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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

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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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Dareu A98 Pro

Full-Size Screen

Build quality in the top 30% of 98% boards under $200.

If you want

  • 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.

Rules this board out

  • 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.

If you want

  • 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.

Rules this board out

  • South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
  • No numpad.

Bottom line

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.

What actually differs

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

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Dareu A98 Pro
  • Nuphy Gem80
Performance
49
79
Build quality
70
84
Productivity
87
88
Customizability
74
94
Portability
56
76

What they share

  • Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
  • Hot-swappable
  • Battery: 4,000 mAh
  • Mount style: Gasket Mount
  • Sound dampening
See every spec side by side

Best for

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.

For gaming

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.

Full specs

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

Typing & switches

Switch options

Linear
Mechanical

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Screw-in stabilizers

Yes
No

Layout

Layout size

98%
80%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

TFT
None

Media keys

No
Yes

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Max polling rate

—
1,000 Hz

Battery

4,000 mAh
4,000 mAh

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum, Plastic
Aluminum, Polycarbonate

Plate material

—
Aluminum, FR4, Polycarbonate, POM

Keycaps

PBT
ABS, PBT

Weight

1,200 g
1,120 g

Dimensions

37 x 388 x 139 mm
37 x 358 x 141 mm

Typing angle

—
6°

Backlight

RGB
RGB, south-facing

Firmware & software

QMK

No
Yes

VIA

No
Yes

N-key rollover

No
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2022
2024

For EU buyers

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

Where to buy

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.

Nuphy Gem804 stores

FAQ

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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