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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 11, 2026

Keychron V2 vs Qwertykeys Neo60 Core65% vs 60% Layout Choice

Choose the Keychron V2 for a feature-rich, customizable 65% layout with a knob, or the Qwertykeys Neo60 Core for a premium wireless 60% build in an aluminum case.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Keychron V2

65%

Build quality in the top 5% of 65% boards under $50.

If you want

  • 65% layout retains arrow keys and some navigation keys for better utility.
  • Includes a programmable aluminum knob for media and workflow control.
  • South-facing RGB backlighting with double-shot PBT keycaps.

Rules this board out

  • South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
  • 65% layout. No function row and no numpad.

Get the

Qwertykeys Neo60 Core

60% Layout Choice

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

If you want

  • Unibody aluminum case construction for a premium feel.
  • Offers tri-mode connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired USB-C.
  • More compact 60% layout for greater desk space savings.

Rules this board out

  • Missing ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR. The other board is sold in those layouts.
  • Compact layout only. No function row, dedicated arrow keys, or numpad.

Bottom line

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you want a ready-to-use, highly customizable keyboard with a practical layout and a knob for creative or productivity tasks, the wired Keychron V2 is the stronger value. Opt for the Qwertykeys Neo60 Core if you prioritize a premium aluminum build, wireless freedom, and the most compact 60% form factor, and are willing to wait for a made-to-order kit and adapt to a layer-based layout.

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.

Keychron V2

Qwertykeys Neo60 Core

  • Layout size

    65%

    60%

  • Connection

    Wired

    Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

    Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency

  • Case material

    ABS, Plastic

    Aluminum

  • Mount style

    Plate Mount, Tray Mount

    PCB Mount

  • Knob

    Yes

    No

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Keychron V2
  • Qwertykeys Neo60 Core
Performance
68
57
Build quality
87
79
Productivity
96
61
Customizability
99
72
Portability
75
86

What they share

  • Hot-swappable
  • VIA
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Keychron V2 wins in most productivity-focused categories due to its more functional 65% layout, programmable knob, and extensive software support. It is the clear choice for programming, office work, and content creation. The Qwertykeys Neo60 Core takes the lead only for travel, thanks to its smaller 60% size, included carrying case, and wireless connectivity. For gaming and modding, the V2's higher polling rate and hot-swap design give it the edge.

For gaming

Pick the Keychron V2

  • The Keychron V2 has a specified 1000 Hz polling rate for lower latency.
  • Its 65% layout retains dedicated arrow keys, which are useful in many games.
  • South-facing RGB lighting is included, which the Neo60 Core lacks.

From real owners

What owners say

Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.

Keychron V2

4.9

17 owner reviews

Praise
“Was looking for a good budget board to customize and this keyboard was great! Good price and high quality materials as well as fast shipping. Love it.”
AnonymousVerified buyer· via Keychron

Qwertykeys Neo60 Core

5.0

14 owner reviews

Praise
“Exceeded my expectations, iv been using my salvation that cost more than double and i feel its better and espcially the even sound throughout the keeb”
martin b.Verified buyer· via Divinikey

Full specs

Keychron V2 vs Qwertykeys Neo60 Core specs

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

18 of 27 specs differ

Keychron V2

Qwertykeys Neo60 Core

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky, Linear, Tactile
—

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Plate Mount, Tray Mount
PCB Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
No

Screw-in stabilizers

Yes
No

Layout

Layout size

65%
60%

Layout standard

ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-UK
ANSI, ISO

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Knob

Yes
No

Display

None
None

Media keys

Yes
No

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Max polling rate

1,000 Hz
—

Battery

Wired only
2,200 mAh

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

ABS, Plastic
Aluminum

Plate material

Steel
Aluminum, CarbonFiber, FR4, Plastic, POM

Keycaps

ABS, PBT
—

Weight

855 g
1,500 g

Dimensions

20 x 123 x 330 mm
18 x 293 x 109 mm

Typing angle

4°
8°

Backlight

RGB, south-facing
None

Firmware & software

QMK

Yes
No

VIA

Yes
Yes

N-key rollover

No
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
No

Extras

Released

2022
2025

For EU buyers

ISO layouts by store

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

Keychron V2

  • Input Gear

    ISO-DE

    In stockShips to you

  • Keychron

    ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES

    In stockShips to you

  • Keychron (DE)

    ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES

    In stockDoes not ship to you

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.

Keychron V25 stores

FAQ

Keychron V2 vs Qwertykeys Neo60 Core: your questions

The Keychron V2 is better for dedicated arrow key access. It uses a 65% layout which includes arrow keys and a few navigation keys. The Qwertykeys Neo60 Core is a 60% layout, so arrow keys are only accessible through a function layer combination.

No, the Qwertykeys Neo60 Core does not have per-key RGB lighting according to its specifications. The Keychron V2 features south-facing RGB LED backlighting.

No, the Keychron V2 is a wired-only keyboard. The Qwertykeys Neo60 Core offers wireless connectivity via Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz, in addition to a wired USB-C connection.

The Keychron V2 uses an ABS plastic case. The Qwertykeys Neo60 Core features a unibody aluminum case, which typically offers a more premium and heavier feel, as reflected in its 1.5kg weight.

The Keychron V2 is highly mod-friendly with hot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches, screw-in PCB stabilizers, and open-source QMK/VIA firmware. The Neo60 Core is also hot-swappable and offers multiple plate material choices, but its firmware support is listed as VIA compatible.

Yes, the vendor description for the Keychron V2 states its aluminum rotary encoder is programmable. You can customize it for commands like volume control, zoom, brightness, or macros through the Keychron Launcher web app.

According to the vendor, the Neo60 Core kit includes the aluminum case, weight, PCB, plate, foam kit, gaskets, stabilizers, a carrying case, a disassembly tool, a keycap puller, a screwdriver, and a USB-C cable.

The Keychron V2 specifies a 1000 Hz polling rate. The polling rate for the Qwertykeys Neo60 Core is not stated in the provided information.

The Keychron V2 explicitly includes Mac and Windows keycaps and has a system toggle, according to its product description. The Neo60 Core's compatibility with Mac-specific keycaps is not detailed, though it supports ANSI and ISO layouts.

The Qwertykeys Neo60 Core is more portable due to its smaller 60% size, wireless capabilities, and the inclusion of a carrying case. The Keychron V2 is larger, wired, and heavier at 855g, though still relatively compact.

The Keychron V2 uses a tray mount design. The Qwertykeys Neo60 Core uses a PCB gasket mount and also supports an O-ring mount, offering a potentially softer typing feel.

The Keychron V2 is available as a fully assembled keyboard or a barebones kit. The Qwertykeys Neo60 Core is sold as a DIY kit/barebones configuration that requires you to add your own switches and keycaps.

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