Keychron C1 Review | 64 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£60
  • Layout size: TKL
  • Connection type: USB
  • Switch type: mechanical
  • Polling rate: 1000 Hz

Keychron C1 review. Compare 64 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among keyboards and if it is worth buying.

6.0

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the keyboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best keyboards on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

5.1

Technical Score

20.0%

9.5

User score

Good
5.1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the keyboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as switch feel, typing and gaming performance, layout and features, connectivity, build quality, backlighting, software, and comfort.

When it matters: When you want to compare keyboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

34.0%

6.5

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

2.0

Switches

20.0%

7.0

Materials

12.0%

4.7

Features

6.0%

6.9

Design

Good
9.5

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the keyboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a keyboard performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of typing feel, noise level, comfort, and long-term durability.

Score components:

70.0%

9.3

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.7
(337)
amazon
4.6
(90)
amazon
4.6
(65)
amazon
4.4
(57)
amazon
4.4
(34)
amazon
4.7
(19)
amazon
5.0
(3)
United States
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4.7
(337)
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4.6
(90)
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4.6
(65)
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4.4
(57)
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4.4
(34)
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4.7
(19)
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5.0
(3)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

Exceptional
  • 1.4
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Polling rate

    24.0%

    1.0

    Rapid trigger

    20.0%

    1.0

    Adjustable actuation

    16.0%

    1.0

    Hot-swappable switches

    12.0%

    4.0

    Onboard memory

  • 6.2
    Typing

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.0

    Wrist rest included

    24.0%

    10

    Legend method

    20.0%

    10

    Adjustable feet

    15.0%

    1.0

    Typing angle

    13.0%

    4.0

    Pre-lubed stabilizers

  • 2.8
    Programming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    1.0

    QMK support

    26.0%

    1.0

    VIA support

    18.0%

    10

    Mac compatibility

    14.0%

    0.0

    Multi-device pairing

    12.0%

    4.0

    Connection type

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Keychron C1 is a budget-friendly, wired-only, tenkeyless (TKL) mechanical keyboard featuring hot-swappable Gateron G Pro switches, a durable ABS plastic frame, and full compatibility with both Mac and Windows layouts. Its main pros include excellent build quality for the price, a detachable USB-C cable, satisfying linear or tactile typing experiences, and easy keycap/switch customization. However, cons include the lack of wireless functionality, the high-profile case which may require a wrist rest, and a relatively lightweight construction.

Technical Specifications of Keychron C1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the keyboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as switch feel, typing and gaming performance, layout and features, connectivity, build quality, backlighting, software, and comfort.

When it matters: When you want to compare keyboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

34.0%

6.5

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

2.0

Switches

20.0%

7.0

Materials

12.0%

4.7

Features

6.0%

6.9

Design

5.1
Keychron C1 has a technical score of 5.13 points, which is lower than that of 88.8% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the keyboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a keyboard performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of typing feel, noise level, comfort, and long-term durability.

Score components:

70.0%

9.3

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.7
(337)
amazon
4.6
(90)
amazon
4.6
(65)
amazon
4.4
(57)
amazon
4.4
(34)
amazon
4.7
(19)
amazon
5.0
(3)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.7
(337)
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(90)
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(65)
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(57)
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(34)
Amazon_logo.png
4.7
(19)
Amazon_logo.png
5.0
(3)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

9.5
Keychron C1 has a user score of 9.48 points, which is higher than that of 98% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the keyboard.
When it matters: When you prefer a keyboard that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
10
Keychron C1 has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 68.6% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the keyboard's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a keyboard that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.0

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

7.2
Keychron C1 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.2 points, which is lower than 80.4% of products in this category.
Switch type
What it is: Identifies the switch technology used by the keyboard, such as mechanical, optical, or Hall effect.
When it matters: When you are choosing between different response technologies and their long-term behavior.

Importance: HIGH

mechanical
Switch feel
What it is: Describes the keypress character, such as linear, tactile, or clicky.
When it matters: When the sensation of each keypress changes comfort, control, and noise level for your use.

