Other Command65 R2 vs Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3: Budget Kit vs Premium Prebuilt

Compare Other Command65 R2 vs Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for mechanical keyboard buyers deciding between a value-oriented DIY kit and a high-end prebuilt. Both are 65% wireless keyboards with hot-swap PCBs and VIA support, making the choice difficult. The decision hinges on your budget, desire for a pre-assembled product, and need for premium features like an aluminum case, a screen, and extensive sound-dampening materials.

Model
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	5.0 stars (1 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Offers Split Backspace ergonomics Includes a No display Supports QMK firmware Uses a PCB Mount mounting style Made with a ABS case Offers No RGB lighting	Has Linear switch options Offers Normal ergonomics Comes with a knob Includes a Yes, LED display Compatible with both Mac and Windows Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style Equipped with a 3100 mAh battery Weighs about 1471 g Sized at 21 x 345 x 121 mm Made with a Aluminum case Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 49.5 Build Quality: 75.5 Productivity: 68.6 Customizability: 84.3 Portability: 84.2	Scores Performance: 66.8 Build Quality: 78.6 Productivity: 84.9 Customizability: 87.6 Portability: 89
Name	Name Other Command65 R2	Name Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3
Release year	Release year 2025	Release year 2025
Switch Options	Switch Options -	Switch Options Linear
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 65%	Layout Size 65%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Split Backspace	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support LED
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity 3100 mAh
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style PCB Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight	Backlight Rgb
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material ABS	Case Material Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material -	Keycaps Material -
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions 21 x 345 x 121 mm
Weight	Weight -	Weight 1471g

Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3 CNC Aluminum Barebones DIY Keyboard Kit

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0.0 stars (0 reviews)

5.0 stars (1 reviews)

Offers Split Backspace ergonomics
Includes a No display
Supports QMK firmware
Uses a PCB Mount mounting style
Made with a ABS case
Offers No RGB lighting

Has Linear switch options
Offers Normal ergonomics
Comes with a knob
Includes a Yes, LED display
Compatible with both Mac and Windows
Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
Equipped with a 3100 mAh battery
Weighs about 1471 g
Sized at 21 x 345 x 121 mm
Made with a Aluminum case
Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting

Scores

Performance: 49.5
Build Quality: 75.5
Productivity: 68.6
Customizability: 84.3
Portability: 84.2

Scores

Performance: 66.8
Build Quality: 78.6
Productivity: 84.9
Customizability: 87.6
Portability: 89

Name

Other Command65 R2

Name

Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3

Release year

2025

Release year

2025

Switch Options

Linear

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

65%

Layout Size

65%

Layout Standard

ANSI, ISO

Layout Standard

ANSI, ISO

Layout Ergonomics

Split Backspace

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

LED

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

USB passthrough

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Polling Rate

Battery capacity

3100 mAh

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

PCB Mount

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb

Case Colors

Case Material

ABS

Case Material

Aluminum

Keycaps Material

Dimensions

21 x 345 x 121 mm

Weight

1471g

Pros and Trade-offs

Your budget and willingness to build are the primary deciders. The Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3 is a complete premium package with superior materials, a feature-rich screen, and excellent out-of-box acoustics. The Other Command65 R2 is a compelling project for hobbyists who want a unique, customizable kit with retro charm at a lower entry point. Choose the pre-built luxury or the DIY value.

Other Command65 R2

+More affordable as a DIY kit.
+Includes unique physical features: three NKK toggle switches and a buzzer.
+Supports split backspace layout for additional key customization.
+Comes with multiple foam layers: Poron mid-dampener, IXPE switch foam, and a silicone bottom dampener.
+Offers a retro Commodore 64-inspired aesthetic.

−Case is made of ABS plastic, not aluminum.
−Lacks any form of RGB backlighting.
−Sold as a kit, requiring assembly of switches and keycaps.
−Does not include a carrying case or many accessories.

Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3

+Premium CNC-machined aluminum case with gasket mount design.
+Includes a customizable LED screen with animations and a mini-game.
+Comes fully pre-built with Cherry profile dye-sub keycaps and switches.
+Extensive sound-dampening package: tear-notched plate foam, IXPE sheet, PET sheet, and a specially-designed bottom case.
+Includes many accessories: carrying case, two 3100mAh batteries, knobs for OS/connection switching, and extra keycaps.

−Significantly more expensive.
−Heavier at 1471g, which reduces portability.
−The screen and RGB features will consume battery life.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3 is the more versatile choice for most ready-to-use scenarios, particularly for office work, gaming, and content creation due to its premium build, screen, and RGB. The Other Command65 R2 wins for travel due to its likely lighter weight and for modding due to its kit form and unique physical controls. For programming, both are equally capable due to shared core programmability and layout support.

GamingQwertykeys QK65 Mk3

•The QK65 Mk3 includes per-key RGB backlighting, which the Command65 R2 lacks.
•Its gasket mount design, described as including a silicone gasket, may offer a more consistent typing feel.
•The listing mentions a 20.6mm front height with a 7° typing angle, which can be ergonomic for extended sessions.

OfficeQwertykeys QK65 Mk3

•The QK65 Mk3 is a pre-built keyboard, ready to use out of the box.
•It includes dedicated knobs for switching between Mac/Windows mode and connection methods, simplifying multi-device use.
•It comes with a carrying case, making it easier to transport between workspaces.

ProgrammingTie

•Both keyboards support ANSI and ISO layouts, with the Command65 R2 specifically listing split backspace support.
•Both are fully programmable via QMK/VIA firmware for macros and key remapping.
•Both are hot-swappable, allowing easy switch changes for preferred actuation.

TravelOther Command65 R2

•The Command65 R2 has an ABS case, which is typically lighter than the QK65 Mk3's aluminum case.
•Its vendor description does not mention a significant internal weight, unlike the QK65's 1471g listed weight and stainless steel weight.
•Both offer tri-mode wireless connectivity for cable-free use.

ModdingOther Command65 R2

•The Command65 R2 is sold explicitly as a DIY kit, intended for enthusiasts to build and modify.
•It includes unique physical features like three NKK toggle switches and a buzzer for sound effects.
•Its kit form and lower cost provide a more accessible platform for experimental modifications.

Content CreationQwertykeys QK65 Mk3

•The QK65 Mk3 features a customizable LED screen that supports uploading GIFs and has interactive typing animations.
•Per-key RGB lighting can be useful for visual customization in streaming setups.
•The premium aluminum construction and included accessories present a more polished aesthetic for on-camera use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Compare Other Command65 R2 vs Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3 Differences Side by Side

Pros and Trade-offs

Other Command65 R2

Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the Other Command65 R2 pre-built or a kit?

Does the Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3 have a volume knob?

Which keyboard is better for wireless use?

Can I change the switches on both keyboards?

Which keyboard has better sound dampening?

Is the QK65 Mk3 compatible with Mac and Windows?

What is the typing angle of these keyboards?

Do these keyboards support VIA or QMK software?

What accessories come with the QK65 Mk3?

What makes the Command65 R2 design retro?

Can I upload my own images to the QK65 Mk3's screen?

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