Compare
Pick two boards from the directory and see how they differ.
Shaded rows are where they differ.
| Spec |  Keychron Keychron C1 Pro 8K $55 “Wired retro TKL with 8000Hz polling, QMK and OSA keycaps” |  Keychron Keychron C1 $40–$60 “Budget wired TKL with a retro look and no software” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $55 | $40–$60 |
| Size | TKL | TKL |
| Type | Pre-built | Pre-built |
| Connectivity | Wired | Wired |
| Released , different | 2025 | 2020 |
| Mounting | Tray Mount | Tray Mount |
| Case | Plastic | Plastic |
| Colors | See the store | See the store |
| Weight , different | 830 ± 10 g | About 685g |
| Dimensions , different | 357.44 x 130.76 mm | 357 x 130mm |
| Typing angle | Not listed | Not listed |
| Front height | Not listed | Not listed |
| Switches | Mechanical | Mechanical |
| Profile | Standard | Standard |
| Keycaps , different | OSA-profile double-shot PBT, not shine-through | OEM-profile double-shot ABS (ABS on the non-backlit version) |
| PCB | Hot-swap | Hot-swap |
| Plates | Not listed | Not listed |
| Compatible switches | MX-style | MX-style |
| Software , different | QMK, Keychron Launcher | None |
| NKRO | Yes | Yes |
| RGB | Yes | Yes |
| Features , different | TKL layout, Wired, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA | TKL layout, Wired, Hot-swap |
| Good for , different | Budget typists and gamers who want 8000Hz People who like retro looks | Budget buyers who want a first mechanical board People who like a retro look |
| Skip if , different | Anyone who wants wireless Buyers who prefer a soft gasket feel | Anyone who wants to remap in software Buyers who want PBT keycaps or wireless |
| Pros , different | Up to 8000Hz polling that worked flawlessly in Notebookcheck's review OSA keycaps and adjustable feet made typing comfortable (Tom's Guide) Solid build and clean stabilizer sound for the price (Notebookcheck) Hot-swap Super switches with QMK and Launcher | Inexpensive and a real mechanical board (PCMag) Retro looks; Windows and Mac keycaps included Choice of mechanical switches and a hot-swap option 15 RGB modes from a dedicated key (Sypnotix) |
| Cons , different | Wired only (both reviews) Switches can be tricky to remove (Tom's Guide) Stiff tray mount; some will want a cushioned feel (Notebookcheck) Notebookcheck hit trouble updating firmware, and the keycaps are not shine-through | No software utility and no QMK/VIA (PCMag, Sypnotix) Stabilizer placement makes some keys wobble (PCMag) ABS keycaps and plastic body Wired only |
| Research take , different | A well-reviewed budget wired TKL with 8000Hz. If you need a numpad, the C2 Pro 8K is the full-size version. | A cheap, simple wired TKL. Choose it if you do not need software remapping; the C1 Pro adds QMK. |