Importance: HIGH

linear / tactile / clicky
Switch name
What it is: States the specific switch model used by the keyboard.
When it matters: When the exact switch model matters because small tuning differences affect your preference.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Actuation force
What it is: Measures how much force is needed to actuate a key.
When it matters: When finger fatigue, accidental presses, or key resistance matters to your typing style.

Importance: HIGH

45 g
Min actuation distance
What it is: Measures the shortest key travel needed to register an input.
When it matters: When faster key response matters and you want the shortest possible trigger point under your fingers.

Importance: MEDIUM

2 mm
Keychron C1 has a minimum actuation distance of 2 mm, which is longer than 66.3% of keyboards and equal to 33.4% of keyboards.
Show more
Keyboard type
What it is: Identifies the keyboard technology, such as mechanical, membrane, optical, or Hall effect.
When it matters: When you need a keyboard built around a specific switch technology or feel profile.

Importance: HIGH

mechanical
Layout size
What it is: States the keyboard form factor and how much of the standard keyset it includes.
When it matters: When desk space, portability, or access to a full key set affects how you work or play.

Importance: HIGH

TKL
Layout standard
What it is: Specifies the regional layout standard, such as ANSI, ISO, or JIS.
When it matters: When you need a regional key layout that matches your language habits or keycap set.

Importance: MEDIUM

ANSI
N. of keys
What it is: States how many keys are present on the keyboard.
When it matters: When you need a certain number of keys for shortcuts, navigation, or a numpad.

Importance: MEDIUM

87
Keychron C1 has 87 keys, which is more than 44.5% of keyboards and equal to 17.6% of keyboards.
Profile
What it is: Describes whether the keyboard uses a low-profile or standard-height design.
When it matters: When key height changes your typing comfort, travel distance, or the overall desk setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

standard
Show more
Connection type
What it is: Specifies how the keyboard connects, such as USB, 2.4 GHz wireless, or Bluetooth.
When it matters: When latency, cable management, or wireless flexibility is part of your buying decision.

Importance: HIGH

USB
Keychron C1 offers USB connectivity, which is less versatile than 56.7% of keyboards and equal to 43.3% of keyboards.
Multi-device pairing
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard can stay paired with multiple devices for quicker switching.
When it matters: When you switch regularly between a laptop, tablet, and other devices on one desk.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
Bluetooth version
What it is: States the Bluetooth generation supported for wireless pairing.
When it matters: When wireless stability, compatibility, and energy efficiency are part of what you compare.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Mac compatibility
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard is intended to work properly with macOS layouts, shortcuts, or legends.
When it matters: When you need the keyboard to work properly with macOS shortcuts and key mapping.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Keychron C1 is Mac compatible. 44.4% of keyboards are Mac compatible.
extra Mac keycaps included.
Battery life
What it is: Estimates how long the keyboard can run on a full charge.
When it matters: When the keyboard needs to last through workweeks, travel, or long gaming stretches without constant charging.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
Show more
RGB lighting
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard includes customizable RGB lighting effects.
When it matters: When visual customization and desk aesthetics matter to your setup.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Keychron C1 has RGB lighting. 12.3% of keyboards have RGB lighting.
Per-key RGB
What it is: Shows whether each key can be lit and controlled independently instead of sharing one uniform lighting zone.
When it matters: When customizing each key individually matters for visuals, games, or shortcut visibility.

Importance: HIGH

no
Keychron C1 does not have per-key RGB. 77.3% of keyboards offer per-key RGB.
RGB zones
What it is: States how many RGB lighting zones can be controlled separately.
When it matters: When you want more lighting control than a simple all-at-once backlight can provide.

Importance: LOW

87
Keychron C1 has 87 RGB zones, which is more than 58.6% of keyboards and equal to 11.8% of keyboards.
Underglow / side lighting
What it is: Shows whether the case includes lighting around the underside or outer edges in addition to the keys themselves.
When it matters: When edge lighting is part of the visual style you want from the keyboard.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Keychron C1 does not include underglow lighting. 31.7% of keyboards include underglow lighting.
Backlight direction
What it is: Specifies whether the switches use north-facing or south-facing backlighting.
When it matters: When you care about switch compatibility, keycap interference, or lighting placement.

