Dareu A98 Pro vs Nuphy Gem80Full-Size Screen vs Custom Kit
Choose the Dareu A98 Pro for a ready-to-use keyboard with a screen, or the Nuphy Gem80 for deep hardware and firmware customization.
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5.0 (2)5.0 · 2 reviews
from$169at Mechkeys
No reviews
from$170at Nuphy
Which one should you get?
Get the
Dareu A98 Pro
Full-Size Screen
Build quality in the top 30% of 98% boards under $200.
- Includes a 1.4” TFT color display for animations and information.
- Pre-built with PBT keycaps and linear switches included.
- 98% layout provides a numpad in a relatively compact form.
- 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
Custom Kit
Build quality in the top 10% of 80% boards under $200.
- Extensive customization with QMK and VIA firmware support.
- Sold as a barebone kit, ideal for choosing your own switches and keycaps.
- Omni-mount design allows changing between gasket, top, and bottom mount styles.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- No numpad.
Select the Dareu A98 Pro if you want a complete, feature-packed keyboard with a unique screen and numpad ready to use immediately. Opt for the Nuphy Gem80 if your priority is building a deeply personalized typing experience with top-tier wireless performance, extensive modding options, and open-source firmware. The Gem80 demands more investment in time and additional components but offers a higher degree of control.
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.
Dareu A98 Pro
Nuphy Gem80
Layout size
98%
80%
Case material
Aluminum, Plastic
Aluminum, Polycarbonate
Switch options
Linear
Mechanical
Display
TFT
None
A case display rather than a typing feature
Weight
1,200 g
1,120 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
- Dareu A98 Pro
- Nuphy Gem80
- Performance
- 4979
- Build quality
- 7084
- Productivity
- 8788
- Customizability
- 7494
- Portability
- 5676
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 4,000 mAh
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Nuphy Gem80 wins for gaming, programming, travel, and modding due to its high polling rate, QMK/VIA support, more compact form, and barebone design. The Dareu A98 Pro is better suited for office work and content creation, thanks to its numpad, multi-platform plug-and-play readiness, and unique TFT screen. For general use, the choice is a direct trade-off between the A98 Pro's out-of-box features and the Gem80's customization ceiling.
Pick the Nuphy Gem80
- The Nuphy Gem80 listing specifies a 1000Hz polling rate for both wired and 2.4GHz modes.
- Its vendor page highlights a Nordic wireless chip and STM32 MCU for minimized latency.
- The A98 Pro's vendor description does not specify a polling rate for performance comparison.
Dareu A98 Pro vs Nuphy Gem80 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
15 of 26 specs differ
Dareu A98 Pro
Nuphy Gem80
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
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.
Dareu A98 Pro
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.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Dareu A98 Pro vs Nuphy Gem80: your questions
The Nuphy Gem80 has a specified advantage for gaming. Its product page explicitly lists a 1000Hz polling rate for both wired and 2.4GHz connections, which is a key metric for responsiveness. The Dareu A98 Pro's vendor description does not specify its polling rate, making a direct performance comparison on that metric impossible.
No, the Nuphy Gem80 is primarily sold as a barebone kit. According to its product listing, keycaps and switches are not included by default and must be purchased separately. The kit does include the assembled keyboard chassis, PCB, pre-lubed stabilizers, sound mods, and necessary tools.
The manufacturer states the 1.4-inch TFT screen can display colorful animations. The vendor description mentions it can be configured to switch between five different pre-loaded animations via the keyboard's software. Specific functionality like displaying system stats is not detailed in the provided information.
Yes, but the methods and flexibility differ significantly. The Nuphy Gem80 supports QMK and VIA, which are open-source firmware solutions allowing for deep, system-agnostic key remapping and macro creation. The Dareu A98 Pro uses proprietary driver software for customization, which may offer macro definition and lighting control but is not as universally flexible as QMK/VIA.
The Nuphy Gem80 is the more portable option. It has a smaller 80% (TKL) footprint with dimensions of 358 x 141 mm and weighs 1120g. The Dareu A98 Pro is a larger 98% layout at 388 x 139 mm and weighs 1200g. Both have similar wireless capabilities and battery capacity (4000mAh).
The Dareu A98 Pro comes pre-built with linear switches, specifically the Sky V4 model according to its vendor page. The Nuphy Gem80, as a barebone kit, is compatible with standard 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches. Nuphy offers a wide variety of optional switches including linear, tactile, and silent types like their Herb series or Cherry Silent Red.
Both keyboards focus on sound dampening but approach it differently. The Dareu A98 Pro uses a multi-layer sound-absorbing silicone pad design. The Nuphy Gem80 comes with six customized sound mods pre-installed, including three poron hollow sound absorbers, an IXPE dampener, a transparent elastomer, and a patterned silicone sheet, all tuned for a specific sound signature.
Yes, both manufacturers list compatibility with macOS. The Dareu A98 Pro vendor page states support for macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android. The Nuphy Gem80 specs also list macOS/Windows/Linux compatibility, and its description highlights a dedicated system switch and special feature key implementation for an authentic Mac experience.
According to Nuphy, the omni-mount technology allows the user to change the keyboard's mounting style. Using a complementary gasket and mount kit, you can configure the Gem80 for top mount, gasket mount, or bottom mount styles. This lets you customize the typing feel and sound profile of the keyboard.
Both keyboards have the same 4000mAh battery capacity. The Dareu A98 Pro vendor claims up to 45 hours of game time. The Nuphy Gem80 provides more detailed lab test results: up to 45 hours with all lights on, up to 70 hours with only the homing bars lit, and up to 330 hours with all lights off. Actual battery life will depend on usage patterns.
Assembly is required for the Gem80 as it is a barebone kit. The manufacturer provides a build guide and video guide. User reviews mention the process can be challenging and requires patience, with one reviewer noting a need for a specific T8 screwdriver. It is designed for users comfortable with custom keyboard assembly.
The Dareu A98 Pro comes as a complete package. According to its vendor listing, the box includes the pre-assembled keyboard, a keycap/switch puller, a 1.8-meter USB-C cable, and a user manual. No additional purchase is necessary to start typing.
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