Chilkey ND104 vs Monsgeek M5
Choose the Chilkey ND104 for Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and its screen; choose the Monsgeek M5 for south-facing RGB LEDs and a wired-only setup.
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5.0 (14)5.0 · 14 reviews
from$174at MK
No reviews
from$149at WhatGeek
Which one should you get?
Get the
Chilkey ND104
Knob
Build quality in the top 5% of 100% boards under $200.
- Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless connections alongside USB-C wired mode.
- Built-in screen with calculator, clock, and dynamic-background modes, plus a configurable knob.
- VIA and Chilkey web-driver programming support, and PCB support for ANSI and ISO layouts.
Get the
Monsgeek M5
Build quality in the top 10% of 100% boards under $150.
- South-facing RGB LEDs on every key, as described by the vendor.
- Full-key hot-swappable sockets support both 3-pin and 5-pin switches, according to the vendor.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
Get the Chilkey ND104 for Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless, its built-in screen and configurable knob, and ISO layout support. Get the Monsgeek M5 if you specifically want south-facing RGB LEDs and plan to use an ANSI layout with wired connectivity.
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 ND104
Monsgeek M5
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Mount style
Gasket Mount, PCB Mount, Plate Mount
Gasket Mount
Knob
Yes
No
Display
Yes
None
A case display rather than a typing feature
VIA
Yes
No
GUI remapping without compiling firmware
- Chilkey ND104
- Monsgeek M5
- Performance
- 7975
- Build quality
- 8979
- Productivity
- 9487
- Customizability
- 9079
- Portability
- 6546
- Layout size: 100%
- Hot-swappable
- Case material: Aluminum
- Sound dampening
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The ND104 has the clearest edge for users who value wireless flexibility, display and knob controls, or ISO layout support. It also suits buyers who want programming options explicitly named for the board and a removable storage-tray feature. The M5's distinguishing feature in this comparison is south-facing RGB, though its keycap and ISO compatibility restrictions matter. For the listed use cases, the ND104 is the more feature-rich fit, while the M5 may suit someone who specifically wants south-facing lighting and wired operation.
Pick the Chilkey ND104
- The ND104 supports 1000 Hz polling in wired and 2.4 GHz modes.
- It offers Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connections, while the M5 is wired only.
- The ND104 has a built-in screen and a configurable knob module for volume, media, and screen controls.
Chilkey ND104 vs Monsgeek M5 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
9 of 24 specs differ
Chilkey ND104
Monsgeek M5
Switch options
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
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
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ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Chilkey ND104
- Go to Input Gear
Input Gear
ISO-UK
Out of stockShips to you
Monsgeek M5
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Chilkey ND104 vs Monsgeek M5: your questions
Yes. It supports Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless connections as well as USB-C wired use. The vendor says it can connect to up to three devices wirelessly.
No, the M5 is listed as wired only, with USB-C connectivity. Choose the ND104 if you need Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz wireless connections.
Yes. Its built-in screen has calculator, clock, and dynamic-background modes. The ND104's knob can control the screen, volume, and media.
No screen is listed for the M5. The ND104 is the option here with a built-in screen and a configurable screen-and-knob module.
The ND104's PCB supports ANSI and ISO, but an additional ISO plate is needed for ISO use. The M5 is listed as ANSI only.
No. The M5 is listed as ANSI only, and ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered. The ND104's PCB supports ISO when paired with an additional ISO plate.
Both product listings identify the boards as hot-swappable. The M5 vendor description specifies full-key sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
The ND104's knob controls volume, media, and the screen. Its module above the numpad can be configured as a screen and knob, two keys and a knob, or three keys.
Yes. The M5 has south-facing RGB LEDs on every key, according to its vendor description. The vendor cautions that shine-through legends stay dark and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
The ND104 explicitly lists VIA support and can also be programmed with Chilkey's web driver. The M5 vendor description mentions programming with a software driver, but does not name VIA.
The M5's south-facing LEDs may leave shine-through legends dark, according to its compatibility guidance. Some sculpted keycaps can also clip the LEDs.
Both listings identify sound dampening. The ND104 vendor describes five layers, including plate foam, switch foam, PET acoustic pads, and case foam.
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