Keychron C2 Full Size Hot-swappable Wired Mechanical Keyboard Compatible with Mac
Bottom line: The Keychron C2 Full Size Hot-swappable Wired Mechanical Keyboard ($45.43 on Amazon as of 2026-10-07): Hot-swappable 3-pin and 5-pin MX sockets fit Gateron, Cherry, Kailh and Panda switches; main trade-off: no backlighting at all on this retro-keycap version.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Hot-swappable 3-pin and 5-pin MX sockets fit Gateron, Cherry, Kailh and Panda switches
- ✓ Mac-optimized 104-key layout with a dedicated Siri/Cortana key plus Windows keycaps in the box
- ✓ Keychron Red linear switches rated to 50 million keystrokes
- ✓ USB-C braided cable gives constant power with no battery or pairing to manage
- ✓ Two-step flip-out feet (6 and 9 degrees) plus an inclined bottom frame
Cons
- ✗ No backlighting at all on this retro-keycap version
- ✗ Wired only - no Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless option
- ✗ Num Lock only functions under Windows, not macOS
- ✗ ABS keycaps shine with use faster than PBT sets do
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Keychron C2 Full Size Hot-swappable Wired Mechanical 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.
Key Features
- The Keychron C2 (non-backlight retro color Keycaps version) is a hot-swappable 104 keys full size wired mechanical keyboard made for Mac and Windows. Customize per-key typing experience to maximize your productivity on the C2 hot-swappable version without the need to solder.
- With a layout optimized for Mac, the C2 has all necessary multimedia and function keys (Num Lock works with Windows only), while compatible with Windows, and comes with a dedicated Siri or Cortana key. Extra keycaps for both Mac and Windows operating systems are included.
- Designed with reliability in mind, the C2 comes with USB Type-C wired connection with a braid cable, which ensures a constant power supply, and best to fit home and light gaming. Inclined bottom frame and 2 level adjustable feet (6˚ & 9˚) makes the C2 more comfortable to type.
- Customize your typing experience without soldering. The keyboard’s hot-swappable socket is compatible with almost all the MX style 3pin and 5pin mechanical switches on the market (including Gateron, Cherry, Kailh, Panda, etc.). The pre-installed linear Keychron Red switch providing unrivaled tactile responsiveness with up to 50 million keystroke durable lifespan.
- Outfitted the C2 Non-Backlight version with retro-inspired color scheme looks as good in the office as it does in the game room.
Full Specifications
| Brand | Keychron |
|---|---|
| Color | Hot-swap Keychron Red Switch |
| Style | Retro |
| Theme | Retro |
| Material | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene |
| Model Name | C2 |
| Style Name | Retro |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Switch Type | Red |
| Connectivity | USB-C |
| Model Number | C2-A3 |
| Power Source | Wired |
| Compatibility | Switch, Mac |
| Built-In Media | USB Cable |
| Number of Keys | 104 |
| Button Quantity | 104 |
| Connection Type | Wired |
| Keyboard Layout | QWERTY |
| Mfr Part Number | C2-A3 |
| Special Feature | Backlit |
| Full listing title | Keychron C2 Full Size Hot-swappable Wired Mechanical Keyboard Compatible with Mac, Keychron Red Switch, 104 Keys ABS Retro Color Keycaps Gaming Keyboard for Windows, USB-C Type-C Braid Cable |
Ready to buy?
Keychron C2 Full Size Hot-swappable Wired Mechanical Keyboard Compatible with Mac, Keychron Red Switch, 104 Keys ABS Retro Color Keycaps Gaming Keyboard for Windows, USB-C Type-C Braid Cable is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
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