Importance: LOW

south-facing
Show more
Case material
What it is: Describes the main material used for the keyboard case.
When it matters: When build feel, rigidity, and overall finish influence your sense of quality.

Importance: HIGH

plastic
Plate material
What it is: Describes the material used for the mounting plate beneath the switches.
When it matters: When keyboard stiffness, sound profile, and bottom-out feel matter more than the switch spec sheet alone.

Importance: HIGH

steel
Keycap material
What it is: Describes the material used to make the keycaps.
When it matters: When surface texture, wear resistance, and sound of the keycaps affect your choice.

Importance: HIGH

ABS
Keycap profile
What it is: Describes the shape and height profile of the keycaps.
When it matters: When key shape and sculpting affect comfort, wrist angle, and the sound of each press.

Importance: MEDIUM

OEM
Legend method
What it is: Describes how the legends are applied to the keycaps, which affects durability and visibility.
When it matters: When you care about how long key legends stay readable after heavy use.

Importance: MEDIUM

double-shot
Keychron C1 uses double-shot legends, which are more durable than 25.8% of keyboards and equal to 74.2% of keyboards.
Show more

Keychron C1 vs the average keyboard

  • 29.8% lower weight
    Keychron C1 weighs less than the average keyboard (685 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.
    What it is: Measures the total mass of the keyboard.
    When it matters: When you care whether the keyboard feels easy to carry or heavy enough to stay planted on the desk.

    Importance: HIGH

    Keychron C1 weighs less than the average keyboard (685 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.685 g vs 976 g
  • 18.5% higher user score
    Keychron C1 has a higher user score than the average keyboard (9.48 vs 8.000).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the keyboard.
    When it matters: When you want to understand how a keyboard performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of typing feel, noise level, comfort, and long-term durability.
    Keychron C1 has a higher user score than the average keyboard (9.48 vs 8.000).9.48 vs 8
  • 2.17x cheaper
    Keychron C1 is cheaper than the average keyboard (£60 vs £130).
    Keychron C1 is cheaper than the average keyboard (£60 vs £130).£60 vs £130
  • 29.8% lower weight
    Keychron C1 weighs less than the average keyboard (685 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.
  • 4 ° higher typing angle
    Keychron C1 has a higher typing angle than the average keyboard (9 ° vs 5 °). The average keyboard has a typing angle of 5 °.
  • 2 older release date
    Keychron C1 is older than the average keyboard (2,021 vs 2,023). The average keyboard was released in 2,023.
    March 2021.
  • Less versatile connectivity
    Keychron C1 offers less versatile connectivity than the average keyboard (USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth). The average keyboard offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity.
  • No hot-swap support
    Keychron C1 does not support hot-swappable switches, the average keyboard does. 65.5% of keyboards support hot-swappable switches.
  • 0.3 mm longer minimum actuation distance
    Keychron C1 has a longer minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
  • No pre-lubed stabilizers
    Keychron C1 does not have pre-lubed stabilizers, the average keyboard does. 81.1% of keyboards come with pre-lubed stabilizers.
  • No per-key RGB lighting
    Keychron C1 does not have per-key RGB, the average keyboard does. 77% of keyboards offer per-key RGB.
  • No onboard memory
    Keychron C1 does not include onboard memory, the average keyboard does. 85.7% of keyboards include onboard memory.
  • Less versatile connectivity
    Keychron C1 offers less versatile connectivity than the average keyboard (USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth). The average keyboard offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity.
    What it is: Specifies how the keyboard connects, such as USB, 2.4 GHz wireless, or Bluetooth.
    When it matters: When latency, cable management, or wireless flexibility is part of your buying decision.

