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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Which one should you get?
Get the
Cidoo ABM098
Full-Size
Build quality in the bottom 40% of 98% boards under $150.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- No numpad.
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.
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
- Cidoo ABM098
- Nuphy Gem80
- Performance
- 5479
- Build quality
- 6184
- Productivity
- 7588
- Customizability
- 7894
- Portability
- 5276
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- VIA
- Sound dampening
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.
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.
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
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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
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 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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