Keychron C1 vs V5TKL vs 96% with QMK and Knob
Choose the Keychron V5 if you want a numpad, QMK remapping, and a knob; choose the Keychron C1 if you want a lighter, simpler TKL.
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4.8 (180)4.8 · 180 reviews
from$39at Keychron
4.8 (8)4.8 · 8 reviews
from$74at MK
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron C1
TKL
Build quality in the top 50% of 80% boards under $100.
- 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.
- 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 V5
96% with QMK and Knob
Build quality in the top 5% of 96% boards under $100.
- 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.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.
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.
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 V5
Layout size
80%
96%
Max polling rate
1,000 Hz
8,000 Hz
Higher polling helps competitive FPS and does nothing for typing
Mount style
Tray Mount
Gasket Mount, Plate Mount, Tray Mount
Knob
No
Yes
Weight
685 g
1,170 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
- Keychron C1
- Keychron V5
- Performance
- 6691
- Build quality
- 6289
- Productivity
- 7798
- Customizability
- 7598
- Portability
- 5945
- Connection: Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Case material: ABS, Plastic
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
What will you mostly use it for?
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.
Pick the Keychron 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.
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 V5
8 owner reviews
“In love with it already. Only downside is how long it took to get the keyboard. Other then that its a great product for the price”
Keychron C1 vs V5 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
15 of 26 specs differ
Keychron C1
Keychron V5
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
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 V5
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
Out of stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-ES
In stockDoes not ship to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
Out of 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 V5: your questions
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.
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.
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.
Both keyboards are wired only according to their vendor listings. Neither the C1 nor the V5 offers Bluetooth or a wireless connection.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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