KeebFinder
Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare Keychron C1 vs V6 Differences Side by Side

This comparison helps you decide between two wired mechanical keyboards from Keychron: the compact tenkeyless C1 and the full-sized V6. The decision is hard because both offer hot-swappable switches and wired connectivity, but they serve different priorities regarding layout and customization. The C1 is a solid choice for users who want a straightforward tenkeyless keyboard for light gaming and office work. The V6 targets enthusiasts who need a full number pad, deep QMK or VIA firmware support, and the flexibility to modify every component.

-29% off
70
Keychron C1 Wired Mechanical Keyboard (US ANSI Layout)
98
Keychron V6 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

Select a keyboard to compare

4.8 (180)
3.3 (41)
  • Released in 2020
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear switch options
  • 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
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 100% layout
  • Built with the ISO, JIS, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK 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 1360 g
  • Sized at 19 x 141 x 448 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
Scores
  • Performance: 62
  • Build Quality: 60.6
  • Productivity: 74.8
  • Customizability: 73.7
  • Portability: 58
Scores
  • Performance: 90.7
  • Build Quality: 89.1
  • Productivity: 97.8
  • Customizability: 99.4
  • Portability: 46.8
Name
Keychron C1
Name
Keychron V6
Release year
2020
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
100%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO, JIS, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz;8000 Hz
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
-
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Tray Mount
Mount Style
Tray Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, North-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS, Plastic
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material
ABS
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Dimensions
27 x 130 x 357 mm
Dimensions
19 x 141 x 448 mm
Weight
685g
Weight
1360g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

For users who prioritize portability and a compact desk setup, the Keychron C1 is a reliable and affordable wired keyboard. However, the Keychron V6 is the more versatile choice for enthusiasts demanding full programmability with QMK and VIA, a bigger layout with a number pad, or a platform for advanced modding. If you need the customization and the full layout, it is worth the additional cost and desk space.

Keychron C1

  • +Compact tenkeyless 80% layout saves desk space.
  • +Lightweight at 685g, making it easier to transport.
  • +Available with north-facing RGB backlight for brighter keycap illumination.
  • −Lacks QMK or VIA support, limiting key remapping without third-party software.
  • −Tray mount design offers less flexibility for modding compared to the V6.
  • −ABS keycaps may show wear (shininess) faster than PBT keycaps.

Keychron V6

  • +Full-size 100% layout with dedicated number pad for data entry.
  • +Supports QMK and VIA firmware for deep programmable key mapping and macros.
  • +Available with a knob version that can be used for volume control or custom commands.
  • +Includes screw-in PCB stabilizers for more stable big key presses.
  • −Heavier and larger than the C1, weighing 1360g and measuring 448mm long.
  • −More expensive than the C1, especially for the fully assembled versions.
  • −The included keycaps are not shine-through, which may reduce backlight visibility in dark environments.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron V6 wins across most use cases, especially where a full number pad or deep programmability is needed. Its support for QMK and VIA firmware makes it a strong choice for programming, modding, and content creation. The Keychron C1 only wins in the travel category due to its lighter weight and smaller tenkeyless footprint. For gamers, the V6's potentially lower latency with 8000 Hz polling gives it an edge over the C1.

GamingKeychron V6
  • •The V6 has a 1000 Hz polling rate out of the box with an option for 8000 Hz, which may provide lower latency in competitive games.
  • •The steel plate and heavier weight (1360g) offer a more stable platform for intense gaming sessions.
OfficeKeychron V6
  • •The full-size layout of the V6 includes a dedicated number pad, which is beneficial for data entry and spreadsheet work.
  • •The V6 comes with double-shot PBT keycaps that offer oil resistance and durability for heavy daily use.
  • •QMK and VIA support allow custom macro creation to automate repetitive office tasks.
ProgrammingKeychron V6
  • •QMK and VIA support on the V6 enable full key remapping and custom macros, which is valuable for programmers.
  • •The V6 includes screw-in PCB stabilizers for more stable and consistent typing on larger keys like the space bar.
TravelKeychron C1
  • •The C1 has a tenkeyless size and weighs only 685g, making it easier to pack compared to the 1360g V6.
  • •The smaller form factor of the C1 takes up less desk space in a travel bag or hotel room.
ModdingKeychron V6
  • •The V6 offers multiple mount styles including gasket mount, providing a more advanced modding platform.
  • •The V6 supports QMK and VIA firmware, allowing for extensive software customization beyond just swapping switches.
  • •The V6 is available as a barebone kit (without keycaps and switches), catering to builders who want to source their own components.
Content CreationKeychron V6
  • •The full-size layout of the V6 provides a number pad useful for video editing timelines and numeric inputs in creative software.
  • •QMK and VIA support on the V6 allows for custom shortcuts for actions like cut, copy, paste, and timeline navigation.
  • •The V6 includes an optional knob version, which can be mapped to control volume, scrub timelines, or zoom.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

97
$44
Keychron V1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron V1
75%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

96
$49
Keychron V5 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron V5
96%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

91
$50
Keychron C1 Pro 8K QMK Wired Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron C1 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

97
$99
Keychron V5 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V5 Max
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

91
$44
Keychron V2 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V2
65%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

96
$89
Keychron V6 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V6 Max
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

93
$114
Keychron V3 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3 Max
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

91
$39
Keychron V4 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V4
60%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

96
$54
Keychron V3 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3
80%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount