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Compare Dareu A98 Pro vs Nuphy Gem80 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a feature-rich pre-built keyboard and a highly customizable barebone kit. The Dareu A98 Pro offers a unique TFT screen and a full 98% layout out of the box. The Nuphy Gem80 is a TKL barebone kit focused on modding potential and open-source firmware support. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize a complete product with a visual display or a foundational platform for personalization.

74
DAREU A98 Pro Keyboard With LED TFT Screen
96
Nuphy GEM80 Barebones Keyboard Kit

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5.0 (2)
0.0 (0)
  • Released in 2022
  • Has Linear switch options
  • Available in a 98% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Includes a Yes, TFT display
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Weighs about 1200 g
  • Sized at 37 x 388 x 139 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Plastic case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Mechanical switch options
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO layout standard
  • Includes a No display
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only connectivity
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Weighs about 1120 g
  • Sized at 37 x 358 x 141 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Polycarbonate case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 49.2
  • Build Quality: 69.7
  • Productivity: 86.6
  • Customizability: 74.7
  • Portability: 56.2
Scores
  • Performance: 79.9
  • Build Quality: 87
  • Productivity: 93.7
  • Customizability: 97.2
  • Portability: 75.9
Name
Dareu A98 Pro
Name
Nuphy Gem80
Release year
2022
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Linear
Switch Options
Mechanical
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
98%
Layout Size
80%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
TFT
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum, Plastic
Case Material
Aluminum, Polycarbonate
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
37 x 388 x 139 mm
Dimensions
37 x 358 x 141 mm
Weight
1200g
Weight
1120g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

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.

Dareu A98 Pro

  • +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.
  • +Vendor software allows for lighting and macro customization.
  • +Features screw-in stabilizers and multi-layer sound-dampening silicone.

  • Lacks the open-source QMK/VIA firmware support of the Gem80.
  • Only available with linear switch options.
  • Polling rate for gaming performance is not specified by the vendor.
  • Slightly larger and heavier than the TKL Gem80.

Nuphy Gem80

  • +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.
  • +Specifies a 1000Hz polling rate for wired and 2.4GHz wireless modes.
  • +Includes multiple sound-dampening materials like poron absorbers and an IXPE sheet.

  • Does not include keycaps or switches by default, increasing total cost.
  • Lacks any integrated screen or display.
  • Assembly is required, which may be challenging for beginners.
  • The vendor listing shows it may be frequently out of stock.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingNuphy 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.
OfficeDareu A98 Pro
  • The Dareu A98 Pro's 98% layout includes a numpad, which is beneficial for data entry.
  • Its vendor description states compatibility with macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android.
  • The pre-built nature with included keycaps and switches offers immediate plug-and-play use.
ProgrammingNuphy Gem80
  • The Nuphy Gem80 supports QMK/VIA firmware for unlimited key remapping and macro creation.
  • VIA's remapping works on all major desktop platforms, as stated by the manufacturer.
  • The TKL layout saves desk space while retaining most essential keys.
TravelNuphy Gem80
  • The Nuphy Gem80 is slightly smaller (358mm wide) and lighter (1120g) than the A98 Pro (388mm wide, 1200g).
  • Both have similar 4000mAh batteries and triple-mode connectivity.
  • The TKL form factor is generally more portable than a 98% layout.
ModdingNuphy Gem80
  • The Nuphy Gem80 is sold primarily as a barebone kit, designed for user assembly.
  • It features an 'omni-mount' design allowing switch between top, gasket, and bottom mount styles.
  • It offers extensive optional parts like FR4, PC, POM, and aluminum plates for sound customization.
  • It includes six pre-installed sound mods, such as poron absorbers and IXPE dampeners, for experimentation.
Content CreationDareu A98 Pro
  • The integrated 1.4” TFT screen on the A98 Pro can display animations and potentially system stats.
  • The vendor description mentions support for macro definition via its dedicated software driver.
  • The full layout provides dedicated keys for shortcuts without relying on layers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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