Keychron C1 vs V6Full-Size or TKL Wired Keyboard
Choose the Keychron V6 if you need a full layout with QMK or VIA programmability; choose the C1 if you prefer a compact tenkeyless size for portability.
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4.8 (180)4.8 · 180 reviews
from$39at Keychron
4.8 (31)4.8 · 31 reviews
from$69at Keychron
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron C1
Build quality in the top 50% of 80% boards under $100.
- 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.
- 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 V6
polling rate
Build quality in the top 5% of 100% boards under $100.
- 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.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
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.
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 V6
Layout size
80%
100%
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
1,360 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
- Keychron C1
- Keychron V6
- Performance
- 6691
- Build quality
- 6288
- 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 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.
Pick the Keychron 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.
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 V6
31 owner reviews
“Great keyboard. Love using it. Two quibbles: Logo is backwards on Windows key Wish Caps Lock lit up—the LED underneath isn’t enough to indicate when Caps Lock is engaged.”
“I have never used a keyboard where every time you just as much barely graze a key' it registers. This is horrible, you pretty much have to perfectly press the keys dead center, otherwise, it will press surrounding keys as well.”
Keychron C1 vs V6 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
15 of 26 specs differ
Keychron C1
Keychron V6
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 V6
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
Out of stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-FR, 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 V6: your questions
No, the Keychron C1 does not have QMK or VIA support. The vendor page does not list these features, and user reviews note the lack of VIA. Key remapping would need to be done through operating-system level software like Karabiner-Elements on macOS.
No, the Keychron V6 is a wired-only keyboard. The provided specifications list connectivity as wired only. It connects via a USB Type-C cable and includes a Type-A to Type-C adapter.
Yes, the Keychron C1 is available in hot-swappable versions. The vendor description states that the Gateron (Hot-swappable) and Keychron Mechanical (Hot-swappable) versions support changing switches without soldering. They are compatible with most MX style 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
The Keychron V6 comes with double-shot PBT keycaps in an OSA (OEM Spherical Angled) profile, which means they have OEM height and an SA-like spherical shape. These keycaps are not shine-through, so the legends do not let backlight pass through.
Yes, the Keychron V6 is significantly heavier. The fully assembled V6 weighs approximately 1350g to 1360g, while the C1 weighs about 685g. This makes the V6 less portable but more stable on a desk.
No, the Keychron C1 is a tenkeyless (80%) keyboard, meaning it does not have a dedicated number pad. It has 87 keys. If you need a number pad, the Keychron V6 is a better choice as it is a full-size 100% keyboard.
The Keychron V6 uses screw-in PCB stabilizers. The vendor describes them as having increased stability and less shake than plate-mounted stabs. They also support third-party screw-in PCB stabilizers.
Yes, the Keychron V6 is available in barebone versions. The vendor page lists options for Barebone and Barebone Knob versions that do not include keycaps and switches. This is useful for custom builds.
Yes, the Keychron C1 is available with RGB backlighting. The vendor page mentions an RGB version and states it offers 18 different backlight types. It also has a non-backlight retro version.
Yes, the Keychron V6 includes a system toggle on the keyboard and comes with additional keycaps for both macOS and Windows layouts. The vendor description confirms it can save two different layouts, one for each system.
The Keychron C1 has a polling rate of 1000 Hz. This is stated in both the meta data and the vendor specification. This polling rate is standard for most wired mechanical keyboards.
Yes, the Keychron V6 is available in a version with a knob. The vendor page lists Fully Assembled Knob and Barebone Knob as options. The knob can be programmed for functions like volume control through QMK or VIA.
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