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Compare Chilkey ND104 vs Nuphy Gem80 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a feature-rich full-size keyboard and a highly customizable TKL. The Chilkey ND104 offers a unique LCD screen, a full numpad, and exceptional battery life, while the Nuphy Gem80 focuses on a refined, compact form factor with extensive sound and mounting customization. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize a complete layout with multimedia features or a deeper, more personal modding journey in a smaller footprint.

100
Chilkey ND104 CNC Aluminum Hotswap Wireless RGB Keyboard
96
Nuphy GEM80 Barebones Keyboard Kit

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5.0 (14)
0.0 (0)
  • 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
  • Uses a Plate Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery
  • Sized at 34 x 438 x 140 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Mechanical switch options
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO layout standard
  • Includes a No display
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only connectivity
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1120 g
  • Sized at 37 x 358 x 141 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Polycarbonate case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 82
  • Build Quality: 92
  • Productivity: 96.8
  • Customizability: 99.4
  • Portability: 64.8
Scores
  • Performance: 79.9
  • Build Quality: 87
  • Productivity: 93.7
  • Customizability: 97.2
  • Portability: 75.9
Name
Chilkey ND104
Name
Nuphy Gem80
Release year
2025
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Clicky, Silent, Linear
Switch Options
Mechanical
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
100%
Layout Size
80%
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-UK
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
LCD
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
8000 mAh
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Plate Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum, Polycarbonate
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
34 x 438 x 140 mm
Dimensions
37 x 358 x 141 mm
Weight
-
Weight
1120g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require a numpad, value a built-in screen for productivity, or want the longest possible battery life, the Chilkey ND104 is the logical pick despite its size. If your priority is a compact, deeply customizable typing experience where you can fine-tune sound and mounting, and you don't mind sourcing your own switches and keycaps, the Nuphy Gem80 offers a superior modding platform.

Chilkey ND104

  • +Full 100% layout with 106 keys including a numpad and F13 key.
  • +Integrated LCD screen with calculator, clock, and dynamic background modes.
  • +Large 8000mAh dual-battery capacity for extended wireless use.
  • +Five layers of sound dampening including plate foam, switch foam, PET pads, and case foam.
  • +Modular area above the numpad can be reconfigured as a screen, keys, or knob.

  • Very large footprint (438mm wide) which demands significant desk space.
  • A user review cited software limitations, including a lack of multi-zone RGB control.
  • The navigation cluster is a removable tray, not additional programmable keys.

Nuphy Gem80

  • +Compact 80% TKL layout saves desk space.
  • +Omni-mount design allows switching between top, gasket, and bottom mount styles.
  • +Extensive sound customization with six included mods and multiple optional plates.
  • +South-facing RGB LEDs with light-emitting homing bars on its keycap sets.
  • +Polycarbonate bottom case is designed for strong wireless signal reception.

  • Sold primarily as a barebones kit, requiring separate purchase of switches and keycaps.
  • Smaller 4000mAh battery compared to the ND104.
  • Lacks a dedicated screen or knob, focusing on core typing customization.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Chilkey ND104 dominates in office, programming, and content creation scenarios due to its full-size layout, integrated screen, and knob. The Nuphy Gem80 is the clear choice for modding enthusiasts and has an edge for travel due to its smaller TKL form factor. For gaming, both are technically capable with high polling rates, making it a tie that comes down to layout preference.

GamingTie
  • Both offer a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired and 2.4 GHz modes for responsive input.
  • Both support N-key rollover to prevent ghosting.
  • The Gem80's listed 80% layout saves desk space for mouse movement, while the ND104's full layout provides dedicated macro keys.
OfficeChilkey ND104
  • The ND104's 100% layout includes a dedicated numpad for data entry.
  • Its built-in screen can function as a calculator and clock.
  • The large 8000mAh battery capacity supports extended wireless use.
  • It can connect to up to three devices wirelessly for multi-device workflows.
ProgrammingChilkey ND104
  • The full-size layout provides direct access to navigation and numpad keys for coding shortcuts.
  • Programmable with VIA and QMK for complex key mappings.
  • The screen module can be reconfigured to add extra macro keys.
TravelNuphy Gem80
  • The Gem80's 80% TKL layout is more compact (358mm wide vs 438mm).
  • It is lighter at 1120g, though still substantial.
  • Its 4000mAh battery is smaller but still provides lab-tested wireless runtime.
ModdingNuphy Gem80
  • The Gem80 features an 'omni-mount' design allowing top, gasket, or bottom mount styles.
  • Nuphy offers multiple plate materials (FR4, PC, POM, Aluminum) for purchase to alter sound.
  • It includes multiple silicone sets and is described as having six customized sound mods for experimentation.
Content CreationChilkey ND104
  • The ND104 includes a hot-swappable knob for controlling volume and media playback.
  • The full layout is advantageous for timeline scrubbing and shortcut-heavy software.
  • The reconfigurable module above the numpad can be set to media controls or macro keys.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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