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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

Cidoo ABM098 vs Nuphy Gem80Full-Size vs TKL Custom Keyboard

Choose the Cidoo ABM098 for its integrated numpad and knob, or the Nuphy Gem80 for its premium aluminum build and extensive modding platform.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Cidoo ABM098

Full-Size

Build quality in the bottom 40% of 98% boards under $150.

If you want

  • Includes a full numpad in a space-saving 1800-compact layout.
  • Features a dedicated rotary knob for media and volume control.
  • Comes fully pre-built with switches and keycaps installed.

Rules this board out

  • No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
  • Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.

Get the

Nuphy Gem80

TKL Custom Keyboard

Build quality in the top 10% of 80% boards under $200.

If you want

  • Features a high-precision CNC-machined aluminum top case.
  • Offers extensive modding with an omni-mount system and multiple optional plate materials.
  • Vendor listing confirms a 1000Hz polling rate for responsive wireless performance.

Rules this board out

  • South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
  • No numpad.

Bottom line

Select the Cidoo ABM098 if you need a pre-built, full-size keyboard with a numpad and media knob for productivity tasks. Opt for the Nuphy Gem80 if you want a premium, aluminum TKL kit designed for deep customization and superior wireless performance, and are willing to assemble it yourself. Your primary need for a specific layout versus a foundational modding platform dictates the best choice.

What actually differs

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.

Cidoo ABM098

Nuphy Gem80

  • Layout size

    98%

    80%

  • Battery

    3,000 mAh

    4,000 mAh

    A larger battery means fewer cables during the day

  • Switch options

    Clicky, Linear

    Mechanical

  • Knob

    Yes

    No

  • QMK

    No

    Yes

    The deep option when you want to remap every key

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Cidoo ABM098
  • Nuphy Gem80
Performance
54
79
Build quality
61
84
Productivity
75
88
Customizability
78
94
Portability
52
76

What they share

  • Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
  • Hot-swappable
  • Mount style: Gasket Mount
  • VIA
  • Sound dampening
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Cidoo ABM098 wins for office work and content creation due to its numpad and media knob. The Nuphy Gem80 is the superior choice for gaming, travel, and modding, thanks to its confirmed high polling rate, lighter weight, and barebone kit design. For programming, both are equally capable due to their shared programmability and hot-swap features, leaving the choice to layout preference.

For gaming

Pick the Nuphy Gem80

  • The Nuphy Gem80's listing specifies a 1000Hz polling rate for both wired and 2.4GHz connections.
  • Its lighter weight (1120g) may allow for easier repositioning on a desk.
  • The TKL layout provides more mouse space compared to the ABM098's 1800-compact form.

Full specs

Cidoo ABM098 vs Nuphy Gem80 specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

11 of 26 specs differ

Cidoo ABM098

Nuphy Gem80

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky, Linear
Mechanical

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

98%
80%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Knob

Yes
No

Display

None
None

Media keys

Yes
Yes

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Max polling rate

—
1,000 Hz

Battery

3,000 mAh
4,000 mAhBetter

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

—
Aluminum, Polycarbonate

Plate material

—
Aluminum, FR4, Polycarbonate, POM

Keycaps

PBT
ABS, PBT

Weight

—
1,120 g

Dimensions

—
37 x 358 x 141 mm

Typing angle

—
6°

Backlight

RGB
RGB, south-facing

Firmware & software

QMK

No
Yes

VIA

Yes
Yes

N-key rollover

No
Yes

Mac & Windows

No
Yes

Extras

Released

2023
2024

For EU buyers

ISO layouts by store

Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.

Cidoo ABM098

No ISO layout at the stores we track.

Nuphy Gem80

  • Input Gear

    ISO-DE

    Out of stockShips to you

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

Cidoo ABM0982 stores
Nuphy Gem804 stores

FAQ

Cidoo ABM098 vs Nuphy Gem80: your questions

The Nuphy Gem80 has a specified advantage for gaming. Its product listing explicitly states a 1000Hz polling rate for both wired and 2.4GHz connections, which can translate to lower latency. The Gem80 is also lighter and has a TKL layout, freeing up more desk space for mouse movement.

No, the Nuphy Gem80 is primarily sold as a barebone kit. According to the vendor page, the base kit includes the assembled keyboard, PCB, sound mods, and stabilizers, but switches and keycaps are not included and must be purchased separately or added as an option.

Yes, both keyboards support extensive key remapping. The Cidoo ABM098 is programmable using VIA software. The Nuphy Gem80 supports both QMK and VIA firmware, offering very deep customization layers and macro programming capabilities.

Both keyboards are listed with a 4000mAh battery capacity. The Nuphy Gem80 vendor page provides lab test results showing up to 330 hours with lights off, but real-world usage for both will depend on factors like RGB brightness and connection mode. They likely offer similar endurance.

Yes, the Cidoo ABM098 features a hot-swappable PCB. The vendor description confirms it supports both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches, allowing you to change switches without soldering.

The Nuphy Gem80 uses a combination of premium materials. The top case is made from CNC-machined aluminum, while the bottom case is polycarbonate (PC). The default plate material is FR4, with optional PC, POM, and aluminum plates available.

Yes, the Cidoo ABM098 includes a dedicated rotary knob. The vendor description states this knob is designed for media control, allowing you to adjust volume by rotating it and mute by pressing it.

The Nuphy Gem80 is more portable. It weighs 1120g compared to the Cidoo ABM098's 2000g, and its TKL (80%) layout has a smaller footprint than the ABM098's 1800-compact form factor, making it easier to pack.

According to its vendor description, the Cidoo ABM098 uses a gasket mount design with several dampening materials. These include Poron foam on the PCB, an IXPE switch sheet, and a silicone bottom foam to create a cleaner, quieter sound profile.

Yes, a key feature of the Nuphy Gem80 is its 'omni-mount' design. This system allows users to change the keyboard's mounting style, such as switching between gasket mount and top mount, to alter the typing feel and sound signature.

Yes, both the Cidoo ABM098 and Nuphy Gem80 feature RGB backlighting. Both use south-facing LEDs, which avoid interference with Cherry-profile keycaps and, in the Gem80's case, illuminate special light-emitting homing bars.

The Cidoo ABM098 is the clear choice for a ready-to-use experience. It comes fully pre-built with switches, keycaps, and stabilizers installed. The Nuphy Gem80 requires you to source and install your own switches and keycaps, as it is a barebone kit.

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