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Compare Keychron C1 vs Lemokey P1 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a low-cost wired tenkeyless keyboard and a premium wireless 75% gaming board, both from the Keychron family. The Keychron C1 is a lightweight ABS TKL that keeps things simple with a 1000 Hz polling rate and hot-swap options at a very accessible price point. The Lemokey P1, a Keychron brand, steps up with a full CNC aluminum case, gasket mount, PBT keycaps, and triple connectivity including Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz. The decision is hard because both are hot-swappable and suit different budgets, but the P1 offers far more features for those willing to spend more.

-29% off
70
Keychron C1 Wired Mechanical Keyboard (US ANSI Layout)
100
Lemokey P1 QMK/VIA Custom Gaming Keyboard

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4.8 (180)
5.0 (10)
  • Released in 2020
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear switch options
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • 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 2024
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, 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
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1650 g
  • Sized at 31 x 140 x 322 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 62
  • Build Quality: 60.6
  • Productivity: 74.8
  • Customizability: 73.7
  • Portability: 58
Scores
  • Performance: 81.9
  • Build Quality: 87.9
  • Productivity: 96.7
  • Customizability: 97.1
  • Portability: 81.2
Name
Keychron C1
Name
Keychron Lemokey P1
Release year
2020
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, 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
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
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
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, North-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS, Plastic
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
27 x 130 x 357 mm
Dimensions
31 x 140 x 322 mm
Weight
685g
Weight
1650g
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Pros and Trade-offs

If your priority is a lightweight, affordable wired keyboard for a stationary desk or frequent travel, the Keychron C1 delivers solid value with its TKL layout and hot-swappable PCB. However, if you want wireless flexibility, a premium aluminum build, deep programmability via QMK/VIA, and a gasket-mounted typing feel, the Lemokey P1 justifies its higher cost for gamers, programmers, and modders. The P1 is the clear choice for those who prioritize customization and build quality over budget savings.

Keychron C1

  • +Lightweight ABS plastic construction at only 685g makes it easy to move or transport.
  • +Wired USB-C connectivity provides a simple, zero-latency connection with no battery to manage.
  • +Available with RGB backlight and more than 15 preset lighting modes.
  • +Hot-swappable PCB supports most MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin switches without soldering.
  • +Very affordable entry point for a tenkeyless mechanical keyboard with basic productivity features.
  • −Tray mount design offers less flex and acoustic tuning compared to gasket mount alternatives.
  • −ABS keycaps are prone to shine over time, and non-backlight versions use standard ABS.
  • −No QMK or VIA support, so key remapping requires external tools like Karabiner Elements on Mac only.
  • −Wired-only connectivity limits placement flexibility compared to wireless boards.

Keychron Lemokey P1

  • +Full CNC machined 6063 aluminum case provides a rigid, premium feel and weight of 1650g.
  • +Triple connectivity includes Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4 GHz, and wired USB-C, with a 4000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
  • +Gasket mount design with IXPE, PET, and absorbing foam layers reduces resonance and provides a cushioned typing experience.
  • +QMK/VIA programmable with a web-based Lemokey Launcher, supporting full key remapping and macros.
  • +Comes with Cherry profile double-shot PBT keycaps that are durable and oil-resistant.
  • −Heavier aluminum build at 1650g is less portable than plastic alternatives like the C1.
  • −Higher price point, especially for the fully assembled knob version, may exceed budget-focused buyers.
  • −VIA code requires a manual JSON file import for the P1, not immediately plug-and-play for all users.
  • −South-facing RGB may not fully illuminate shine-through keycaps if you prefer backlit legends.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Lemokey P1 wins across gaming, programming, modding, and content creation thanks to its gasket mount, QMK/VIA support, programmable knob, and wireless 2.4 GHz connectivity. The Keychron C1 takes the travel category due to its light 685g plastic design. For office use, both boards tie: the C1 offers reliable wired simplicity, while the P1 provides a quieter, cushioned typing experience with sound-dampening foams.

GamingKeychron Lemokey P1
  • •The Lemokey P1 offers 2.4 GHz wireless with a 1000 Hz polling rate for low-latency gaming, plus wired mode.
  • •The P1 features a CNC aluminum frame for stability and screw-in stabilizers for consistent large key performance.
  • •The P1 includes QMK support for custom keymaps and macros, beneficial for competitive gaming setups.
OfficeTie
  • •The C1's TKL layout saves desk space and its wired-only connection is reliable for a stationary office setup.
  • •The Lemokey P1's gasket mount and acoustic foams (IXPE, PET, absorbing foam) provide a quieter, more cushioned typing feel.
  • •Both offer Mac/Win support and hot-swappable switches for personal preference.
ProgrammingKeychron Lemokey P1
  • •The Lemokey P1 supports QMK and VIA for full key remapping and macro creation, ideal for custom shortcuts.
  • •The P1 includes a programmable knob and macro column for additional productivity functions.
  • •The P1's gasket mount and sound dampening enhance comfort during long typing sessions.
TravelKeychron C1
  • •The C1 weighs only 685g, making it much easier to pack than the 1650g aluminum P1.
  • •The C1's ABS plastic case is more durable in transit than heavier metal cases, and its wired-only design removes battery concerns.
  • •The C1 is smaller in depth (357 x 130 mm) and simpler, reducing risk of damage from drops.
ModdingKeychron Lemokey P1
  • •The Lemokey P1 features a gasket mount design, which is more modder-friendly than the C1's tray mount.
  • •The P1 includes premium acoustic foam layers (IXPE, PET) and screw-in stabilizers that can be further tuned.
  • •The P1 is available as a barebones kit, allowing full customization of switches and keycaps from the start.
  • •The P1 has a polycarbonate plate commonly swapped in modding builds.
Content CreationKeychron Lemokey P1
  • •The P1's programmable knob can be mapped to zoom, brush size, or volume, streamlining creative workflows.
  • •QMK/VIA support allows creators to assign complex shortcuts for editing software.
  • •The P1's aluminum build and PBT keycaps offer a premium feel and longevity under heavy daily use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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