Compare Keychron C1 vs Lemokey X1 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers looking at wired 80% keyboards from Keychron. Both are similar wired TKL boards, but they serve different priorities. The C1 offers a choice between RGB, white, or non-backlit versions and a wider variety of switch options, while the Lemokey X1 focuses on a more premium base with QMK/VIA support. Your choice will depend on whether you want software programmability or more variety out of the box.

Model
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Rating	4.8 stars (180 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2020 Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear switch options Provides dedicated media keys Weighs about 685 g Sized at 27 x 130 x 357 mm Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting	Released in 2024 Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options Supports QMK firmware Supports VIA configuration Features N-key rollover Includes screw-in stabilizers Has built-in sound dampening Weighs about 837 g Sized at 37 x 357 x 129 mm Offers Yes, North-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 62.2 Build Quality: 60.2 Productivity: 74.8 Customizability: 73.6 Portability: 58	Scores Performance: 75.4 Build Quality: 83 Productivity: 95.4 Customizability: 89.4 Portability: 58.3
Name	Name Keychron C1	Name Keychron Lemokey X1
Release year	Release year 2020	Release year 2024
Switch Options	Switch Options Clicky, Tactile, Linear	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 80%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
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
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 North-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material ABS, Plastic	Case Material ABS, Plastic
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material ABS	Keycaps Material ABS
Dimensions	Dimensions 27 x 130 x 357 mm	Dimensions 37 x 357 x 129 mm
Weight	Weight 685g	Weight 837g

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Pros and Trade-offs

The primary differentiator is software programmability. The Lemokey X1 is the better choice if you need deep key customization with QMK/VIA, or prefer a more feature-rich build with sound dampening. The Keychron C1 is for those who want more out-of-the-box choices in backlighting and switches at a lighter weight. Your decision should be guided by whether you prioritize software control or hardware options.

Keychron C1

+Lighter weight at 685g.
+Offers multiple backlight options: RGB, White Backlight, and Non-Backlit.
+Includes a switch puller for hot-swappable versions.
+Features more than 15 types of RGB lighting effects.

−Lacks QMK or VIA software support, limiting key remapping.
−Does not have built-in sound dampening foam.
−Uses plate-mounted stabilizers rather than screw-in ones.

Keychron Lemokey X1

+Full QMK and VIA support for complete key customization.
+Includes sound dampening acoustic foam and case foam.
+Equipped with pre-lubed mechanical switches for a smoother feel.
+Features screw-in stabilizers for enhanced stability and sound.

−Slightly heavier at 837g.
−Only offers a red backlight with limited lighting effects.
−Limited to Keychron mechanical switch options.
−Fewer reviews and vendor availability.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron C1 and Lemokey X1 are similar, but the X1 wins in technical use cases. The X1 took the lead for Gaming, Programming, Modding, and Content Creation due to its QMK/VIA support, NKRO, and sound dampening features. The C1 claimed the win only for Travel due to its lighter weight. For Office use, the two keyboards are a tie. Overall, the X1 is the more technically advanced board.

GamingKeychron Lemokey X1

•Features a 1000 Hz polling rate with a high-performance ARM Cortex-M4 MCU for competitive gaming.
•Equipped with N-Key Rollover (NKRO) and advanced anti-ghosting technology.
•Includes sound dampening and screw-in stabilizers for a more stable experience.

OfficeTie

•Both feature an 80% TKL layout which saves desk space and includes multimedia keys.
•Both offer Mac/Win support and are suitable for typing and productivity tasks.
•The C1 is slightly lighter at 685g, making it easier to move around the desk.

ProgrammingKeychron Lemokey X1

•Full QMK and VIA support allows for complete key remapping and macros.
•The open-source firmware grants endless possibilities for keyboard shortcuts and layouts.
•Features a powerful MCU with 256K Flash memory for flexibility and custom scripts.

TravelKeychron C1

•The C1 is lighter at 685g compared to the X1's 837g.
•Both are wired, but the C1's lower weight makes it more portable in a bag.

ModdingKeychron Lemokey X1

•Built-in sound dampening foam and case foam as part of the acoustic foam mod.
•Designed with screw-in stabilizers, a common upgrade for better sound.
•QMK/VIA support allows for software modifications and custom keymaps.

Content CreationKeychron Lemokey X1

•QMK/VIA programmability allows for custom shortcuts tailored to creative software.
•The 80% layout provides essential navigation keys while maintaining a compact footprint.
•Pre-lubed switches offer a smooth typing feel for extended use.