Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare Keychron C4 HE vs V1 Ultra Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Keychron's high-performance wired and wireless offerings. The C4 HE is a full-size, wired-only board focused on Hall Effect magnetic switches. The V1 Ultra is a 75% wireless model with multi-connectivity. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize a full numpad with advanced switch technology or the freedom of wireless in a space-saving form factor. Both share high-end features like 8000Hz polling and extensive programmability, making the core trade-off clear but significant.

90
Keychron C4 HE 8K Magnetic Switch Keyboard
93
Keychron V1 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

Select a keyboard to compare

0.0 (0)
5.0 (1)
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 100% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 970 g
  • Sized at 30 x 446 x 138 mm
  • Made with a Plastic case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO, ANSI layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 770 g
  • Sized at 29 x 329 x 149 mm
  • Made with a Plastic, ABS case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, South-face, Rgb South-face, White South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 89.2
  • Build Quality: 82.9
  • Productivity: 94.9
  • Customizability: 92.6
  • Portability: 45.2
Scores
  • Performance: 91
  • Build Quality: 83.9
  • Productivity: 97.8
  • Customizability: 95.3
  • Portability: 80.1
Name
Keychron C4 HE
Name
Keychron V1 Ultra
Release year
2026
Release year
2026
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
100%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO, 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
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
8000 Hz
Polling Rate
8000 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
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, South-face, White South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
30 x 446 x 138 mm
Dimensions
29 x 329 x 149 mm
Weight
970g
Weight
770g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

Select the Keychron C4 HE if you work primarily at a single desk and rely heavily on a numpad, valuing the unique capabilities of Hall Effect switches. Opt for the Keychron V1 Ultra if you need to switch between devices, value a cleaner wireless setup, or have limited desk space. The premium for the V1 Ultra buys wireless freedom and a more portable form factor.

Keychron C4 HE

  • +Full-size layout with dedicated numpad and navigation cluster.
  • +Features Hall Effect magnetic switches with adjustable actuation points.
  • +Includes Cherry profile double-shot PBT keycaps.
  • +Steel plate and EVA acoustic foam for a distinct sound profile.
  • +Lower cost entry point for a high-polling-rate Hall Effect keyboard.

  • Wired-only connectivity limits placement and reduces desk cleanliness.
  • Larger and heavier (970g, 446mm wide), demanding more desk space.
  • Lacks a rotary knob, which is present on some V1 Ultra configurations.

Keychron V1 Ultra

  • +Tri-mode wireless connectivity (2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.3, wired).
  • +Compact 75% layout saves space while keeping function row and arrows.
  • +Includes a polycarbonate plate and multiple foam layers (EPDM, PET film) for a softer typing feel.
  • +Features a large 4000mAh battery with claimed long battery life.
  • +South-facing RGB LEDs ensure compatibility with more keycap profiles.

  • More expensive than the C4 HE.
  • Lacks a dedicated numpad, requiring a separate keypad or layer usage.
  • Uses standard mechanical switches instead of Hall Effect technology.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The V1 Ultra wins for mobile and multi-device office use due to its wireless connectivity and compact form. The C4 HE is the choice for stationary setups where a full numpad is essential, such as programming or content creation. For gaming and modding, both are equally capable, offering top-tier performance and customization. Your daily workflow and desk space will dictate the winner.

GamingTie
  • Both keyboards feature an 8000 Hz polling rate for minimal input lag.
  • Both support N-key rollover and are hot-swappable for switch customization.
  • The C4 HE offers Hall Effect switches with adjustable actuation, while the V1 Ultra provides wireless freedom with a 2.4 GHz connection.
OfficeKeychron V1 Ultra
  • The V1 Ultra offers Bluetooth 5.3 for connecting to multiple devices like laptops and tablets.
  • Its 75% layout saves desk space while retaining essential function keys.
  • The manufacturer claims up to 660 hours of battery life with the backlight off.
ProgrammingKeychron C4 HE
  • The C4 HE's full-size layout includes a dedicated numpad for data entry.
  • It features Cherry profile PBT keycaps, which some typists prefer for ergonomics.
  • Both keyboards offer full programmability via QMK/VIA (C4 HE) or ZMK/Launcher (V1 Ultra).
TravelKeychron V1 Ultra
  • The V1 Ultra is significantly smaller (329mm wide vs 446mm) and lighter (770g vs 970g).
  • It features wireless connectivity, eliminating the need for a cable on the go.
  • Its built-in 4000mAh battery supports extended cordless use.
ModdingTie
  • Both are hot-swappable, supporting 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches.
  • Both use gasket mount designs and include multiple sound-dampening foams (EVA on C4 HE, EPDM and PET film on V1 Ultra).
  • Both feature screw-in PCB stabilizers for easy tuning and replacement.
Content CreationKeychron C4 HE
  • The full-size layout of the C4 HE provides a numpad for efficient timeline scrubbing and numerical input.
  • Its north-facing RGB LEDs may offer better compatibility with certain aftermarket keycap sets for aesthetic customization.
  • The adjustable actuation point of its Hall Effect switches can be tailored for precise macro control.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

90
$89
Keychron C3 HE Wired Magnetic Switch Keyboard
Keychron C3 HE
100%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Gasket Mount

98
$94
Keychron V1 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V1 Max
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

96
$106
Keychron K10 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K10 HE
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

97
$44
Keychron V1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron V1
75%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

97
$99
Keychron V5 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V5 Max
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

93
$114
Keychron V3 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3 Max
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

95
$100
Keychron Q6 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q6
100%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

92
$114
Keychron V3 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3 Ultra
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

95
$90
Keychron Q5 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q5
96%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

95
$79
Keychron Q10 (Alice Layout) QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q10
75%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount