Does the 8700c and 8700G have the same keyboard?

They look different.

did the previous models to the 8700 have a better keyboard.

I just find the 8700 keyboard with keys that are very small and also very hard to press.

The 8700c and 8700g keyboards are different.

I wouldn't say that the prior models had better keyboards. They might be easier to pick up but that doesn't necessarily make something "better". I mean, manual transmission cars are a lot harder to learn to drive but they're definitely a lot more fun and "better" in my book than an automatic that any mokey can drive.

Give it some time. Unless you have gigantic hands you'll get the hang of typing on an 8700.

If you want to change the keypad you will have to change the case as well. See THIS post with detailed instructions on how to do that.