Gamakay MK61 vs Qwertykeys Neo60 Core: Pre-Built vs DIY Kit

Compare Gamakay MK61 vs Qwertykeys Neo60 Core Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a complete, value-oriented mechanical keyboard and a premium DIY kit. The Gamakay MK61 is a fully assembled, wired board with RGB lighting and PBT keycaps. The Qwertykeys Neo60 Core is a barebones kit with a heavy aluminum case, multiple plate options, and tri-mode wireless connectivity. The choice hinges on whether you prioritize immediate use and flashy features or are willing to invest in a custom, high-end typing experience.

Model
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	5.0 stars (12 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2021 Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear switch options Built with the ANSI layout standard Compatible with both Mac and Windows Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity Features PBT keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting	Released in 2025 Built with the ANSI, ISO layout standard Supports VIA configuration Uses a PCB Mount mounting style Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity Equipped with a 2200 mAh battery Weighs about 1500 g Sized at 18 x 293 x 109 mm Made with a Aluminum case Offers No RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 72.2 Build Quality: 54.3 Productivity: 70.9 Customizability: 71 Portability: 76.9	Scores Performance: 56.3 Build Quality: 79.3 Productivity: 59.6 Customizability: 74 Portability: 87.1
Name	Name Gamakay MK61	Name Qwertykeys Neo60 Core
Release year	Release year 2021	Release year 2025
Switch Options	Switch Options Clicky, Tactile, Linear	Switch Options -
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 60%	Layout Size 60%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Wired, Wired only	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity 2200 mAh
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style -	Mount Style PCB Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb	Backlight
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material -	Case Material Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material -
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions 18 x 293 x 109 mm
Weight	Weight -	Weight 1500g

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0.0 stars (0 reviews)

5.0 stars (12 reviews)

Released in 2021
Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear switch options
Built with the ANSI layout standard
Compatible with both Mac and Windows
Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
Features PBT keycaps
Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting

Released in 2025
Built with the ANSI, ISO layout standard
Supports VIA configuration
Uses a PCB Mount mounting style
Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
Equipped with a 2200 mAh battery
Weighs about 1500 g
Sized at 18 x 293 x 109 mm
Made with a Aluminum case
Offers No RGB lighting

Scores

Performance: 72.2
Build Quality: 54.3
Productivity: 70.9
Customizability: 71
Portability: 76.9

Scores

Performance: 56.3
Build Quality: 79.3
Productivity: 59.6
Customizability: 74
Portability: 87.1

Name

Gamakay MK61

Name

Qwertykeys Neo60 Core

Release year

2021

Release year

2025

Switch Options

Clicky, Tactile, Linear

Switch Options

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

60%

Layout Size

60%

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Standard

ANSI, ISO

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

USB passthrough

Connection

Wired, Wired only

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Polling Rate

Battery capacity

2200 mAh

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

PCB Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb

Backlight

Case Colors

Case Material

Aluminum

Keycaps Material

PBT

Keycaps Material

Dimensions

18 x 293 x 109 mm

Weight

1500g

Pros and Trade-offs

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.

Gamakay MK61

+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.
+Has on-board memory to save lighting and key programming profiles.
+Offers a simple, plug-and-play wired experience with USB-C connectivity.

−Wired-only connectivity limits placement and device switching.
−Build materials are not specified but are implied to be plastic, contrasting with metal alternatives.
−Relies on proprietary software for configuration, which may be less user-friendly than VIA/QMK.

Qwertykeys Neo60 Core

+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.
+Fully compatible with VIA software for easy key remapping.
+Kit includes valuable accessories like a carrying case, stabilizers, and multiple tools.

−Sold as a barebones kit, requiring separate purchase of switches and keycaps.
−No per-key RGB lighting is available on the PCB.
−Has a long estimated production and ship time of 12 weeks.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingGamakay 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.

OfficeQwertykeys Neo60 Core

•The Neo60 Core offers tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired) for flexible device switching.
•Its aluminum case and heavier 1500g build may provide a more stable, premium feel on a desk.
•VIA software compatibility allows for deep key remapping to suit workflow needs.

ProgrammingTie

•Both are 60% layouts, requiring heavy use of function layers for arrow and navigation keys.
•Both support hot-swapping switches for personalized tactile feedback.
•The Neo60 Core's VIA support offers easier key remapping, while the MK61's on-board memory can store profiles.

TravelQwertykeys Neo60 Core

•The Neo60 Core's wireless capabilities eliminate the need for a cable when on the go.
•It includes a keyboard carrying case as part of the kit, according to the vendor.
•While heavier, its wireless functionality offers greater portability in use.

ModdingQwertykeys Neo60 Core

•The Neo60 Core is a dedicated DIY kit with extensive included parts like multiple foam layers, gaskets, and a disassembly tool.
•It offers a choice of five plate materials (Carbon Fiber, Aluminum, FR4, POM, PP) to customize sound and feel.
•The PCB supports both solder and hot-swap configurations, and the case uses a PCB gasket or O-ring mount.

Content CreationGamakay MK61

•The MK61's RGB lighting can be customized for streaming or video backgrounds.
•Its IPX4 waterproof rating, as stated by the vendor, offers protection against accidental spills.
•The pre-built nature means immediate setup without time spent on assembly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)