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Compare Chilkey ND104 vs Qwertykeys QK101 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for enthusiasts deciding between a fully-featured, ready-to-use keyboard and a high-end DIY kit. Both are premium, full-size aluminum keyboards with screens and tri-mode connectivity, making the choice difficult. The decision hinges on whether you value the Chilkey's out-of-the-box functionality and modular accessories or the QK101's extensive build-time customization and higher polling rate.

100
Chilkey ND104 CNC Aluminum Hotswap Wireless RGB Keyboard
90
Qwertykeys QK101 Keyboard

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5.0 (14)
5.0 (2)
  • Has Clicky, Silent, Linear switch options
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-UK layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Includes a Yes, LCD display
  • Compatible with both Mac and Windows
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Uses a Plate Mount mounting style
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Sized at 34 x 438 x 140 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO layout standard
  • Includes a Yes, TFT, OLED display
  • Uses a Top Mount mounting style
  • Runs at a 4000 Hz polling rate
  • Weighs about 2000 g
  • Sized at 50 x 440 x 140 mm
  • Made with a Copper, Aluminum case
Scores
  • Performance: 81.9
  • Build Quality: 92
  • Productivity: 96.8
  • Customizability: 99.4
  • Portability: 64.7
Scores
  • Performance: 77.6
  • Build Quality: 90.8
  • Productivity: 81.2
  • Customizability: 85.4
  • Portability: 62.4
Name
Chilkey ND104
Name
Qwertykeys QK101
Release year
2025
Release year
2025
Switch Options
Clicky, Silent, Linear
Switch Options
-
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
100%
Layout Size
100%
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-UK
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
LCD
Display Support
 
TFT, OLED
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
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
4000 Hz
Battery capacity
8000 mAh
Battery capacity
8000 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
Top Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Backlight
 
Rgb
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Copper, Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
-
Dimensions
34 x 438 x 140 mm
Dimensions
50 x 440 x 140 mm
Weight
-
Weight
2000g
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Pros and Trade-offs

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.

Chilkey ND104

  • +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.
  • +Vendor states it uses Bluetooth 5.4 and can connect to three wireless devices.
  • −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.

Qwertykeys QK101

  • +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.
  • +Includes a protective keyboard case and a comprehensive set of tools for assembly.
  • −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.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingQwertykeys 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.
OfficeChilkey ND104
  • •The Chilkey ND104 comes pre-built with switches and keycaps, requiring no assembly for immediate use.
  • •Its built-in screen offers practical modes like a calculator and clock.
  • •The vendor description mentions it can connect to up to three devices wirelessly, facilitating easy switching between work machines.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both keyboards are full-size with a numpad, which is beneficial for data entry and shortcuts.
  • •Both support VIA/QMK for extensive key remapping and macro programming.
  • •Both support ANSI and ISO layouts, catering to different regional preferences.
TravelTie
  • •Both are large, full-size keyboards with similar dimensions and are not designed for portability.
  • •Both have a substantial 8000mAh battery capacity for long wireless use.
  • •Both include a protective case according to their vendor descriptions (the ND104's is implied via a storage tray, the QK101 includes one).
ModdingQwertykeys QK101
  • •The QK101 is sold as a barebones DIY kit, designed from the ground up for customization.
  • •It offers a choice of four plate materials (FR4, Aluminum, POM) and two PCB types (flex-cut RGB or non-flex non-RGB).
  • •It features a dual-mount design (gasket and top mount) for experimenting with different typing feels.
Content CreationChilkey ND104
  • •The Chilkey ND104 includes a hot-swappable knob that controls volume and media, useful for editing workflows.
  • •Its pre-built nature means it's ready for immediate use with multimedia shortcuts.
  • •The modular area above the numpad can be configured for extra keys or the screen, offering some layout flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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