Chilkey ND104 vs Meletrix Zoom98 EEFull-Size vs 98% Layout Choice

The Chilkey ND104 has a larger combined battery capacity at 8000mAh (2x 4000mAh), which should provide a longer wireless runtime. The Meletrix Zoom98 EE has a 4500mAh capacity (2x 2250mAh). Actual battery life will depend on usage patterns like RGB brightness and connection type.

No, the Meletrix Zoom98 EE 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 keyboard.

The Chilkey ND104's PCB supports both ANSI and ISO layouts, though the vendor notes an additional ISO plate is needed for the ISO layout. The Meletrix Zoom98 EE vendor description states it supports ISO enter keys, suggesting ISO layout compatibility is also present.

According to vendor pages, both keyboards offer a 1000 Hz polling rate when using the 2.4 GHz wireless connection. The Meletrix Zoom98 EE listing specifies a 125 Hz polling rate over Bluetooth, while the Chilkey ND104's Bluetooth polling rate is not specified.

Both keyboards use a gasket mount structure, which typically provides a softer, more cushioned typing feel by isolating the plate and PCB from the hard case with elastic gaskets.

Yes, both the Chilkey ND104 and Meletrix Zoom98 EE are listed as supporting VIA for live key remapping. Both are also listed with QMK Support in their metadata, indicating firmware-based programmability.

Both keyboards feature aluminum cases. The Chilkey ND104 uses a CNC machined 6063 aluminum case. The Meletrix Zoom98 EE uses an electrophoresis-processed aluminum top and bottom case.

The kit includes the aluminum case, hotswap PCB, polycarbonate plate, Wuque Studios stabilizers, LCD screen, Poron sound dampener kit, two 2250mAh batteries, an external weight, silicone feet, tools, a coiled USB-C cable, and a storage box.

The vendor description for the Chilkey ND104 does not specify LED orientation. The Meletrix Zoom98 EE is explicitly listed with south-facing RGB LEDs in its metadata, which is better for compatibility with Cherry-profile keycaps.

The Chilkey ND104 may have an advantage as it is available with silent switch options and comes pre-installed with five layers of sound-dampening foam. The Meletrix Zoom98 EE includes a Poron sound dampener kit, but its final sound will depend on the switches and keycaps you install.

The Chilkey ND104's module above the numpad is reconfigurable; the vendor states it can be set as a screen plus knob, 2 keys plus knob, or 3 keys. It's unclear if the screen module is physically removable on the Zoom98 EE based on the provided information.

Yes, the Chilkey ND104 has a hidden storage slot for the 2.4 GHz receiver on the underside of the keyboard. The Meletrix Zoom98 EE product description does not mention a dedicated receiver storage slot.