Compare
Pick two boards from the directory and see how they differ.
Shaded rows are where they differ.
| Spec |  Keychron Keychron K8 Max $95–$125 “TKL with 2.4 GHz, QMK and a 4000 mAh battery” |  Keychron Keychron C1 Pro 8K $55 “Wired retro TKL with 8000Hz polling, QMK and OSA keycaps” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $95–$125 | $55 |
| Size | TKL | TKL |
| Type | Pre-built | Pre-built |
| Connectivity , different | Wireless + Wired | Wired |
| Released , different | 2024 | 2025 |
| Mounting , different | Integrated Plate | Tray Mount |
| Case , different | ABS, or ABS with aluminum frame | Plastic |
| Colors , different | Black, White | See the store |
| Weight , different | 1158 g (ABS), 1308 g (aluminum frame) | 830 ± 10 g |
| Dimensions , different | 354.21 x 124.18 mm (ABS), 359.20 x 129.20 mm (aluminum frame) | 357.44 x 130.76 mm |
| Typing angle | Not listed | Not listed |
| Front height | Not listed | Not listed |
| Switches | Mechanical | Mechanical |
| Profile | Standard | Standard |
| Keycaps , different | Double-shot PBT | OSA-profile double-shot PBT, not shine-through |
| PCB | Hot-swap | Hot-swap |
| Plates | Not listed | Not listed |
| Battery , different | 4000 mAh, up to 190 hours | — |
| Compatible switches | MX-style | MX-style |
| Software , different | QMK, VIA, Keychron Launcher | QMK, Keychron Launcher |
| NKRO | Yes | Yes |
| RGB , different | No | Yes |
| Features , different | TKL layout, Tri-mode, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA | TKL layout, Wired, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA |
| Good for , different | Buyers who want QMK and a dongle in a TKL Casual customizers who want a heavy, ready-made board Users who switch between a Mac and a PC | Budget typists and gamers who want 8000Hz People who like retro looks |
| Skip if , different | Enthusiasts who want the most advanced sound tuning Gamers who want Hall-effect or 8 kHz features Anyone who needs to carry the board often | Anyone who wants wireless Buyers who prefer a soft gasket feel |
| Pros , different | 2.4 GHz at 1000 Hz, Bluetooth and wired (maker) Good value, with a thocky sound on brown switches (MakeUseOf) PBT keycaps and a heavy, sturdy frame QMK with hot-swap sockets and three switch choices 4000 mAh battery rated up to 190 hours with the backlight off | 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 |
| Cons , different | Plastic base limits advanced customizers (MakeUseOf) RGB customization is wide but shallow (MakeUseOf) Adjustable feet could be larger (MakeUseOf) Heavy for travel Battery drops to about 100 hours with the backlight on low (MakeUseOf) | 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 |
| Research take , different | The most balanced K8 for most buyers, reviewed positively by MakeUseOf. | A well-reviewed budget wired TKL with 8000Hz. If you need a numpad, the C2 Pro 8K is the full-size version. |