Dareu A98 Pro vs Qwertykeys QK101Pre-Built vs DIY Kit Showdown
Choose the Dareu A98 Pro for a ready-to-use, compact keyboard, or the Qwertykeys QK101 for a premium, highly customizable DIY project.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Dareu A98 Pro
Pre-Built
- Ready-to-use pre-built package with linear switches and PBT keycaps included.
- More portable 98% layout and lighter weight (1200g) than the full-size alternative.
- Includes multi-layer sound-absorbing silicone pad for a quieter typing experience.
- Lower 4000mAh battery capacity compared to the QK101's 8000mAh total.
- Case construction uses a combination of aluminum and plastic.
- Offers less hardware customization out of the box compared to a DIY kit.
Get the
Qwertykeys QK101
DIY Kit Showdown
- Extensive customization with choice of PCB (flex/non-flex), plates (FR4, Aluminum), and mount style (gasket/top).
- Premium CNC-machined aluminum and copper case materials.
- Larger 8000mAh total battery capacity from dual cells.
- Sold as a barebones DIY kit, requiring separate purchase of switches and keycaps.
- Substantially heavier (2000g) and larger full-size footprint.
- Higher starting price point as it is a kit requiring additional components.
Your choice fundamentally comes down to convenience versus customization. Opt for the Dareu A98 Pro if you want a high-quality, compact keyboard that works perfectly the moment you unbox it. Choose the Qwertykeys QK101 if you are an enthusiast who enjoys building and tailoring every aspect of your keyboard, from the mounting style to the acoustic signature, and are willing to invest more time and money into the project.
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
Qwertykeys QK101
Layout size
98%
100%
Battery
4,000 mAh
8,000 mAh
Case material
Aluminum, Plastic
Aluminum, Copper
Mount style
Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount, Top Mount
Display
TFT
TFT, OLED
- Dareu A98 Pro
- Qwertykeys QK101
- Performance
- 4978
- Build quality
- 7091
- Productivity
- 8682
- Customizability
- 7485
- Portability
- 5663
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Qwertykeys QK101 is the clear choice for modders and gamers seeking top-tier specs and customization. The Dareu A98 Pro wins for office use and travel due to its out-of-the-box readiness and more portable form factor. For programming, the choice depends on layout preference, while content creators may favor the QK101's full layout and massive battery.
Pick the Qwertykeys QK101
- The QK101 lists a 4000 Hz polling rate, which can offer lower latency.
- Its dual-mount design (gasket and top mount) allows for tuning typing feel and acoustics.
- The full-size layout provides dedicated number keys without a separate pad.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Dareu A98 Pro
2 owner reviews
“EDIT: UPDATED TO 5 STARS BECAUSE I WAS MAKING A MISTAKE. For some reason, I cannot read properly and did not realize the switch on the far left of the KB is how you manually switch which input you're using to connect the KB. I switched it from wired to dongle…”
Qwertykeys QK101
2 owner reviews
Dareu A98 Pro vs Qwertykeys QK101 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
11 of 23 specs differ
Dareu A98 Pro
Qwertykeys QK101
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
VIA
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
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Dareu A98 Pro vs Qwertykeys QK101: your questions
The Qwertykeys QK101 has a listed 4000 Hz polling rate, which can provide a potential latency advantage for competitive gaming. Its dual-mount design also allows for tuning the typing feel. The Dareu A98 Pro is a capable gaming keyboard but does not have a specified high polling rate in its provided specs.
No, the Qwertykeys QK101 is sold as a barebones DIY kit. The listing explicitly states it does not include switches or keycaps. You must purchase these components separately to complete the build.
Yes, according to the vendor description for the Dareu A98 Pro, it supports macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android. The product metadata also lists Mac/Win support as an extra feature.
The Qwertykeys QK101 has a larger total capacity, with two 4000mAh batteries for 8000mAh. The Dareu A98 Pro has a single 4000mAh battery. The QK101's vendor notes that choosing its non-RGB PCB is recommended for best battery performance.
Yes, both keyboards support key remapping. The Dareu A98 Pro uses proprietary driver software, according to its vendor page. The Qwertykeys QK101 supports the QK custom VIA web configurator, which is a popular open-source tool.
The Dareu A98 Pro is more portable. It is significantly lighter (1200g vs 2000g) and has a more compact 98% layout measuring 388mm wide, compared to the QK101's full-size 440mm width. The A98 Pro is also pre-assembled.
The Dareu A98 Pro uses a gasket mount. The Qwertykeys QK101 features a dual-mount design, allowing you to assemble it using either a gasket mount or a top mount system, giving you a choice in typing feel.
Yes, both feature a screen. The Dareu A98 Pro has a 1.4” TFT display. The Qwertykeys QK101 has a customizable screen that can be an OLED or TFT, and its vendor states it can sync custom GIFs with typing speed.
The Qwertykeys QK101 case is made from CNC-machined aluminum and copper, as per the product metadata. The vendor description also mentions anodized and spray-coated finish options.
Yes, the Dareu A98 Pro is hot-swappable. Its vendor description states it is suitable for 3-pin and 5-pin hotswap switches, and hot-swappable is listed as an extra feature in the metadata.
The QK101 kit includes tools for assembly (screwdrivers, puller), a USB-C cable, PCB and case foams, silicone gaskets, stabilizers, magnetic badges, and a protective keyboard case, according to the vendor listing.
Both offer triple-mode connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired USB-C. The Dareu A98 Pro vendor specifies Bluetooth 5.0/5.1. The QK101 vendor mentions a 2.4GHz dongle that stores on the keyboard's back.
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