KeebFinder
Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare Keychron Q12 vs Keydous NJ98 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for users deciding between a specialized layout and a versatile wireless board. The Keychron Q12 offers a rare southpaw design with deep programmability, while the Keydous NJ98 provides tri-mode connectivity and a visual screen. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize a left-side numpad for ergonomics or the convenience of wireless use with modern features.

96
Keychron Q12 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
82
Keydous NJ98 Hot-Swappable Display Screen with Knob Keyboard Kit

Select a keyboard to compare

4.5 (18)
0.0 (0)
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO layout standard
  • Offers Southpaw ergonomics
  • Includes a No display
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Weighs about 2491 g
  • Sized at 20 x 145 x 409 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Has Clicky, Linear switch options
  • Available in a 98% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Offers Normal ergonomics
  • Includes a Yes display
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1400 g
  • Sized at 40 x 138 x 403 mm
  • Made with a Steel, Brass, Aluminum case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 73.3
  • Build Quality: 89.5
  • Productivity: 97.9
  • Customizability: 100
  • Portability: 46
Scores
  • Performance: 51.5
  • Build Quality: 76.9
  • Productivity: 83.5
  • Customizability: 85.5
  • Portability: 64.8
Name
Keychron Q12
Name
Keydous NJ98
Release year
2023
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Clicky, Linear
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
96%
Layout Size
98%
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Southpaw
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
8000 mAh
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
-
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Steel, Brass, Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
20 x 145 x 409 mm
Dimensions
40 x 138 x 403 mm
Weight
2491g
Weight
1400g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

Select the Keychron Q12 if your priority is a unique ergonomic layout, deep firmware customization for macros, and a premium, mod-friendly typing experience at your desk. Opt for the Keydous NJ98 if you need a versatile wireless keyboard with a screen for daily use across multiple devices, especially if you value a cleaner setup and portability.

Keychron Q12

  • +Unique southpaw (left-side numpad) layout saves right-side desk space.
  • +Full QMK and VIA support enables extensive key remapping and macro programming.
  • +Robust aluminum construction with a detailed double-gasket design for sound.
  • +South-facing RGB LEDs prevent interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.
  • +Supports both ANSI and ISO layout variants.
  • −Wired-only connectivity limits placement and adds cable clutter.
  • −Very heavy at 2491 grams, making it difficult to move.
  • −No built-in battery or wireless capabilities.

Keydous NJ98

  • +Tri-mode connectivity with Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired options.
  • +Includes a built-in screen for displaying status information.
  • +Lighter weight (1400g) and includes a large 8000mAh battery.
  • +Available as a pre-built kit, ready to use out of the box.
  • +Features multimedia keys for quick access to media controls.
  • −Lacks open-source firmware support like QMK or VIA.
  • −No southpaw or ISO layout options, only standard ANSI.
  • −Vendor descriptions do not specify a polling rate for wired/ wireless modes.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron Q12 is the stronger pick for stationary, customization-focused tasks like gaming, programming, and modding due to its low-latency wired connection, southpaw layout, and open-source firmware. The Keydous NJ98 wins for mobile and office environments where wireless connectivity, a built-in screen, and lighter weight are more valuable. For content creation, both offer useful tools, making it a tie dependent on whether you value wireless flexibility or deeper software customization.

GamingKeychron Q12
  • •The Keychron Q12 has a specified 1000 Hz polling rate for lower latency.
  • •Its southpaw layout can free up desk space for mouse movement.
  • •The wired-only connection of the Q12 provides a consistent, lag-free signal.
OfficeKeydous NJ98
  • •The Keydous NJ98 offers Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity for a cleaner desk.
  • •It includes multimedia keys for quick media control.
  • •The built-in screen can display status information.
ProgrammingKeychron Q12
  • •The Keychron Q12 has native QMK and VIA support for deep key remapping and macros.
  • •Its south-facing RGB LEDs prevent interference with Cherry-profile keycaps, a popular choice among enthusiasts.
  • •The layout includes a full numpad, useful for data entry.
TravelKeydous NJ98
  • •The Keydous NJ98 is significantly lighter at 1400g compared to the Q12's 2491g.
  • •Wireless connectivity eliminates the need to carry a cable or be near an outlet.
  • •Its 8000mAh battery supports long-term cordless use.
ModdingKeychron Q12
  • •The Keychron Q12 features a gasket mount design and screw-in stabilizers for acoustic tuning.
  • •It has explicit support for both ANSI and ISO layouts.
  • •The vendor description details a double-gasket design and silicone pads for sound dampening.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both keyboards feature a programmable knob for adjusting parameters like volume or brush size.
  • •The Q12's QMK/VIA support allows for complex macro programming for editing software.
  • •The NJ98's wireless capability and screen offer convenience for a mobile setup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

96
$149
Keychron Q3 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q3 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

90
$124
FEKER Alice98 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard With LED Screen
Feker Alice98
98%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Screen,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
Gasket Mount

99
$129
Keychron K2 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard
Keychron K2 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

96
$89
Keychron V6 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V6 Max
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

96
$106
Keychron K10 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K10 HE
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

97
$99
Keychron V5 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V5 Max
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

95
$149
Keychron Q1 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q1 Pro
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

95
$100
Keychron Q6 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q6
100%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

92
$114
Keychron V3 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3 Ultra
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

95
$90
Keychron Q5 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q5
96%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount