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Compare Keychron C3 Pro vs C4 HE Differences Side by Side

This comparison suits buyers deciding between a compact TKL and a full-size keyboard from Keychron, both wired and rated at 8000 Hz polling. The C3 Pro offers a smaller footprint, QMK support, and multiple switch options at a lower price. The C4 HE moves to a full-size layout and Hall Effect magnetic switches with adjustable actuation through the Launcher web app. The hard part is weighing desk space and budget against the numpad and magnetic switch tuning.

89
Keychron C3 Pro 8K QMK Wired Custom Mechanical Keyboard
90
Keychron C4 HE 8K Magnetic Switch Keyboard

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4.7 (3)
0.0 (0)
  • Released in 2023
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Weighs about 912 g
  • Sized at 21 x 365 x 138 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Plastic case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Released in 2026
  • Available in a 100% layout
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Weighs about 970 g
  • Sized at 30 x 446 x 138 mm
  • Made with a Plastic case
  • Features PBT keycaps
Scores
  • Performance: 90.6
  • Build Quality: 81.4
  • Productivity: 91.2
  • Customizability: 88.5
  • Portability: 58.7
Scores
  • Performance: 89.2
  • Build Quality: 83.1
  • Productivity: 95.3
  • Customizability: 92.1
  • Portability: 45.3
Name
Keychron C3 Pro
Name
Keychron C4 HE
Release year
2023
Release year
2026
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
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
ANSI
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
8000 Hz;1000 Hz
Polling Rate
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
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS, Plastic
Case Material
Plastic
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
21 x 365 x 138 mm
Dimensions
30 x 446 x 138 mm
Weight
912g
Weight
970g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Pick the C3 Pro if you want a compact TKL with QMK remapping and a lower price. Choose the C4 HE if a numpad, multi-media keys, and adjustable Hall Effect actuation matter more than desk space. Both are wired and rated at 8000 Hz polling, so the layout and switch technology are the real decision points.

Keychron C3 Pro

  • +80% TKL layout keeps arrow and function keys while saving desk space.
  • +QMK firmware and the Keychron Launcher web app support key remapping and macros.
  • +8000 Hz polling rate, switchable among 1000, 4000, and 8000 Hz in the Launcher app.
  • +Hot-swappable for 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches without soldering.
  • +Cherry profile double-shot PBT keycaps with north-facing RGB and shine-through legends.
  • −Wired only, with no wireless option for travel or clean desk setups.
  • −ABS plastic case is a less premium material than metal alternatives.
  • −No numpad, which slows heavy spreadsheet or data-entry work.

Keychron C4 HE

  • +100% full-size ANSI layout with a numpad and multi-media keys.
  • +Hall Effect magnetic switches with adjustable actuation set in the Launcher web app.
  • +Hot-swappable with compatible Hall Effect magnetic switches, no soldering required.
  • +Screw-in stabilizers reduce wobble on space bar, shift, enter, and delete.
  • +EVA acoustic foam and a steel plate support a stable, controlled typing sound.
  • −Full-size footprint at 446 mm long takes significant desk space.
  • −Heavier at 970 g, which makes it less travel friendly.
  • −Wired only, and the listing showed no stock at the time of writing.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The C4 HE takes most productivity and gaming categories thanks to its full-size layout, multi-media keys, and adjustable Hall Effect switches. The C3 Pro wins where desk space, weight, and QMK-based remapping matter more than a numpad. Travel clearly favors the smaller, lighter C3 Pro, while modding leans to the C4 HE for its magnetic switch swapping and screw-in stabilizers. Neither board offers wireless, so portability is limited for both.

GamingKeychron C4 HE
  • •The C4 HE uses Keychron Ultra-fast Lime Magnetic Switches with adjustable actuation points set in the Launcher web app.
  • •Both keyboards are rated at 8000 Hz polling, but the C4 HE ships at 8000 Hz in Type-C wired mode.
  • •Hall Effect magnetic switches are designed to detect presses without physical contact, which suits rapid repeated inputs.
OfficeKeychron C4 HE
  • •The C4 HE uses a 100% full-size ANSI layout with a numpad for spreadsheet and data entry work.
  • •It includes multi-media keys for quick volume and playback control.
  • •Screw-in stabilizers on the big keys are listed to reduce wobbliness on space bar, shift, enter, and delete.
ProgrammingKeychron C3 Pro
  • •The C3 Pro supports QMK firmware and the Keychron Launcher web app for key remapping and macros.
  • •The TKL layout keeps arrow and function keys while leaving more room for mouse movement.
  • •It offers a choice of Keychron Super or Apex switches, including linear and tactile options.
TravelKeychron C3 Pro
  • •The C3 Pro is an 80% TKL at 365 mm long, shorter than the 446 mm C4 HE.
  • •It weighs 830 g against the C4 HE at 970 g, so it is easier to pack.
  • •Both are wired only, so neither offers wireless freedom on the move.
ModdingKeychron C4 HE
  • •The C4 HE is hot-swappable with compatible Hall Effect magnetic switches, so swaps need no soldering.
  • •It uses a steel plate, EVA acoustic foam, and screw-in stabilizers that support third-party replacements.
  • •The Launcher web app exposes actuation tuning and per-key remapping for deeper setup changes.
Content CreationKeychron C4 HE
  • •The full-size layout with multi-media keys speeds up volume and transport control during editing.
  • •Adjustable actuation through the Launcher web app lets you tune key response for macro-heavy workflows.
  • •The 100% layout provides dedicated keys for shortcuts without layered remapping.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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