Keychron C1 vs V1 UltraWired TKL vs Wireless 8000 Hz 75%
The V1 Ultra is the more capable board on connectivity, mounting, keycaps and firmware, while the C1 remains a simpler wired tenkeyless option at a lower price tier.
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4.8 (180)4.8 · 180 reviews
from$39at Keychron
5.0 (1)5.0 · 1 reviews
from$97at MK
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron C1
Wired TKL
Build quality in the top 50% of 80% boards under $100.
- 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.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
- No numpad.
Get the
Keychron V1 Ultra
Wireless 8000 Hz 75%
Build quality in the top 10% of 75% boards under $100.
- 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.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- No numpad.
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.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Keychron C1
Keychron V1 Ultra
Layout size
80%
75%
Connection
Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Max polling rate
1,000 Hz
8,000 Hz
Higher polling helps competitive FPS and does nothing for typing
Switch options
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Linear, Tactile
Mount style
Tray Mount
Gasket Mount
- Keychron C1
- Keychron V1 Ultra
- Performance
- 6691
- Build quality
- 6284
- Productivity
- 7798
- Customizability
- 7594
- Portability
- 5979
- Hot-swappable
- Case material: ABS, Plastic
What will you mostly use it for?
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.
Pick the Keychron 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.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron C1
180 owner reviews
“This is my first mechanical keyboard. It is a fantastic keyboard and a fantastic typing experience. It seems extremely well built as well. Highly recommended.”
Keychron V1 Ultra
1 owner reviews
“Keychron has the best keyboard for keyboard enthusiasts. This is my 3rd and I have no notes. Exactly what I wanted, versatility, thockiness, and portability.”
Keychron C1 vs V1 Ultra specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
17 of 27 specs differ
Keychron C1
Keychron V1 Ultra
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Keychron C1
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Keychron V1 Ultra
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-FR, ISO-ES
In stockDoes not ship to you
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Keychron C1 vs V1 Ultra: your questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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