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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 10, 2026

Dot Works Layer75 vs Newmen GM980

Get the Dot Works Layer75 for qmk. Get the Newmen GM980 for rapid trigger.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Dot Works Layer75

QMK

Build quality in the top 10% of 75% boards under $200.

Rules this board out

  • No numpad.
$199 at ClickClack

Get the

Newmen GM980

Rapid trigger

$119 at Mechkeys

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.

Dot Works Layer75

Newmen GM980

  • Layout size

    75%

    95%

  • Rapid trigger

    No

    Yes

    Faster resets help in games and not in normal typing

  • Case material

    Aluminum

    Polycarbonate

  • Weight

    2,000 g

    1,200 g

    Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel

  • QMK

    Yes

    No

    The deep option when you want to remap every key

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Dot Works Layer75
  • Newmen GM980
Performance
51
73
Build quality
87
48
Productivity
73
77
Customizability
89
62
Portability
60
57

What they share

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

Full specs

Dot Works Layer75 vs Newmen GM980 specs

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

13 of 26 specs differ

Dot Works Layer75

Newmen GM980

Typing & switches

Switch options

—
Clicky, Linear, Tactile

Rapid trigger

No
Yes

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

75%
95%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Connectivity & battery

Connection

—
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Max polling rate

—
1,000 Hz

Battery

—
3,000 mAh

USB-C

No
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum
Polycarbonate

Plate material

Aluminum, FR4
Aluminum, Steel

Keycaps

—
PBT

Weight

2,000 g
1,200 g

Dimensions

—
39 x 391 x 161 mm

Typing angle

7°
—

Backlight

None
RGB

Firmware & software

QMK

Yes
No

VIA

Yes
No

VIAL

Yes
No

N-key rollover

No
Yes

Mac & Windows

No
Yes

Extras

Released

2024
2022

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.

Dot Works Layer752 stores
Newmen GM9802 stores

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