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Keychron C1 Pro 8K

Keychron

Keychron C1 Pro 8K

Released 2025

Researched from maker specs and published sources. Last checked Oct 19, 2026.

Wired retro TKL with 8000Hz polling, QMK and OSA keycaps

A wired retro TKL with up to 8000Hz polling, hot-swap Super switches and Launcher. Tom's Guide and Notebookcheck both rated it highly for the price. Also covers the C1 and C1 Pro.

TKL layout Wired Hot-swap QMK/VIA

Our take, based on research

A well-reviewed budget wired TKL with 8000Hz. If you need a numpad, the C2 Pro 8K is the full-size version.

Overview

The C1 Pro 8K keeps the retro C1 look and adds 8000Hz polling. Keychron's page lists a plastic tray-mount body, Super switches (Red, Brown or Banana), OSA-profile double-shot PBT keycaps, Launcher remapping and 830 g. Tom's Guide called it extremely comfortable to type on, praising the OSA keycaps and the retractable feet, and the typing smooth and light, but found the Super switches tricky to remove and disliked that it is wired only. Notebookcheck described a matte plastic case that feels better than its class, clean stabilizers, smooth linear Super Red switches with a 45 gf actuation force, no chatter or repeat inputs, and flawless 8K polling, but noted the tray mount feels stiffer than a gasket design and it had trouble updating firmware. It also noted the keycaps are not shine-through.

Versions: this page also covers the C1 and C1 Pro, Keychron's earlier wired TKLs on the same retro plastic tray-mount design. Per Keychron's pages, the original C1 polls at 1000 Hz with no QMK/VIA or software, uses Gateron G Pro or Keychron mechanical switches with optional hot-swap and double-shot ABS keycaps, and weighs about 685 g. The C1 Pro adds QMK/VIA with the Launcher, K Pro switches and OEM-profile double-shot PBT keycaps at 1000 Hz and 700 g. The C1 Pro 8K moves to 8000 Hz polling, Super or Apex switches and OSA-profile keycaps.

Versions

  • C1

    1000 Hz wired with no QMK/VIA or software; Gateron G Pro or Keychron mechanical switches (hot-swap on the hot-swappable versions), OEM-profile double-shot ABS keycaps, non-backlit, white or RGB versions, about 685 g, 357 x 130 mm.

    Released
    2020
    Price
    $40–$60
    Software
    None
    Keycaps
    OEM-profile double-shot ABS (ABS on the non-backlit version)
    Weight
    About 685g
    Dimensions
    357 x 130mm
  • C1 Pro

    1000 Hz wired instead of 8000 Hz; QMK/VIA with the Launcher, Keychron K Pro Red or Brown switches (hot-swap on the hot-swappable RGB version), OEM-profile double-shot PBT keycaps, white or RGB backlight versions, 700 g, 355.5 x 129.3 mm.

    Released
    2023
    Price
    $40–$60
    Keycaps
    OEM-profile double-shot PBT, not shine-through
    Weight
    700 ± 10 g
    Dimensions
    355.5 x 129.3 mm

Pros & Cons

Strengths
  • 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
What Could Be Better
  • 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

Who Is This For?

Perfect For
  • Budget typists and gamers who want 8000Hz
  • People who like retro looks
Maybe Not For
  • Anyone who wants wireless
  • Buyers who prefer a soft gasket feel

Where to Buy

Specifications
Full technical details

Dimensions

357.44 x 130.76 mm

Weight

830 ± 10 g

Case Material

Plastic

Connectivity

Wired


Mounting Style Tray Mount
Typing Angle Not listed
Front Height Not listed
Switch Type Mechanical
Profile Standard
Keycaps OSA-profile double-shot PBT, not shine-through
PCB Hot-swap
Compatible Switches MX-style

Plate Options

Not listed

Case Colors

See the store

Software Support

QMK Keychron Launcher

NKRO
RGB

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