Cidoo QK61 V2 vs V98Compact 60% vs Full-Featured 98% Layout
Choose the Cidoo QK61 V2 for portability and value, or the Cidoo V98 for a full layout with an aluminum case and dedicated media knob.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Cidoo QK61 V2
Compact 60%
Build quality in the top 30% of 60% boards under $100.
- Extremely portable 60% layout with tri-mode wireless connectivity.
- Includes RGB backlighting with south-facing LEDs.
- Supports VIA software for easy, real-time key remapping.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- Compact layout only. No function row, dedicated arrow keys, or numpad.
Get the
Cidoo V98
Full-Featured 98% Layout
Build quality in the top 20% of 98% boards under $150.
- Comprehensive 98% layout includes a numpad, arrow keys, and navigation cluster.
- Built with a 6063 aluminum case for a more premium feel.
- Features a dedicated rotary knob for media control.
- Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require a full set of keys for data entry, programming, or media control and value a premium metal build, the Cidoo V98 is the logical pick despite its higher cost and lack of RGB. If saving desk space, traveling light, or diving into sound modding with VIA support is your goal, the Cidoo QK61 V2 offers exceptional value and portability in a plastic package.
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 QK61 V2
Cidoo V98
Layout size
60%
98%
Battery
3,000 mAh
4,000 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Case material
Plastic
Aluminum
Knob
No
Yes
VIA
Yes
No
GUI remapping without compiling firmware
- Cidoo QK61 V2
- Cidoo V98
- Performance
- 4343
- Build quality
- 6973
- Productivity
- 7177
- Customizability
- 8176
- Portability
- 8452
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- QMK
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Cidoo V98 is the clear choice for office work, programming, and content creation due to its comprehensive layout and media knob. The Cidoo QK61 V2 dominates for travel and gaming, thanks to its ultra-compact form factor and included RGB. For modding, the QK61 V2 offers more documented acoustic features and VIA support, giving enthusiasts a detailed starting point for customization.
Pick the Cidoo QK61 V2
- The QK61 V2's 60% layout frees up more desk space for mouse movement.
- It includes RGB backlighting with south-facing LEDs, which the V98 lacks.
- Its lighter weight and smaller footprint make it easier to reposition on a desk.
Cidoo QK61 V2 vs V98 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
7 of 19 specs differ
Cidoo QK61 V2
Cidoo V98
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Connection
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Backlight
QMK
VIA
Released
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Cidoo QK61 V2 vs V98: your questions
The Cidoo QK61 V2 is better for small desks. Its 60% layout omits the numpad and dedicated arrow keys, taking up significantly less space than the 98% layout of the V98, freeing up room for your mouse and other peripherals.
No, according to the provided specifications, the Cidoo V98 does not have RGB lighting. The Cidoo QK61 V2, however, features south-facing RGB LEDs.
Yes, both keyboards support firmware customization. The QK61 V2 supports both VIA and QMK, allowing for real-time remapping. The V98 is listed as fully compatible with QMK firmware for key remapping and macro creation.
The main material difference is the case. The Cidoo QK61 V2 uses a plastic case, while the Cidoo V98 features a 6063 aluminum case, which typically offers a more premium and solid feel.
The Cidoo V98 has a larger 4000mAh battery compared to the 3000mAh battery in the QK61 V2. While actual runtime depends on usage, the V98's larger capacity suggests potentially longer wireless operation between charges.
No, the Cidoo QK61 V2 does not have a knob. The Cidoo V98 is the model that includes a rotary knob for media control, such as adjusting volume.
Yes, both the Cidoo QK61 V2 and the Cidoo V98 feature hot-swappable PCBs. This allows you to easily change the mechanical switches without soldering.
The Cidoo V98 comes with dye-sublimated PBT keycaps in a Cherry profile. The manufacturer states these are more durable and oil-resistant than ABS keycaps.
The vendor description for the QK61 V2 highlights a typing experience tuned with five layers of sound-dampening foam, a polycarbonate plate, and a gasket mount. These features are designed to provide a satisfying, quieter typing sound and a flexible feel.
The Cidoo QK61 V2 is far more suitable for travel. Its 60% layout and lighter weight (880g) make it much easier to pack and use with a laptop in cafes or on trips compared to the larger, heavier aluminum V98.
Yes, the Cidoo V98 is listed as being available as a DIY kit or barebones version. This means you can purchase just the aluminum case, PCB, and plate to install your own choice of switches and keycaps.
Both the Cidoo QK61 V2 and the Cidoo V98 use a gasket mount style. This mounting method uses silicone or foam gaskets to isolate the plate from the case, aiming to reduce vibration and provide a softer typing feel.
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