Keychron C1 vs Keychron C2
The Keychron C1 and the Keychron C2 are close alternatives. The main differences: the Keychron C1 is the cheaper of the two at $40 versus $44; the Keychron C1 is a TKL layout and the Keychron C2 is a full.
- Lower priceKeychron C1$40 versus $44
Choose the Keychron C1 if
- you mainly want it for beginners.
- you want to spend less ($40).
Choose the Keychron C2 if
- its overall balance fits you: the keychron c2 is a budget full-size wired-only mechanical keyboard in non-backlit, white, or rgb backlight trims, with hot-swap limited to the designated hot-swappable variants.
Keychron C1 vs Keychron C2, spec by spec
| Keychron C1 | Keychron C2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | TKL | full |
| Height | Standard | Standard |
| Connectivity | Wired | Wired |
| Hot-swap | Yes | Yes |
| Keycaps | ABS shine-through, OEM profile | ABS shine-through, OEM profile |
| Case | ABS plastic | ABS plastic |
| Mount | Tray | Tray |
| Backlight | RGB | RGB |
| QMK / VIA | No | No |
| Battery | n/a | n/a |
| Typical price | $40 (stronger spec) | $44 |
| Sound (stock) | clacky stock | clacky stock |
| Released | 2020 | 2020 |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ; a check marks the objectively stronger spec (price, battery, modability). Feel and preference rows never get a check. Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.
Where they sit among all 509 boards we track
1% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Keychron C1; 2% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Keychron C2.
Where to buy the Keychron C1
Where to buy the Keychron C2
KeebScout is reader-supported: some links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes specs or rankings.
Still torn? The keyboard finder ranks all 502 boards for your size, budget, and use case in five quick questions.