw-in stabilizers. Gaming is the clearest gap thanks to the polling rate difference between the two listings.

GamingKeychron V1 Ultra

•The V1 Ultra lists an 8000 Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes, against the C1's 1000 Hz wired polling.
•2.4 GHz wireless and Bluetooth 5.3 give the V1 Ultra connection options the wired-only C1 does not list.
•The V1 Ultra comes with pre-lubed Keychron Silk POM switches, offered in Red, Brown and Banana.

OfficeKeychron V1 Ultra

•The V1 Ultra adds a knob and multi-media keys, useful for volume and quick controls at a desk.
•Its gasket mount and polycarbonate plate are described by Keychron as reducing acoustic resonance for a softer, quieter feel.
•Up to 660 hours of battery life with the backlight off supports cable-free desk setups.

ProgrammingKeychron V1 Ultra

•The V1 Ultra supports ZMK firmware plus the Keychron Launcher web app for key remapping and macros.
•Its 75% layout keeps a compact footprint while the knob adds a configurable control.
•N-key rollover is listed for both wireless and wired modes, which helps with fast modifier-heavy shortcuts.

TravelKeychron V1 Ultra

•The V1 Ultra offers Bluetooth 5.3 pairing to three devices, so you can switch between a laptop, phone and tablet.
•Its 75% layout measures 328.5 mm wide against the C1's 357 mm, so it takes less room in a bag.
•The 4000 mAh battery reduces reliance on carrying a cable.

ModdingKeychron V1 Ultra

•The V1 Ultra ships with multiple foam layers, including sound absorbing foam, EPDM foam and bottom case acoustic foam.
•Screw-in stabilizers and a hot-swappable PCB make switch and stabilizer changes easier.
•ZMK firmware and the Launcher web app extend customization beyond switch swaps.

Content CreationKeychron V1 Ultra

•Per-key RGB and Mix RGB zones, configured through the Launcher, suit desk setups that double as filming spaces.
•The knob and multi-media keys give quick access to volume and playback controls while recording.
•Bluetooth 5.3 lets you move between an editing machine and a secondary device without recabling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)