Keychron C1 Hot-swappable Wired Mechanical Computer Keyboard
Status: Keychron C1 Hot-swappable Wired Mechanical…: Unavailable on Amazon as of . SpecPicks has no in-stock listing with matching specs on file; the search below lists current offers. eBay sellers may still list this model new or used.
Bottom line: The Keychron C1 Hot-swappable Wired Mechanical Computer Keyboard: Hot-swap sockets take most MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin switches, no soldering; main trade-off: wired only, no Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless option.
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Currently unavailable on Amazon. Not the same product — 3 in-stock alternatives:
Similar: HK GAMING GK61 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - 61… — $29.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-20 22:16 UTC (price may vary).
Similar: UBOTIE Colorful Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo — $32.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-21 10:15 UTC (price may vary).
Similar: cimetech Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo — $34.69 on Amazon as of 2026-10-21 08:15 UTC (price may vary).
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Hot-swap sockets take most MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin switches, no soldering
- ✓ Gateron G Pro Brown tactile switches rated for 50 million keystrokes
- ✓ 87-key tenkeyless layout leaves more desk room for your mouse
- ✓ Extra Mac and Windows keycaps included in the box
- ✓ Detachable USB Type-C cable gives constant power, no battery to charge
Cons
- ✗ Wired only, no Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless option
- ✗ Backlight is white only, no RGB color options
- ✗ Double-shot ABS keycaps, not PBT
- ✗ No number pad, which matters for spreadsheet and data-entry work
Manufacturer description
The Keychron C1 is a tenkeyless mechanical keyboard with 87 keys and hot-swappable sockets. It is built for Mac first and works with Windows too. You can change the typing feel of any key without soldering. The sockets accept almost all MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches, including Gateron, Cherry and Kailh. Switches with SMD-LED compatibility let the backlight show through best. The C1 ships with Gateron G Pro Brown switches. They give a tactile bump on each press and are rated for 50 million keystrokes. The double-shot ABS keycaps let the white LED backlight shine through the…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Keychron C1 Hot-swappable Wired Mechanical Computer Keyboard using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the gaming peripherals category. Keychron's gaming peripherals lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for gaming peripherals of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What switches can I swap into the Keychron C1?
The C1's hot-swap sockets work with almost all MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches, including Gateron, Cherry and Kailh. No soldering is needed. For the best backlight, choose SMD-LED compatible switches.
Does the Keychron C1 work with Windows or only Mac?
It works with both. The default layout is Mac-style, but the keyboard is compatible with Windows, and extra keycaps for Mac and Windows are included.
Is the Keychron C1 wireless?
No. The C1 connects only through a detachable USB Type-C cable. A wired connection gives it constant power, so there is no battery to charge.
What do the Gateron G Pro Brown switches feel like?
Gateron G Pro Browns are tactile switches. You feel a bump on each keypress, without the click of a blue switch. Keychron rates them for 50 million keystrokes.
Does the Keychron C1 have RGB lighting?
No. The C1 has a white LED backlight that shines through its double-shot ABS keycap legends. You can pick from several effects, such as static, breathing and flashing. Check the product listing for current warranty terms.
Key Features
- Keychron C1, a tenkeyless (87 keys) hot-swappable white backlight USB Type-C wired mechanical keyboard made for Mac and Windows. Customize per-key typing experience to maximize your productivity on the C1 hot-swappable version without soldering needs.
- Designed with reliability in mind, the C1 comes with USB Type-C wired connection with a detachable cable, which ensures a constant power supply, and best to fit home, office and light gaming use while connecting with your laptop or PC. Inclined bottom frame and 2 level adjustable feet makes the C1 more comfortable to type.
- With a unique Mac layout, the C1 has all the necessary multimedia and function keys while still being compatible with Windows. Extra keycaps for both Mac and Windows operating systems are included.
- Engineered with double-shot ABS keycaps allows the charming white LED backlight shine through the legends with a subtle feeling. The C1‘s backlight and comes with different styles (flashing, breathing, or static white etc) which will match up to your mood.
- The C1 gives the freedom to customize per-key typing experience without soldering. The pre-installed Gateron G Pro mechanical Brown switch provides unrivaled tactile responsiveness with a durable 50 million keystroke lifespan. *The C1’s hot-swappable socket switch is compatible with almost all the MX style 3pin and 5pin mechanical switches on the market (including Gateron, Cherry, Kailh, etc.). SMD-LED compatible switches are the best for showing the backlights.
Full Specifications
| Brand | Keychron |
|---|---|
| Color | Hot-swap Gateron G Pro Brown Switch |
| Style | Classic |
| Theme | Customizable Mechanical Keyboard for Mac and Windows |
| Model Name | C1 |
| Style Name | Classic |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Switch Type | Tactile |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Model Number | C1-K1Z |
| Compatibility | PC, Switch, Mac |
| Built-In Media | USB Cable |
| Number of Keys | 87 |
| Button Quantity | 87 |
| Connection Type | Wired |
| Keyboard Layout | QWERTY |
| Mfr Part Number | C1-G3-USA |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Number of Packs | 1 |
| Special Feature | Hot-Swappable, Lighting |
| Full listing title | Keychron C1 Hot-swappable Wired Mechanical Computer Keyboard with Gateron G Pro Brown Switch/Double-Shot ABS Keycaps/White Backlight/USB Type-C Cable, Tenkeyless 87 Keys for Mac Windows PC |
Ready to buy?
Amazon shows no buyable offer for Keychron C1 Hot-swappable Wired Mechanical… at the last check. A similar in-stock product is HK GAMING GK61 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - 61…. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
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