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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

Epomaker HE80 vs Qwertykeys Neo65 Core PlusGaming Tech vs Build Quality

Choose the Epomaker HE80 for competitive gaming features, or the Qwertykeys Neo65 for premium build materials and wireless flexibility.

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Gaming Tech

Epomaker HE80

EPOMAKER HE80

4.8 (49)

$59at Epomaker

90-day low

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Epomaker HE80

Gaming Tech

Build quality in the bottom 45% of 80% boards under $100.

If you want

  • Features an 8000 Hz polling rate and Hall Effect switches with adjustable 0.02mm actuation for gaming.
  • Includes four layers of sound dampening materials: latex sandwich foam, IXPE switch pad, bottom silicone, and bottom foam.
  • Comes pre-built with lubed switches, double-shot PBT keycaps, and extra PC keycaps.

Rules this board out

  • Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
  • South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
  • No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
  • No numpad.

Get the

Qwertykeys Neo65 Core Plus

Build Quality

Build quality in the top 25% of 65% boards under $100.

If you want

  • Constructed with an aluminum unibody case and a choice of brass or copper weight for a premium feel.
  • Offers tri-mode connectivity: wired, 2.4GHz wireless, and Bluetooth.
  • Sold as a customizable kit with multiple plate options and a dual-mounting system (gasket or O-ring).

Rules this board out

  • 65% layout. No function row and no numpad.

Bottom line

Your primary need dictates the choice. If competitive gaming performance, ultra-low latency, and advanced key customization are non-negotiable, the Epomaker HE80 delivers exceptional value. If you prioritize a premium aluminum build, wireless freedom, and the hands-on experience of building and tuning your own keyboard, the Qwertykeys Neo65 Core Plus is the better investment. Consider the HE80 a high-tech tool and the Neo65 a foundational piece for a personalized setup.

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.

Epomaker HE80

Qwertykeys Neo65 Core Plus

  • Layout size

    80%

    65%

  • Hall effect (magnetic)

    Yes

    No

    Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing

  • Rapid trigger

    Yes

    No

    Faster resets help in games and not in normal typing

  • Connection

    Wired

    Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

    Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency

  • Max polling rate

    8,000 Hz

    1,000 Hz

    Higher polling helps competitive FPS and does nothing for typing

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Epomaker HE80
  • Qwertykeys Neo65 Core Plus
Performance
98
53
Build quality
60
80
Productivity
76
80
Customizability
58
66
Portability
58
88

What they share

  • Hot-swappable
  • Mount style: Gasket Mount
  • Sound dampening
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Epomaker HE80 is the clear choice for gaming due to its high polling rate and adjustable magnetic switches. For office use and travel, the Qwertykeys Neo65 wins with its wireless connectivity and slimmer profile. Programmers may prefer the HE80 for its function row, while modders will be drawn to the Neo65's kit format and customization options. For content creation, the choice depends on whether visual RGB or a clean wireless setup is more important.

For gaming

Pick the Epomaker HE80

  • The HE80 has an 8000 Hz polling rate and a claimed 0.125ms latency, significantly higher than the Neo65's 1000 Hz.
  • Its Hall Effect switches offer adjustable actuation and rapid trigger functionality, which the Neo65 lacks.
  • The HE80 includes SOCD cleaning and dynamic keystroke features for competitive play.

From real owners

What owners say

Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.

Epomaker HE80

4.8

49 owner reviews

Praise
“Great Linux compatability and perfect for osu!, Geometry Dash, other games, and general work I do throughout the day. Increadible customisation and responsiveness”
Lachlan R.Verified buyer· via Epomaker
Critique
“The Epomaker HE80 is a really solid mechanical keyboard for gamers. From my experience the Hall effect magnetic switches makes my gaming experience really smooth and responsive.”
Oforah C.Verified buyer· via Epomaker

Qwertykeys Neo65 Core Plus

5.0

14 owner reviews

Praise
“For the price, this keyboard should cost more than what it does. It sounds good, the weight of the keyboard has the heft of a more expensive keyboard. I am happy with it”
Joseph C.Verified buyer· via Divinikey

Full specs

Epomaker HE80 vs Qwertykeys Neo65 Core Plus specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

13 of 25 specs differ

Epomaker HE80

Qwertykeys Neo65 Core Plus

Typing & switches

Switch options

Magnetic
—

Hall effect (magnetic)

Yes
No

Rapid trigger

Yes
No

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Screw-in stabilizers

No
Yes

Layout

Layout size

80%
65%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI, ISO

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Max polling rate

8,000 HzBetter
1,000 Hz

Battery

Wired only
4,400 mAh

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Plastic
Aluminum

Plate material

FR4
Aluminum, CarbonFiber, Plastic

Keycaps

PBT, PC
—

Weight

830 g
1,340 g

Dimensions

42 x 332 x 146 mm
18 x 313 x 111 mm

Typing angle

9°
7°

Backlight

RGB, south-facing
None

Firmware & software

N-key rollover

Yes
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2025
2025

For EU buyers

ISO layouts by store

Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.

Epomaker HE80

No ISO layout at the stores we track.

Qwertykeys Neo65 Core Plus

Listed on the product, not split by store: ISO.

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.

FAQ

Epomaker HE80 vs Qwertykeys Neo65 Core Plus: your questions

The Epomaker HE80 is specifically designed for competitive gaming. It features an 8000 Hz polling rate, Hall Effect switches with adjustable actuation down to 0.02mm, and software features like rapid trigger and SOCD cleaning, which the Qwertykeys Neo65 does not offer.

No, the Neo65 Core Plus is sold as a DIY kit. The listing includes the aluminum case, PCB, plate, foam kit, and various accessories, but you must purchase mechanical switches and keycaps separately to complete the build.

Yes. According to Epomaker, the HE80's Hall Effect switches allow you to program the actuation and release travel per key in 0.02mm increments using their web-based driver software.

The vendor description for the Neo65 states that its PCB is VIA compatible. This allows for easy key remapping and macro programming without needing proprietary software.

The Qwertykeys Neo65 is more travel-friendly. It has a slimmer profile (18mm front height vs. 22mm), a more compact 65% layout, and wireless functionality, so you don't need to manage a cable. The HE80 is wired-only and larger.

The Epomaker HE80 uses plate-mount stabilizers. The Qwertykeys Neo65 Core Plus kit includes a set of PCB clip-in stabilizers, which are generally easier to tune and modify.

Yes, the HE80 connects via a USB-C cable. The technical specifications list its connectivity as 'Wired Only (USB A to USB C)', indicating a detachable cable.

The Neo65 Core Plus with the wireless PCB includes two 2200mAh batteries for a total of 4400mAh. The vendor does not provide an estimated battery life, but the capacity is substantial for a wireless keyboard.

The Epomaker HE80 comes with extensive pre-installed sound dampening, including four layers of foam and silicone. The Neo65 includes a foam kit (PE sheet, PCB foam, Poron case foam) but is engineered for a more natural, potentially foam-free sound, requiring user assembly.

According to Epomaker's compatibility list, the HE80 is compatible with PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch when used in wired mode. The Neo65's console compatibility via its wireless modes is not specified.

Both keyboards use a gasket mount design for a softer typing feel. The Neo65 additionally supports a gummy O-ring mounting option, offering more flexibility in tuning the typing experience.

The HE80 includes primary keycaps made of double-shot PBT, which are not typically transparent. It also includes extra PC (polycarbonate) transparent keycaps, which would allow for shine-through RGB lighting when installed.

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