    Importance: HIGH

    Keychron C1 offers less versatile connectivity than the average keyboard (USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth). The average keyboard offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity.USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth
  • No hot-swap support
    Keychron C1 does not support hot-swappable switches, the average keyboard does. 65.5% of keyboards support hot-swappable switches.
    What it is: Shows whether the switches can be removed and replaced without soldering.
    When it matters: When you want to try different switches, replace a bad switch easily, or tune feel without soldering work.

    Importance: HIGH

    Keychron C1 does not support hot-swappable switches, the average keyboard does. 65.5% of keyboards support hot-swappable switches.
  • No pre-lubed stabilizers
    Keychron C1 does not have pre-lubed stabilizers, the average keyboard does. 81.1% of keyboards come with pre-lubed stabilizers.
    What it is: Shows whether the stabilizers arrive factory-lubricated instead of requiring manual tuning for smoother larger keys.
    When it matters: When larger keys like space, enter, and shift need to feel smoother and sound less rattly out of the box.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Keychron C1 does not have pre-lubed stabilizers, the average keyboard does. 81.1% of keyboards come with pre-lubed stabilizers.
  • No per-key RGB lighting
    Keychron C1 does not have per-key RGB, the average keyboard does. 77% of keyboards offer per-key RGB.
    What it is: Shows whether each key can be lit and controlled independently instead of sharing one uniform lighting zone.
    When it matters: When customizing each key individually matters for visuals, games, or shortcut visibility.

    Importance: HIGH

    Keychron C1 does not have per-key RGB, the average keyboard does. 77% of keyboards offer per-key RGB.
  • 0.3 mm longer minimum actuation distance
    Keychron C1 has a longer minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
    What it is: Measures the shortest key travel needed to register an input.
    When it matters: When faster key response matters and you want the shortest possible trigger point under your fingers.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Keychron C1 has a longer minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.2 mm vs 1.7 mm
  • No onboard memory
    Keychron C1 does not include onboard memory, the average keyboard does. 85.7% of keyboards include onboard memory.
    What it is: Shows whether the keyboard can store profiles, lighting, or remaps internally instead of depending only on software.
    When it matters: When you move between multiple PCs and want your remaps, macros, or lighting to travel with the keyboard.

    Importance: HIGH

    Keychron C1 does not include onboard memory, the average keyboard does. 85.7% of keyboards include onboard memory.
  • 4 ° higher typing angle
    Keychron C1 has a higher typing angle than the average keyboard (9 ° vs 5 °). The average keyboard has a typing angle of 5 °.
    What it is: Measures the incline of the keyboard during use.
    When it matters: When wrist posture and typing comfort depend on how steeply the keyboard sits.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Keychron C1 has a higher typing angle than the average keyboard (9 ° vs 5 °). The average keyboard has a typing angle of 5 °.9 ° vs 5 °
  • 8.3% worse value for money
    Keychron C1 has worse value for money than the average keyboard (7.20 vs 7.802).
    What it is: An indicator that combines the keyboard's overall rating with its cost.
    When it matters: When you are looking for a keyboard that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
    Keychron C1 has worse value for money than the average keyboard (7.20 vs 7.802).7.2 vs 7.8

Graphic comparison of Keychron C1 and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Keychron C1?

  • Excellent value for money, often cited as one of the best budget mechanical keyboards
  • Sturdy build quality with a solid-feeling plastic frame
  • Highly versatile with dedicated Mac and Windows modes and included keycaps for both
  • Hot-swappable versions available, allowing for easy switch customization without soldering
  • Great typing experience out of the box, with many users praising the feel and sound of the Gateron and Keychron switches
  • Attractive retro aesthetic that appeals to those looking for a classic look
  • Compact TenKeyLess (TKL) layout saves desk space while retaining essential keys

What customers dislike about Keychron C1?

