Keychron C4 HE vs K4 V38000 Hz Wired vs Bluetooth Wireless

The C4 HE is a wired full-size keyboard with an 8000 Hz polling rate and Hall Effect magnetic switches, while the K4 V3 is a 96% wireless board with Bluetooth 5.2 and a 4000 mAh battery. The C4 HE targets low-latency gaming, and the K4 V3 targets multitasking across up to 3 devices. Both support QMK and the Keychron Launcher web app.

Keychron positions the C4 HE for competitive gaming with an 8000 Hz polling rate in Type-C wired mode, switchable among 1000 Hz, 4000 Hz, and 8000 Hz in the Launcher web app. Its Hall Effect magnetic switches offer adjustable actuation points, and the steel plate is described as providing responsive feedback. The trade-off is that it is wired only.

Yes, Keychron states the K4 V3 connects to up to 3 devices wirelessly via Broadcom Bluetooth 5.2. You can switch among a laptop, phone, and tablet, and a USB Type-C wired connection is also available. The 4000 mAh battery supports wireless use.

The C4 HE has an 8000 Hz polling rate in Type-C wired mode, and Keychron notes it can be switched among 1000 Hz, 4000 Hz, and 8000 Hz in the Launcher app. The K4 V3 lists a 1000 Hz polling rate. The C4 HE is the higher-polling option of the two.

Yes, Keychron lists ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-CH, and ISO-Nordic variants for the K4 V3 alongside ANSI, sold as fully assembled keyboards. The C4 HE is listed as ANSI only. If you need an ISO layout, the K4 V3 is the one to choose.

The C4 HE is hot-swappable, but only with compatible Hall Effect magnetic switches because it uses magnetic rather than contact-based switches. The K4 V3 offers a hot-swappable version that accepts 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches from Cherry, Gateron, Kailh, and Panda. Note that Keychron says the non-hot-swappable K4 V3 version omits sound-absorbing foam and silicone pad.

The K4 V3 is the more travel-friendly option at a 96% layout measuring 368.14 x 121.14 mm and weighing about 813 g, and it offers Bluetooth 5.2 wireless so you can leave the cable behind. The C4 HE is a 100% full-size board at 30 x 446 x 138 mm and 970g, and it is wired only. The K4 V3 is smaller, lighter, and wireless.

Yes, both Keychron keyboards list macOS and Windows support and include Mac and Windows keycaps. Keychron also lists Linux compatibility for both. The K4 V3 adds the ability to configure different keymaps for Mac and Windows devices in the Launcher web app.

The C4 HE uses Cherry profile double-shot PBT keycaps with a normal profile, and the K4 V3 uses Cherry profile double-shot PBT keycaps as well. Keychron describes the PBT material as offering oil resistance and durable legends. Both boards also offer north-facing RGB with more than 22 backlight modes.

The C4 HE weighs 970g plus or minus 10g according to Keychron, and the K4 V3 weighs about 813 g. The C4 HE's steel plate and added weight are described by Keychron as enhancing stability. The K4 V3's lighter weight and smaller 96% footprint make it easier to move around.

Both keyboards list QMK support and can be configured through the Keychron Launcher web app, which requires a Chrome, Opera, or Edge browser. The K4 V3 also highlights open-source QMK firmware that the community can review. Configuration covers key remapping, macros, lighting, and for the C4 HE also actuation and polling rate.

The K4 V3 is the more natural office fit because Bluetooth 5.2 wireless connects to up to 3 devices and the 96% layout keeps a numpad while taking less desk space. A reviewer notes the K4 V3 sounds quieter than the previous version, which helps in shared spaces. The C4 HE is wired only, though it offers Hall Effect actuation tuning if that matters for your workflow.