Chilkey ND vs ND104Compact TKL vs Full-Size Feature Powerhouse
Choose the Chilkey ND for a compact, more affordable wireless TKL, or the ND104 for a full-size layout with extensive features like a screen and knob at a higher price.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Chilkey ND
Compact TKL
Build quality in the top 5% of 80% boards under $150.
- 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.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
- No numpad.
Get the
Chilkey ND104
Full-Size Feature Powerhouse
Build quality in the top 5% of 100% boards under $200.
- 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.
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.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Chilkey ND
Chilkey ND104
Layout size
80%
100%
Hall effect (magnetic)
Yes
No
Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing
Battery
3,600 mAh
8,000 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Case material
Aluminum, Polycarbonate
Aluminum
Switch options
Linear
Clicky, Linear, Silent
- Chilkey ND
- Chilkey ND104
- Performance
- 8580
- Build quality
- 8589
- Productivity
- 8994
- Customizability
- 9290
- Portability
- 7765
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- VIA
- Sound dampening
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
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.
Pick the Chilkey 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.
Chilkey ND vs ND104 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
15 of 26 specs differ
Chilkey ND
Chilkey ND104
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Chilkey ND
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Chilkey ND104
Input Gear
ISO-UK
Out of stockShips to you
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Chilkey ND vs ND104: your questions
The Chilkey ND is an 80% or Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard with 87 keys, omitting the numpad. The Chilkey ND104 is a full-size keyboard with 106 keys, including a numpad, navigation cluster, and extra function keys.
Yes. Both the Chilkey ND and ND104 offer tri-mode connectivity, supporting wired USB-C, 2.4GHz wireless with a receiver, and Bluetooth. The ND uses Bluetooth 5.3, while the ND104 uses Bluetooth 5.4.
The Chilkey ND104 has a much larger battery capacity at 8000mAh (2* 4000mAh), compared to the ND's 3600mAh (2* 1800mAh). This should translate to significantly longer wireless usage on the ND104.
Yes, both keyboards are hot-swappable, allowing you to change mechanical switches without soldering. The ND104 listing also mentions support for screw-in stabilizers, which are preferred for modding.
According to the manufacturer, the ND104's built-in screen has three modes: a calculator, a clock, and dynamic backgrounds. It can be controlled by the accompanying hot-swap knob.
The Chilkey ND104 is described as having five layers of precision sound dampening, including plate foam, switch foam, PET acoustic pads, and case foam. The Chilkey ND has four layers of sound dampening foams.
The Chilkey ND104 is explicitly listed as VIA compatible. The metadata for the Chilkey ND lists QMK and VIA support, but the vendor's detailed characteristics table states it is not compatible with QMK or VIA, suggesting potential inconsistency.
The Chilkey ND comes with Cherry profile double-shot PBT keycaps. The Chilkey ND104 uses Double Shot PBT keycaps for most colorways, with a special MetaPBT set with a metal finish for the Shadow Black version.
Yes. The module above the numpad can be reconfigured to hold a screen and knob, two keys and a knob, or three keys. The navigation cluster can be removed and replaced with a storage tray for small items like USB drives.
The Chilkey ND comes pre-built with Kailh Blue Lotus linear switches. The Chilkey ND104 is offered in pre-built configurations with various switch types, including linear, silent, and clicky options from different manufacturers.
The Chilkey ND104 has a hidden storage slot for the 2.4GHz receiver on the underside of the keyboard. The product description for the Chilkey ND does not mention a similar storage slot.
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