Chilkey ND vs ND104: Compact TKL vs Full-Size Feature Powerhouse

Compare Chilkey ND vs ND104 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Chilkey's two wireless aluminum keyboards. The choice is difficult because both offer tri-mode connectivity, hot-swap sockets, and solid aluminum construction. The core trade-off is between the ND's space-saving 80% layout and lower cost, and the ND104's comprehensive full-size layout packed with extra features like a programmable screen, hot-swap knob, and massive battery.

Model
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	5.0 stars (14 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2024 Has Linear switch options Available in a 80% layout Built with the ANSI layout standard Includes a No display Utilizes Hall effect sensors Equipped with a 3600 mAh battery Sized at 34 x 138 x 357 mm Made with a Aluminum, Polycarbonate case Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting	Released in 2025 Has Clicky, Silent, Linear switch options Available in a 100% layout Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-UK layout standard Comes with a knob Includes a Yes, LCD display Includes screw-in stabilizers Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery Sized at 34 x 438 x 140 mm Made with a Aluminum case Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 85.3 Build Quality: 84.1 Productivity: 88.2 Customizability: 91.8 Portability: 76.1	Scores Performance: 81.5 Build Quality: 92 Productivity: 96.5 Customizability: 99.3 Portability: 64.8
Name	Name Chilkey ND	Name Chilkey ND104
Release year	Release year 2024	Release year 2025
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear	Switch Options Clicky, Silent, Linear
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 80%	Layout Size 100%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO, ISO-UK
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support LCD
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 3600 mAh	Battery capacity 8000 mAh
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Plate Mount	Mount Style Plate Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, North-face	Backlight Rgb
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum, Polycarbonate	Case Material Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 34 x 138 x 357 mm	Dimensions 34 x 438 x 140 mm
Weight	Weight -	Weight -

Chilkey ND TKL Hotswap Wireless RGB Keyboard

100

Chilkey ND104 CNC Aluminum Hotswap Wireless RGB Keyboard

Select a keyboard to compare

0.0 stars (0 reviews)

5.0 stars (14 reviews)

Released in 2024
Has Linear switch options
Available in a 80% layout
Built with the ANSI layout standard
Includes a No display
Utilizes Hall effect sensors
Equipped with a 3600 mAh battery
Sized at 34 x 138 x 357 mm
Made with a Aluminum, Polycarbonate case
Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting

Released in 2025
Has Clicky, Silent, Linear switch options
Available in a 100% layout
Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-UK layout standard
Comes with a knob
Includes a Yes, LCD display
Includes screw-in stabilizers
Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery
Sized at 34 x 438 x 140 mm
Made with a Aluminum case
Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting

Scores

Performance: 85.3
Build Quality: 84.1
Productivity: 88.2
Customizability: 91.8
Portability: 76.1

Scores

Performance: 81.5
Build Quality: 92
Productivity: 96.5
Customizability: 99.3
Portability: 64.8

Name

Chilkey ND

Name

Chilkey ND104

Release year

2024

Release year

2025

Switch Options

Linear

Switch Options

Clicky, Silent, Linear

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

80%

Layout Size

100%

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Standard

ANSI, ISO, ISO-UK

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

LCD

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

USB passthrough

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Polling Rate

1000 Hz

Polling Rate

1000 Hz

Battery capacity

3600 mAh

Battery capacity

8000 mAh

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Plate Mount

Mount Style

Plate Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb, North-face

Backlight

Rgb

Case Colors

Case Material

Aluminum, Polycarbonate

Case Material

Aluminum

Keycaps Material

PBT

Keycaps Material

PBT

Dimensions

34 x 138 x 357 mm

Dimensions

34 x 438 x 140 mm

Weight

Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require a numpad, love tinkering with modular components and a screen, and have the budget, the Chilkey ND104 is a feature-rich powerhouse. If you want a well-built, wireless aluminum keyboard in a space-saving TKL format for less money, the standard Chilkey ND is the pragmatic pick. Prioritize layout and core features over flashy extras if your budget is constrained.

Chilkey ND

+More compact 80% (TKL) layout saves desk space.
+Offers a choice between aluminum or polycarbonate plates for different typing feels.
+Includes unique tritium tubes in the light module that glow without power.
+Generally available at a lower price point than the ND104.

−Smaller 3600mAh battery capacity.
−Lacks advanced features like a screen, knob, or modular components.
−The vendor description lists QMK and VIA support, but the characteristics table states it is not compatible with them.

