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Compare LUMINKEY Luminkey65 vs Qwertykeys Neo65 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for keyboard enthusiasts deciding between two popular 65% barebone kits. The choice is difficult because both offer aluminum cases, hot-swap PCBs, and VIA support, but diverge significantly in mounting style, included features, and intended user experience. The Luminkey65 emphasizes a gasket-mounted, foam-filled acoustic project, while the Neo65 offers a choice between PCB gasket and isolated top mount in a heavier chassis with tri-mode wireless.

90
Luminkey65 65% Keyboard
76
Qwertykeys Neo65 Cu Keyboard

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5.0 (7)
5.0 (2)
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Linear switch options
  • Compatible with both Mac and Windows
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 1500 g
  • Sized at 17 x 311 x 107 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Copper case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
  • Released in 2025
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Uses a PCB Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 2200 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 2500 g
  • Sized at 19 x 292 x 109 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Brass, Copper case
  • Offers No RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 49.1
  • Build Quality: 86.1
  • Productivity: 90.8
  • Customizability: 94.8
  • Portability: 86.9
Scores
  • Performance: 57.5
  • Build Quality: 87.1
  • Productivity: 62.3
  • Customizability: 68.3
  • Portability: 85.6
Name
LUMINKEY Luminkey65
Name
Qwertykeys Neo65
Release year
2024
Release year
2025
Switch Options
Linear
Switch Options
-
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
65%
Layout Size
65%
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
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
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
2200 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
PCB Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Backlight
 
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum, Copper
Case Material
Aluminum, Brass, Copper
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
-
Dimensions
17 x 311 x 107 mm
Dimensions
19 x 292 x 109 mm
Weight
1500g
Weight
2500g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

Your priority should guide your choice. If you want a project-focused board where you supply all key components and desire deep acoustic tuning with extensive foam and QMK, the Luminkey65 is the clear pick. If you prefer a more complete kit that arrives with accessories, offers wireless connectivity out of the box, and provides a choice of mounting styles and heavy metal accents, the Neo65 is the better value despite the wait time.

LUMINKEY Luminkey65

  • +Includes a comprehensive foam kit with IXPE, Poron, and flex/non-flex foams for sound tuning.
  • +Supports QMK and VIA firmware for extensive programmability.
  • +Offers a split backspace layout option for ergonomic customization.
  • +Features a gasket mount system for a flexible typing feel.
  • +Has per-key RGB lighting.

  • Is sold as a barebone kit, requiring separate purchase of switches, keycaps, and stabilizers.
  • Lacks a confirmed included carrying case or batteries for wireless use.
  • Vendor notes the standard plate is ANSI, with ISO requiring an additional plate.

Qwertykeys Neo65

  • +Kit includes a keyboard carrying case, screwdriver, pullers, stabilizers, and a USB-C cable.
  • +Offers dual mounting options (PCB gasket and isolated top mount) in one kit.
  • +Tri-mode hotswap PCB variant includes two 2200mAh batteries and a 2.4GHz dongle.
  • +Available with a choice of brass or copper bottom case and various weight materials.
  • +Includes multiple plate material options (Carbon Fiber, Aluminum, PC, PP) affecting sound and feel.

  • Has a longer estimated production and ship time of 12 weeks.
  • Lacks per-key RGB lighting.
  • The vendor disclaimer states free gift items like the carrying case will not be replaced if missing.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Luminkey65 takes the lead for office use and programming due to its explicit OS support and QMK firmware. It is also the stronger choice for modders thanks to its detailed foam kit and gasket mount focus. The Neo65 is better suited for travel because its kit includes a carrying case and batteries. For gaming and content creation, the keyboards are evenly matched on core specs like polling rate and programmability.

GamingTie
  • Both keyboards have a 1000 Hz polling rate for responsive input.
  • Both support N-key rollover, as listed for the Neo65 and implied by the Luminkey65's gaming compatibility.
  • Their compact 65% layouts free up desk space for mouse movement.
OfficeLUMINKEY Luminkey65
  • The Luminkey65 explicitly lists Mac/Win support in its metadata.
  • Its split backspace layout option can improve ergonomics for some typists.
  • The vendor description states it is suitable for productive work.
ProgrammingLUMINKEY Luminkey65
  • The Luminkey65 offers QMK support for deep, layer-based key remapping.
  • It also supports a split backspace layout, providing more key placement flexibility.
  • VIA support is present on both, but QMK offers greater firmware customization.
TravelQwertykeys Neo65
  • The Neo65 kit includes a keyboard carrying case, according to its vendor description.
  • Its tri-mode PCB includes two 2200mAh batteries for wireless use away from a desk.
  • While heavier, the included case offers direct protection for transport.
ModdingLUMINKEY Luminkey65
  • The Luminkey65's vendor description details a multi-layered foam system including IXPE case foam, Poron plate foam, and flex/non-flex case foam.
  • It uses a gasket mount system designed for flexible feel tuning.
  • It includes multiple plate gaskets and stabilizer O-rings in the kit for tuning.
Content CreationTie
  • Both have 65% layouts that save space for graphics tablets or other peripherals.
  • Both support VIA for easy macro and shortcut programming.
  • The Luminkey65 has per-key RGB lighting, which the Neo65 lacks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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