Chilkey ND65 CS HE vs ND65Magnetic vs Wireless 65%
Choose the ND65 CS HE for its customizable magnetic actuation, or pick the standard ND65 for its wireless flexibility and lower price.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Chilkey ND65 CS HE
Magnetic
Build quality in the top 15% of 65% boards under $150.
- Hall Effect magnetic switches allow for customizable actuation points and rapid trigger inputs.
- Aluminum case and plate construction for a heavy, premium feel in hand.
- Full VIA and QMK support for advanced key mapping and macro creation.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
Get the
Chilkey ND65
Wireless 65%
Build quality in the top 30% of 65% boards under $100.
- Tri-mode wireless connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, wired) for versatile use across devices.
- Large 6000mAh battery supports extended wireless operation on a single charge.
- Lower price point and wider availability from multiple vendors in stock.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
Your choice between the Chilkey ND65 CS HE and the standard ND65 hinges on your need for switch customization versus wireless convenience. If you are a gamer or enthusiast who wants to fine-tune every aspect of your typing and gaming experience, the CS HE's magnetic switches are a compelling feature. However, if you need a flexible, portable keyboard for work or travel at a more accessible price, the standard ND65's wireless capabilities and long battery life make it the clear winner.
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 ND65 CS HE
Chilkey ND65
Hall effect (magnetic)
Yes
No
Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing
Connection
Wired
Bluetooth, Wired, 2.4 GHz
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Case material
Aluminum
Aluminum, Plastic
Switch options
Magnetic
Clicky, Linear
Mount style
Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount, Top Mount
- Chilkey ND65 CS HE
- Chilkey ND65
- Performance
- 5955
- Build quality
- 8376
- Productivity
- 7470
- Customizability
- 8768
- Portability
- 7494
- Layout size: 65%
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The Chilkey ND65 CS HE is the better choice for gaming and modding due to its Hall Effect switches with adjustable actuation and robust VIA/QMK customization. The standard ND65 wins in office and travel scenarios thanks to its wireless modes and long battery life. For programming and content creation, the two keyboards tie, as both provide high-quality typing experiences with their PBT keycaps and compact layouts, leaving the final decision to the user's preference for wired or wireless functionality.
Pick the Chilkey ND65 CS HE
- Magnetic switches in the CS HE allow for adjustable actuation points, which can be tuned for faster reaction times in games.
- The pre-built CS HE kit includes Gateron magnetic switches with a lifespan of 150 million keystrokes and a non-flex cut PCB for a stable typing feel.
- Both keyboards offer a 1000 Hz polling rate, but the CS HE's wired-only connection ensures no latency from wireless interference.
Chilkey ND65 CS HE vs ND65 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
10 of 23 specs differ
Chilkey ND65 CS HE
Chilkey ND65
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
Mac & Windows
Released
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Chilkey ND65 CS HE vs ND65: your questions
No, the Chilkey ND65 CS HE is a wired-only keyboard. It connects via USB-C and does not feature any wireless connectivity options like Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz, as confirmed by both its metadata and vendor listings.
The ND65 CS HE uses Gateron magnetic (Hall Effect) switches, which are linear switches that allow the user to customize the actuation point. This means you can set the key to register a press at a very light touch or require a deeper press, a feature not available on the standard mechanical switches in the ND65.
The standard ND65's vendor description does not mention QMK or VIA support. It is noted as having a hotswap PCB but the firmware customization capabilities are not specified, unlike the CS HE which explicitly supports both QMK and VIA.
The standard Chilkey ND65 has a clear advantage for travel with its large 6000mAh battery, which is built for extended wireless use. The ND65 CS HE has no battery as it is wired-only and requires a constant connection to a power source.
Yes, both the Chilkey ND65 CS HE and the standard Chilkey ND65 feature double-shot PBT keycaps in a Cherry profile. This means they offer similar durability and a familiar sculpted feel for typing.
Yes, both the Chilkey ND65 CS HE and the standard ND65 are listed as having Mac support. The vendor descriptions for both keyboards include macOS in their list of compatible operating systems.
The ND65 CS HE is likely better for modding due to its aluminum case, gasket mount, and explicit VIA/QMK support for software customization. Its magnetic switches also offer a unique parameter to adjust, whereas the standard ND65's modding potential is more standard with its hotswap PCB and multiple mounting styles.
RGB availability on the standard ND65 depends on the specific version. According to the vendor, the wired version has a white side light, while the tri-mode version includes north-facing RGB LEDs and an RGB side light. The ND65 CS HE has no RGB lighting.
Both the Chilkey ND65 CS HE and the standard Chilkey ND65 have a 1000 Hz polling rate when connected via a wired connection. This is a standard high polling rate for responsive input.
The ND65 CS HE could be a good but advanced choice for first-time users who are interested in customization. It comes pre-built and offers features like adjustable actuation and VIA support, but its higher price and wired-only nature may make the standard ND65 a simpler and more affordable entry point.
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