Other Command65 R2 vs Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3Budget Kit vs Premium Prebuilt
Choose the QK65 Mk3 for a premium, feature-complete experience, or the Command65 R2 for a more affordable, customizable kit with a unique retro aesthetic.
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from$138at Input Gear
4.4 (7)4.4 · 7 reviews
from$245at MK
Which one should you get?
Get the
Other Command65 R2
Budget Kit
Build quality in the top 25% of 65% boards under $150.
- 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.
Get the
Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3
Premium Prebuilt
Build quality in the top 45% of 65% boards under $300.
- 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.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
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.
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.
Other Command65 R2
Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3
Ergonomics
Split Backspace
Standard
Case material
ABS
Aluminum
Mount style
PCB Mount
Gasket Mount
Knob
No
Yes
Display
None
LED
A case display rather than a typing feature
- Other Command65 R2
- Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3
- Performance
- 5065
- Build quality
- 7669
- Productivity
- 7079
- Customizability
- 8471
- Portability
- 8589
- Layout size: 65%
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
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.
Pick the Qwertykeys 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.
Other Command65 R2 vs Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
11 of 19 specs differ
Other Command65 R2
Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Connection
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
Mac & Windows
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Other Command65 R2
Listed on the product, not split by store: ISO.
Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
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Other Command65 R2 vs Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3: your questions
The Other Command65 R2 is sold as a DIY kit. The vendor description lists it as a 'Keyboard Kit' intended for enthusiasts to build, requiring you to add your own switches and keycaps.
No, the QK65 Mk3 does not have a volume knob. The vendor description mentions it has two retro knobs on the back, but these are for switching between Mac/Windows mode and changing the connection method (wired, Bluetooth, 2.4GHz).
Both keyboards offer tri-mode connectivity (wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz). The QK65 Mk3 has a stated advantage with its included dual 3100mAh batteries, which should provide longer wireless usage between charges compared to the Command65 R2, which requires you to supply your own batteries for its dual-battery module.
Yes, both keyboards feature hot-swappable PCBs. This allows you to change the mechanical switches without any soldering. The Command65 R2 supports 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches.
The QK65 Mk3 includes a more comprehensive suite of sound-dampening materials according to its listing. It comes with tear-notched plate foam, an IXPE sheet, a PET sheet, and a specially-designed bottom case to filter sound. The Command65 R2 kit includes Poron foam, IXPE switch foam, and a silicone bottom dampener.
Yes, the Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3 listing explicitly states Mac and Windows compatibility. It includes a dedicated knob on the back for switching between Mac and Windows modes, and it comes with extra Mac modifier keycaps.
The Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3 has a listed typing angle of 7 degrees. The typing angle for the Other Command65 R2 is not specified in the provided information.
Yes, both keyboards support programming via QMK and VIA. The Command65 R2 listing confirms QMK/VIA support for macros and layouts. The QK65 Mk3 is programmable with Qwertykey's VIA web configurator.
The QK65 Mk3 comes with numerous accessories including a carrying case, USB cable, switch puller, keycap puller, 2.4GHz receiver and adapter, silicone gasket, rubber feet, screws, Mac modifier keycaps, and three extra switches.
The vendor description for the Command65 R2 states it is inspired by the classic Commodore 64 design. This retro aesthetic is a key part of its visual appeal, differentiating it from more modern-looking boards.
Yes, according to the vendor description, the QK65 Mk3's 'Dynamic Island' screen function supports DIY customization by allowing you to upload multiple GIFs as foreground and background layers. You can use hotkeys to switch between them.
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