Keychron C1 vs Keychron K8 Pro
The Keychron C1 and the Keychron K8 Pro are close alternatives. The main differences: the Keychron C1 is the cheaper of the two at $40 versus $60; the Keychron K8 Pro runs wireless where the Keychron C1 is wired-only; stock, the Keychron C1 sounds clacky stock and the Keychron K8 Pro damped clack.
- Lower priceKeychron C1$40 versus $60
- Easier to modKeychron K8 Prohot-swap sockets and QMK/VIA
- More ways to connectKeychron K8 Pro2 connection modes versus 1
4.5131 ratings· Amazon
Choose the Keychron C1 if
- you mainly want it for budget.
- you mainly want it for beginners.
- you want to spend less ($40).
Choose the Keychron K8 Pro if
- you mainly want it for programming.
- you need wireless.
- you want QMK/VIA remapping.
Keychron C1 vs Keychron K8 Pro, spec by spec
| Keychron C1 | Keychron K8 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | TKL | TKL |
| Height | Standard | Standard |
| Connectivity | Wired | Bluetooth, Wired (stronger spec) |
| Hot-swap | Yes | Yes |
| Keycaps | ABS shine-through, OEM profile | PBT double-shot, OSA profile |
| Case | ABS plastic | ABS plastic, optional aluminum frame |
| Mount | Tray | Tray |
| Backlight | RGB | RGB |
| QMK / VIA | No | Yes (stronger spec) |
| Battery | n/a | 4000 mAh |
| Typical price | $40 (stronger spec) | $60 |
| Sound (stock) | clacky stock | damped clack |
| Released | 2020 | 2022 |
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 Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.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; 6% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Keychron K8 Pro.
34% of the 172 wireless boards tracked here carry a smaller battery than the Keychron K8 Pro.
Where to buy the Keychron C1
Where to buy the Keychron K8 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.