Qelec.Studio i101 vs Qwertykeys QK100 Mk2
Get the QK100 Mk2 for its screen, RGB, and 8000 Hz polling rate, or choose the Qelec.Studio i101 if you want a DIY barebones kit with a 100% layout.
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![[In Stock] Qelec.Studio i101 Tri-mode Mechanical Keyboard Kit](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1674/0405/files/DSC04088.jpg?v=1736759467&width=3840&quality=75)
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Qelec.Studio i101
Build quality in the top 40% of 100% boards under $300.
- DIY kit and barebones format for a build-it-yourself setup.
- Full 100% layout with a standard ANSI configuration.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
Get the
Qwertykeys QK100 Mk2
Battery
Build quality in the top 10% of 98% boards under $200.
- Interactive display supports custom GIF animations and images, with a dot-matrix display and volume touch bar.
- RGB backlighting with audio-reactive lights above the touch bar.
- 8000mAh battery and included carrying case.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.
Choose the QK100 Mk2 for its interactive display, RGB lighting, larger battery, and multimedia controls. Choose the Qelec.Studio i101 for its barebones DIY format and standard 100% ANSI layout. If you need ISO-DE, UK, or another ISO layout, the QK100 Mk2 is the option here that offers ISO variants.
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.
Qelec.Studio i101
Qwertykeys QK100 Mk2
Layout size
100%
98%
Battery
6,000 mAh
8,000 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Max polling rate
1,000 Hz
8,000 Hz
Higher polling helps competitive FPS and does nothing for typing
Display
None
Yes
A case display rather than a typing feature
Sound dampening
No
Yes
- Qelec.Studio i101
- Qwertykeys QK100 Mk2
- Performance
- 5486
- Build quality
- 5777
- Productivity
- 5584
- Customizability
- 5874
- Portability
- 6065
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
What will you mostly use it for?
The QK100 Mk2 takes the edge for gaming, office use, travel, and content creation, chiefly through its higher listed polling rate, extra controls, larger battery, and display features. Programming is a close call: both offer hot-swap and tri-mode connectivity, with different layout options. The i101 is the more direct fit for buyers specifically seeking a barebones DIY starting point. Check layout needs carefully, since the i101 is ANSI only and the QK100 Mk2's 98% layout has tighter spacing than a full-size board.
Pick the Qwertykeys QK100 Mk2
- The QK100 Mk2 lists an 8000 Hz polling rate, compared with the i101's 1000 Hz polling rate when wired.
- The QK100 Mk2 has RGB backlighting, while the i101 is listed without RGB.
Qelec.Studio i101 vs Qwertykeys QK100 Mk2 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
11 of 20 specs differ
Qelec.Studio i101
Qwertykeys QK100 Mk2
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Qelec.Studio i101
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Qwertykeys QK100 Mk2
- Go to MonacoKeys
MonacoKeys
ISO-DE
In stockDoes not ship to you
Qelec.Studio i101 vs Qwertykeys QK100 Mk2: your questions
The i101 is a barebones DIY kit, while the QK100 Mk2 is a prebuilt keyboard with RGB and an interactive display. The QK100 Mk2 also lists an 8000 Hz polling rate, compared with the i101's 1000 Hz wired polling rate.
The QK100 Mk2 lists an 8000 Hz polling rate. The i101 lists 1000 Hz polling when wired.
Yes, the QK100 Mk2 has an interactive display that supports custom GIF animations and images. Its vendor listing also describes a dot-matrix display.
The i101 is listed without RGB. The QK100 Mk2 has RGB backlighting, including audio-reactive lights above its touch bar.
The QK100 Mk2 has an 8000mAh battery. The Qelec.Studio i101 has a 6000mAh battery.
Yes, both are listed as hot-swappable. The i101 vendor description specifies Kailh hot-swap sockets.
Yes, the QK100 Mk2 is listed with ISO and ISO-DE layout options. The Qelec.Studio i101 is ANSI only.
Its south-facing LEDs mean shine-through legends stay dark. The product listing also warns that some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
The QK100 Mk2 is listed in both 98% and 100% sizes. Its 98% layout retains the numpad but does not have the gaps of a full-size board.
The Qelec.Studio i101 is explicitly sold as a DIY kit or barebones board. The QK100 Mk2 is listed as prebuilt, although it is also hot-swappable.
Its vendor listing includes a carrying case, three extra switches, four extra keycaps, a keycap and switch puller, a USB-C cable, a 2.4 GHz receiver, and a 2.4 GHz extension adapter. The i101 listing identifies it as a kit but does not provide a comparable included-accessories list.
Not sold on either?
![[In Stock] Balance 103 Full Sized Wired Mechanical Keyboard](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0549/0262/0278/files/DSC06757.jpg?v=1748337224&width=3840&quality=75)
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