Chilkey ND104

+Full-size 106-key layout with numpad and dedicated navigation cluster.
+Includes a built-in LCD screen with clock, calculator, and custom background modes.
+Features a hot-swappable knob for media and screen control.
+Massive 8000mAh battery capacity for extended wireless use.
+Modular design allows reconfiguring the numpad module and includes a storage tray.

−Large full-size footprint is less portable and requires more desk space.
−Commands a significantly higher price.
−Some user reviews criticize the companion software's limitations.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Chilkey ND104 is the clear choice for office work, heavy modding, and content creation due to its full feature set and layout. The standard Chilkey ND wins for gaming and travel based on its compact TKL form factor. For programming, the decision is a tie, hinging on whether you prioritize the ND104's VIA software and full layout or the ND's desk space savings.

GamingChilkey ND

•The TKL layout frees up more desk space for mouse movement.
•Both share the same 1000Hz polling rate for wired and 2.4GHz modes.
•The smaller, lighter form factor is easier to reposition.

OfficeChilkey ND104

•The full-size layout includes a dedicated numpad for data entry.
•Includes a built-in screen for clock, calculator, and custom backgrounds.
•A hot-swap knob provides quick volume and media control.

ProgrammingTie

•The ND104's VIA compatibility allows for deep key remapping.
•The ND's TKL layout is compact but lacks dedicated navigation keys.
•Both are hot-swappable for trying different switch types.

TravelChilkey ND

•The ND's 80% size is significantly more portable than a full-size board.
•It has a smaller physical footprint and lower weight.
•Its 3600mAh battery is adequate for a more compact device.

ModdingChilkey ND104

•The ND104 features five layers of sound dampening foam, including plate foam, switch foam, PET acoustic pads, and case foam.
•It supports screw-in stabilizers for more secure modding.
•The PCB supports both ANSI and ISO layouts for greater flexibility.

Content CreationChilkey ND104

•The programmable knob can be mapped to timeline scrubbing or brush size controls.
•The full-size layout provides direct access to all function and navigation keys.
•The built-in screen can display system stats or custom graphics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

-20% off

$169$135

Lemokey P1 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Gaming Keyboard

Keychron Lemokey P1 HE

75%,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Wired,

RGB,

Knob,

VIA,

QMK,

HE,

Rapid trigger,

Metal case,

Gasket Mount

-12% off

$199$175

Keychron Q5 Max

96%,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Wired,

RGB,

Knob,

VIA,

QMK,

Alu case,

Gasket Mount

-20% off

$129$103

Keychron K2 HE

75%,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Wired,

RGB/ White LEDs,

Knob,

VIA,

QMK,

HE,

Rapid trigger,

Alu case,

Tray Mount

-37% off

$221$139

Keychron Q6 Pro

100%,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Wired,

RGB,

Knob,

VIA,

QMK,

Alu case,

Gasket Mount

-13% off

$123$107

Keychron K10 HE

100%,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Wired,

RGB,

VIA,

QMK,

HE,

Rapid trigger,

Alu case,

Tray Mount

-12% off

$199$175

Keychron Q6 Max

100%,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Wired,

RGB,

Knob,

VIA,

QMK,

Alu case,

Gasket Mount

-13% off

$160$139

Keychron Q10 Pro

75%,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Wired,

RGB,

Knob,

VIA,

QMK,

Alu case,

Gasket Mount

-10% off

$186$167

Keychron Q3 Max

80%,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Wired,

RGB,

Knob,

VIA,

QMK,

Alu case,

Gasket Mount

$105

Monsgeek M1W

75%,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Wired,

RGB,

Knob,

VIA,

QMK,

Alu case,

Gasket Mount

-13% off

$168$146

Keychron Q14 Pro

96%,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Wired,

RGB,

Knob,

VIA,

QMK,

Alu case,

Gasket Mount

Compare Chilkey ND vs ND104 Differences Side by Side

Pros and Trade-offs

Chilkey ND

Chilkey ND104

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the main size difference between the Chilkey ND and ND104?

Do both keyboards have wireless connectivity?

Which keyboard has a longer battery life?

Can I change the switches on both keyboards?

What is the screen on the Chilkey ND104 used for?

Which keyboard is better for sound dampening?

Are these keyboards compatible with VIA or QMK software?

What keycap profiles do these keyboards use?

Does the Chilkey ND104 have any unique modular features?

What types of switches are available for these keyboards?

Is there a place to store the wireless receiver?

Discover similar products