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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

Gamakay MK61 vs Qwertykeys Neo60 CorePre-Built vs DIY Kit

Choose the Gamakay MK61 for a ready-to-use, budget-friendly RGB keyboard, or the Qwertykeys Neo60 Core for a premium, highly customizable wireless build.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Gamakay MK61

Pre-Built

Build quality in the bottom 20% of 60% boards under $50.

If you want

  • Fully pre-built with PBT double-shot pudding keycaps and Gateron optical switches installed.
  • Features customizable RGB backlighting with multiple lighting effects.
  • Includes an IPX4 waterproof rating for spill protection.

Rules this board out

  • No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.

Get the

Qwertykeys Neo60 Core

DIY Kit

Build quality in the top 15% of 60% boards under $50.

If you want

  • Premium aluminum unibody case with a substantial 1500g weight for stability.
  • Offers tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired USB-C).
  • Extremely customizable as a DIY kit with multiple plate material options and included foam kit.

Bottom line

Your choice fundamentally comes down to convenience versus customization. Buy the Gamakay MK61 if you want a complete, flashy keyboard right out of the box at a lower cost. Choose the Qwertykeys Neo60 Core if you are willing to wait and invest in assembling a premium, wireless keyboard with top-tier materials and extensive personalization options. The MK61 serves immediate needs, while the Neo60 Core is a project that yields a higher-end result.

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.

Gamakay MK61

Qwertykeys Neo60 Core

  • Connection

    Wired

    Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

    Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency

  • VIA

    No

    Yes

    GUI remapping without compiling firmware

  • Layout standard

    ANSI

    ANSI, ISO

    ISO and JIS exist so regional layouts fit

  • Backlight

    RGB

    None

    RGB for looks and low light rather than speed

  • Mac & Windows

    Yes

    No

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Gamakay MK61
  • Qwertykeys Neo60 Core
Performance
73
58
Build quality
54
79
Productivity
71
61
Customizability
71
73
Portability
77
86

What they share

  • Layout size: 60%
  • Hot-swappable
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Neo60 Core wins for office use and travel due to its wireless connectivity and included case, and is the clear choice for modders. The MK61 is better suited for gaming and content creation where RGB lighting and spill resistance are valued. For programming, both present similar layer-based challenges, making it a tie that depends on preference for wireless versus a pre-built setup.

For gaming

Pick the Gamakay MK61

  • The MK61 includes customizable RGB backlighting, which the Neo60 Core lacks.
  • It is a pre-built, plug-and-play solution with no assembly required.
  • The vendor description highlights its design for a 'gaming experience' with Gateron optical switches.

Full specs

Gamakay MK61 vs Qwertykeys Neo60 Core specs

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

6 of 21 specs differ

Gamakay MK61

Qwertykeys Neo60 Core

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky, Linear, Tactile
—

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

—
PCB Mount

Layout

Layout size

60%
60%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI, ISO

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Battery

Wired only
2,200 mAh

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

—
Aluminum

Plate material

—
Aluminum, CarbonFiber, FR4, Plastic, POM

Keycaps

PBT
—

Weight

—
1,500 g

Dimensions

—
18 x 293 x 109 mm

Typing angle

—
8°

Backlight

RGB
None

Firmware & software

VIA

No
Yes

N-key rollover

Yes
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
No

Extras

Released

2021
2025

For EU buyers

ISO layouts by store

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

Gamakay MK61

No ISO layout at the stores we track.

Qwertykeys Neo60 Core

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.

Gamakay MK612 stores

FAQ

Gamakay MK61 vs Qwertykeys Neo60 Core: your questions

No, the Neo60 Core is sold as a barebones DIY kit. According to the vendor listing, it includes the case, PCB, plate, and accessories, but you must separately purchase and install your own mechanical switches and keycaps to complete the build.

No, the Gamakay MK61 is a wired-only keyboard. Its connectivity is listed as wired only, and it uses a USB-C cable for connection to your computer or device.

The Qwertykeys Neo60 Core offers far greater customization for typing feel. Its kit includes a choice of five different plate materials (Carbon Fiber, Aluminum, FR4, POM, PP) and a foam kit, allowing you to fine-tune the sound and flex of the keyboard. The MK61 has a fixed construction.

The Neo60 Core PCB does not have per-key RGB lighting. The vendor specifications explicitly state 'No Per-key RGB' for its PCB, so you cannot customize backlighting in the same way as the MK61.

The Gamakay MK61 comes pre-installed with Gateron optical switches. The vendor description states you can choose from types like Yellow Exclusive V2, Green, Red, Brown, or Blue, though availability may vary.

The Neo60 Core's VIA software compatibility typically allows it to work with both Mac and Windows operating systems. The keyboard itself uses standard USB HID protocols, and its wireless modes should function with both platforms, though this is not explicitly guaranteed in the provided details.

The Qwertykeys Neo60 Core kit includes a keyboard carrying case as a free gift with purchase, as listed in the vendor's included items. The Gamakay MK61 does not mention including a case.

The Gamakay MK61 is programmable via proprietary software available for download from the vendor's page. The vendor notes the keyboard has large on-board memory to remember your settings, including lighting effects and button programming.

The Qwertykeys Neo60 Core has a fixed typing angle of 8 degrees, as specified in its technical details. This is a design feature of its aluminum case.

Yes, the keycaps are replaceable. The keyboard uses a standard layout and hot-swappable switches, so you can install any MX-compatible keycap set. The stock keycaps are PBT double-shot pudding style.

Yes, the PCB for the Qwertykeys Neo60 Core supports both ANSI and ISO layouts, giving you flexibility in the keycap sets you can use for your build.

The Gamakay MK61 has an advantage here, as its vendor description specifically mentions an IPX4 waterproof rating. The Qwertykeys Neo60 Core does not list any water or spill resistance for its aluminum case and internal components.

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