Keychron C1 vs Keychron C3 Pro
The Keychron C1 and the Keychron C3 Pro are close alternatives. The main differences: the Keychron C3 Pro is the cheaper of the two at $35 versus $40; the Keychron C1 is hot-swap while the Keychron C3 Pro is soldered; stock, the Keychron C1 sounds clacky stock and the Keychron C3 Pro surprisingly thocky.
- Lower priceKeychron C3 Pro$35 versus $40
4.4463 ratings· Amazon
Choose the Keychron C1 if
- you mainly want it for office.
- you want to swap switches without soldering.
Choose the Keychron C3 Pro if
- you mainly want it for gaming.
- you want to spend less ($35).
- you want QMK/VIA remapping.
Keychron C1 vs Keychron C3 Pro, spec by spec
| Keychron C1 | Keychron C3 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | TKL | TKL |
| Height | Standard | Standard |
| Connectivity | Wired | Wired |
| Hot-swap | Yes (stronger spec) | No |
| Keycaps | ABS shine-through, OEM profile | ABS, OEM profile |
| Case | ABS plastic | ABS plastic |
| Mount | Tray | Gasket |
| Backlight | RGB | White / none |
| QMK / VIA | No | Yes (stronger spec) |
| Battery | n/a | n/a |
| Typical price | $40 | $35 (stronger spec) |
| Sound (stock) | clacky stock | surprisingly thocky |
| Released | 2020 | 2023 |
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 Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.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; 0% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Keychron C3 Pro.
Where to buy the Keychron C1
Where to buy the Keychron C3 Pro
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.