Does the Keychron C1 support QMK or VIA?

The Keychron C1 does not list QMK or VIA support in its vendor specifications. Remapping is therefore limited compared with the Keychron V5, which explicitly supports QMK firmware and the Keychron Launcher web app.

Does the Keychron V5 have a numpad?

Yes, the Keychron V5 uses a 96% layout that retains the function keys and a numpad. The Keychron C1 is an 80% TKL layout without a numpad.

Which keyboard is lighter, the C1 or the V5?

The Keychron C1 weighs about 685 g, while the Keychron V5 weighs about 1170 g. The C1 is therefore the lighter option for carrying between desks or on trips.

Are the Keychron C1 and V5 wireless?

Both keyboards are wired only according to their vendor listings. Neither the C1 nor the V5 offers Bluetooth or a wireless connection.

What keycap material does each keyboard use?

The Keychron C1 uses ABS keycaps, with double-shot ABS on the white and RGB backlight versions. The Keychron V5 uses double-shot PBT keycaps in OSA profile, which the vendor says resist oil and legend fading.

Can I hot-swap switches on both keyboards?

Yes, hot-swappable versions of both the Keychron C1 and Keychron V5 are available. The C1 hot-swap sockets accept 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches, and the V5 supports the same 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches.

Does the Keychron V5 come as a barebones kit?

Yes, the Keychron V5 is offered as a barebones DIY kit, which includes the case, PCB, and plate but not the keycaps or switches. The Keychron C1 is sold as a pre-built keyboard rather than a barebones kit.

Do both keyboards support macOS and Windows?

Yes, both the Keychron C1 and Keychron V5 list macOS and Windows support. The V5 adds a system toggle and can save separate macOS and Windows layouts on the keyboard.

What polling rate do the C1 and V5 offer?

Both keyboards list a 1000 Hz polling rate in their vendor specifications. The Keychron V5 metadata also lists an 8000 Hz option, but the vendor page states 1000 Hz out of the box.

Which keyboard is better for programming?

The Keychron V5 is more suited to programming because it supports QMK and the Keychron Launcher for key remapping and macros. Its 96% layout also retains a numpad and function keys, which the C1's 80% layout lacks.

Do the keyboards have RGB lighting?

Both the Keychron C1 and Keychron V5 offer RGB backlight options, and the C1 also has a non-backlight retro version. The C1 uses north-facing RGB, while the V5 uses south-facing RGB, which the vendor says avoids interference with OEM or Cherry-profile keycaps.

What is the typing angle of the Keychron V5?

The Keychron V5 vendor page lists adjustable angles of 3.5, 7.20, and 9.73 degrees. The Keychron C1 vendor page describes an inclined bottom frame but does not list specific angle values.

Compare Keychron C1 vs V5 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two wired Keychron boards that share hot-swappable switches and 1000 Hz polling but differ sharply in layout and software. The C1 is an 80% TKL with ABS keycaps and a lighter 685 g body, while the V5 is a 96% board with a numpad, QMK/VIA support, a knob option, and PBT keycaps. The hard part is weighing the V5's extra keys and programmability against the C1's lighter, simpler build and lower weight. Neither board offers wireless, so the decision comes down to layout, software, and materials.

Model
	72	96	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	4.8 stars (180 reviews)	3.4 stars (9 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2020 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 Available in a 96% layout Built with the ISO, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW 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 1170 g Sized at 19 x 142 x 389 mm Made with a Plastic, ABS case Features ABS, PBT keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, 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: 88.7 Productivity: 97.7 Customizability: 98.3 Portability: 44.9
Name	Name Keychron C1	Name Keychron V5
Release year	Release year 2020	Release year 2022
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky	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 96%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ISO, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
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 ABS, PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 27 x 130 x 357 mm	Dimensions 19 x 142 x 389 mm
Weight	Weight 685g	Weight 1170g

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Pros and Trade-offs

If you need a numpad, QMK remapping, or a knob, the Keychron V5 is the more capable board despite its heavier 1170 g body. If you prioritize a lighter, smaller TKL for travel or a simpler setup, the Keychron C1 at about 685 g is the more practical choice. Neither offers wireless, so base the decision on layout and software needs rather than connectivity.

Keychron C1

+Lighter than the V5 at about 685 g, which helps for transport.
+80% TKL layout keeps a compact footprint while retaining function and multimedia keys.
+Hot-swappable versions accept 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches without soldering.
+Offers a non-backlight retro color version alongside white and RGB backlight options.
+Includes keycaps for both Windows and macOS.

−ABS keycaps, which are less oil-resistant than the PBT keycaps on the V5.
−No QMK or VIA support, so remapping is limited compared with the V5.
−Wired only, with no wireless option.
−No numpad, which slows heavy data entry.

Keychron V5

+96% layout retains function keys and a numpad in a compact design.
+QMK firmware and Keychron Launcher support key remapping and macros.
+Double-shot PBT keycaps in OSA profile, which the vendor says resist oil and fading.
+Screw-in PCB stabilizers and hot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches.
+Available as a barebones DIY kit and with a knob option.

−Heavier than the C1 at about 1170 g, which reduces portability.
−ABS plastic case, similar in material class to the C1.
−Wired only, with no wireless option.
−The V5 listing notes no discount codes can be used.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron V5 takes five of six categories thanks to its 96% layout, QMK/VIA programmability, PBT keycaps, and knob option. The Keychron C1 wins only for travel, where its lighter 685 g body and smaller 80% footprint matter more than extra keys. Office and programming work favor the V5's numpad and remapping flexibility, while modding benefits from its barebones kit and screw-in stabilizers. Gaming is close on polling rate but the V5's macro support gives it the edge.

GamingKeychron V5

•V5 supports QMK and VIA for remapping keys and macros, which helps tailor controls per game.
•V5 offers a knob option, useful for volume or in-game adjustments.
•Both boards list a 1000 Hz polling rate, so latency is comparable on paper.

OfficeKeychron V5

•V5's 96% layout includes a numpad, which speeds up data entry and spreadsheet work.
•V5 uses double-shot PBT keycaps, which the vendor says resist oil and legend fading.
•V5 includes multi-media keys and a knob option for quick volume control.

ProgrammingKeychron V5

•V5 supports QMK firmware and the Keychron Launcher web app for key remapping and macros.
•V5 can save separate macOS and Windows layouts via a system toggle.
•V5's 96% layout retains function keys and a numpad in a compact footprint.

TravelKeychron C1

•C1 weighs about 685 g, while V5 weighs about 1170 g.
•C1 is an 80% TKL, smaller than the V5's 96% layout.
•Both are wired only, so neither is wireless for travel.

ModdingKeychron V5

•V5 supports QMK and VIA, enabling deep key remapping and macro customization.
•V5 includes screw-in PCB stabilizers, which the vendor says improve stability and are easier to change.
•V5 is available as a barebones DIY kit, and its hot-swap sockets accept 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches.

Content CreationKeychron V5