Chilkey ND104 vs Qwertykeys QK101Pre-Built vs DIY Kit Showdown
Choose the Chilkey ND104 for a complete, pre-built experience with unique modular features, or the Qwertykeys QK101 for a deep DIY project with superior mounting flexibility.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Chilkey ND104
Pre-Built
- Comes fully pre-built with switches, keycaps, and five layers of sound dampening foam.
- Features unique modular components: a reconfigurable numpad module and a removable navigation cluster that becomes a storage tray.
- Includes a hot-swappable knob for volume, media, and screen control.
- Lower 1000 Hz polling rate compared to the QK101's 4000 Hz.
- Less flexibility for customization from the ground up compared to a true DIY kit.
- The vendor description notes keycaps for the extra module configurations are not included.
Get the
Qwertykeys QK101
DIY Kit Showdown
- Offers extensive build-time customization with a choice of four plate materials and two PCB options.
- Features a dual-mount design (gasket and top mount) for tuning the typing experience.
- Higher 4000 Hz polling rate for wired and 2.4GHz use.
- Sold as a barebones DIY kit, requiring separate purchase and assembly of switches and keycaps.
- The manufacturer notes that choosing the RGB PCB will significantly reduce battery performance.
- Lacks the unique modular accessories and hot-swappable knob found on the ND104.
Your choice depends entirely on your willingness to build. If you want a unique, feature-complete keyboard ready to use on day one, the Chilkey ND104 is the compelling option. If you enjoy the process of building and tuning a keyboard to your exact specifications, and value a higher polling rate, the Qwertykeys QK101 DIY kit offers a superior foundation for customization.
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
Qwertykeys QK101
Max polling rate
1,000 Hz
4,000 Hz
Case material
Aluminum
Aluminum, Copper
Mount style
Gasket Mount, PCB Mount, Plate Mount
Gasket Mount, Top Mount
Knob
Yes
No
Display
Yes
TFT, OLED
- Chilkey ND104
- Qwertykeys QK101
- Performance
- 8078
- Build quality
- 8991
- Productivity
- 9482
- Customizability
- 9085
- Portability
- 6563
- Layout size: 100%
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 8,000 mAh
- VIA
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Qwertykeys QK101 takes the lead for gamers seeking maximum responsiveness and for modders who want unparalleled control over their build. The Chilkey ND104 is the better choice for office users and content creators who need a complete, feature-rich keyboard out of the box. For programming and travel, the two are closely matched, with the decision boiling down to personal preference for a kit versus a pre-built.
Pick the Qwertykeys QK101
- The QK101 offers a 4000 Hz polling rate for potentially lower latency, compared to the ND104's 1000 Hz.
- Its dual-mount design (gasket and top mount) allows for tuning the typing feel, which some gamers prefer.
- The ND104's modular navigation cluster can be swapped for a storage tray, which is less relevant for pure gaming performance.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Chilkey ND104
No owner reviews collected yet.
Qwertykeys QK101
2 owner reviews
Chilkey ND104 vs Qwertykeys QK101 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
10 of 25 specs differ
Chilkey ND104
Qwertykeys QK101
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
Typing angle
Backlight
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Chilkey ND104 vs Qwertykeys QK101: your questions
The Chilkey ND104 is better for beginners as it comes pre-assembled with switches, keycaps, and sound-dampening foam installed. The Qwertykeys QK101 is a barebones kit requiring you to source and install switches and keycaps, which is better suited for enthusiasts familiar with keyboard assembly.
No, the Qwertykeys QK101 is sold as a barebones DIY kit. The vendor description explicitly states it does not include switches or keycaps. You must purchase these separately to complete the build.
The Qwertykeys QK101 has a 4000 Hz polling rate. The Chilkey ND104 has a 1000 Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4 GHz modes, as stated in its vendor description.
Yes, both keyboards support ISO layouts according to their specifications. The ND104 vendor notes an additional ISO plate is needed, while the QK101's PCBs support ISO by default.
The Chilkey ND104 has an LCD screen with modes for calculator, clock, and dynamic backgrounds. The Qwertykeys QK101 has a customizable TFT/OLED screen that can display custom GIFs and sync with typing speed.
Yes, both the Chilkey ND104 and Qwertykeys QK101 offer tri-mode connectivity: wired USB-C, 2.4 GHz wireless, and Bluetooth. Both have an 8000mAh battery capacity.
The Chilkey ND104 uses a gasket mount style. The Qwertykeys QK101 features a dual-mount design, allowing you to assemble it using either a gasket mount or a top mount system.
According to the vendor, the navigation cluster above the arrow keys on the ND104 can be physically removed and replaced with a storage tray. This tray is designed to hold USB drives, wireless receivers, or spare keyboard parts.
The Chilkey ND104 comes with five pre-installed layers of sound dampening, including plate foam, switch foam, PET acoustic pads, and case foam. The QK101 kit includes case foam, PCB foam, and offers plate options with cushions, but requires you to install them during assembly.
Yes, both keyboards are programmable. The Chilkey ND104 supports VIA and a Chilkey web driver. The Qwertykeys QK101 is programmable using QK's custom VIA web configurator.
Only the Chilkey ND104 includes a hot-swappable knob that controls volume, media, and the screen. The Qwertykeys QK101 does not feature a knob.
The QK101 kit includes the aluminum case, screen, batteries, your choice of PCB and plate, various foams and gaskets, stabilizers, a protective case, tools (screwdrivers, pullers), a USB-C cable, and magnetic badges. Switches and keycaps are not included.
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