  • No official companion software for key remapping or advanced RGB customization (base C1 models)
  • High-profile design can lead to wrist fatigue without an included wrist rest
  • Wired-only connectivity limits use with mobile devices and portability
  • Occasional reports of stabilizer issues, such as rattling or the spacebar popping off if hit off-center
  • Hollow sound profile with some reports of metallic spring 'ping' in certain units
  • ABS keycaps on the base model can feel 'cheap' compared to PBT upgrades

Expert reviews

U
uk.pcmag.com
09/06/2023

The Keychron C1 is a budget-friendly, tenkeyless (TKL) wired mechanical keyboard that offers exceptional value at its $49 base price point, featuring an appealing retro-inspired beige color scheme with an alternating light beige, gray, and red Escape key aesthetic. It provides a consistent, responsive typing experience with a choice of pre-lubed Gateron Blue, Red, or Brown tactile...Read more

S
strongdesks.com
11/04/2022

The Keychron C1 serves as an affordable, budget-friendly entry point into mechanical keyboards, priced at $69 with RGB lighting included. On the positive side, the reviewer highlights its impressive build quality, noting that the keyboard has a decent weight to it, feels solid, and remains firmly in place without moving during intense typing sessions. Furthermore, its hot-swappable...Read more

F
fujichia.substack.com
20/05/2021

The reviewer purchased the Keychron C1 mechanical keyboard ($60) to replace an uncleanable, decade-old keyboard, choosing the non-Bluetooth version with linear "red" switches. A major benefit is its complete modularity; the keyboard can be easily field-stripped, allowing the user to deeply clean the matte-finished keycaps or replace individual broken switches for roughly 40 cents...Read more

S
sypnotix.com
13/06/2022

The Keychron C1 is a wired, tenkeyless mechanical keyboard featuring an 87-key layout, ABS keycaps, and a competitive price tag of $59.99. The reviewed variant features Gateron G Pro Brown switches, which provide a smooth, linear tactile response and a subtle clickiness suitable for both gaming and quiet office environments. Highly praised for its sleek design, the keyboard uses an...Read more

P
pcmag.com
09/06/2023

The Keychron C1 is a highly accessible $49-$64, tenkeyless wired mechanical keyboard, earning an Editor's Choice award for its sturdy plastic build, mature retro aesthetic, and excellent typing experience. It offers pre-lubed Gateron switch options and full physical compatibility with both Mac and Windows. However, the review notes drawbacks, including a lack of customizable RGB...Read more

R
rtings.com
18/03/2021

The RTINGS.com review identifies the Keychron C1 as a versatile, wired-only TKL mechanical keyboard featuring excellent build quality, hot-swappable Gateron switch options, and full RGB backlighting suitable for office use and light gaming. It offers a superior typing experience with crisp feedback, though it lacks wireless connectivity and native software for macros. The primary...Read more

N
notebookcheck.biz
26/09/2025

The Keychron C1 Pro 8K is a budget-friendly, wired mechanical keyboard priced at $54.99 that offers a retro aesthetic and a solid Tenkeyless (TKL) form factor. Featuring a lightweight yet sturdy matte ABS plastic case, it delivers an impressive out-of-the-box typing experience with smooth, factory-lubricated Keychron Super Red linear switches and high-quality double-shot PBT...Read more

X
xtremehardware.com
09/02/2021

The XtremeHardware review of the Keychron C1 positions it as an exceptional, budget-friendly mechanical keyboard that punches well above its weight class. The reviewer highlights the hot-swappable variant equipped with Gateron Brown switches and clean white LED lighting. A major pro of the package is its incredibly generous bundle, which includes keycap and switch pullers,...Read more

X
xtremehardware.com
09/02/2021

The Keychron C1 is a budget-friendly mechanical keyboard designed by the Hong Kong-based company Keychron, which originally gained popularity on Kickstarter. This specific review focuses on the hot-swappable version, equipped with tactile Gateron Brown switches and a clean, white LED backlight. A major selling point highlighted in the review is the product's exceptionally generous...Read more

T
tweakers.net
04-2022

The provided web page is a Dutch product review overview page from Tweakers, containing user and editorial feedback for various Keychron mechanical keyboards and accessories. Reviewers broadly praise Keychron for delivering premium-feeling keyboards with robust build quality, excellent cross-platform compatibility between macOS and Windows, and stable connectivity options including...Read more

Video reviews

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