LUMINKEY LuminKey80 vs Qwertykeys QK101Compact Pre-Built vs Full-Size DIY Kit
Choose the LuminKey80 for a compact, ready-to-use wireless board, or the QK101 for a highly customizable, full-size DIY project with a screen.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
LUMINKEY LuminKey80
Compact Pre-Built
Build quality in the top 20% of 80% boards under $300.
- Comes fully assembled with switches, keycaps, and stabilizers.
- Compact 80% layout saves desk space while keeping arrow keys.
- Includes a gasket mount and polycarbonate plate for a cushioned typing feel.
- No numpad.
Get the
Qwertykeys QK101
Full-Size DIY Kit
Build quality in the top 5% of 100% boards under $200.
- Extremely customizable as a DIY kit with choices for plates (FR4, Aluminum, POM), PCBs, and mount style (gasket or top).
- Features a customizable TFT/OLED screen that can display GIFs and sync with typing.
- High 4000 Hz polling rate for wired performance.
Your choice depends primarily on your willingness to build and your need for a numpad. Opt for the LuminKey80 if you want a stylish, compact keyboard that works out of the box. Choose the Qwertykeys QK101 if you enjoy the building process and want maximum customization, a full layout, and unique features like a programmable screen. Consider the significant size and weight difference if desk space or portability is a concern.
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.
LUMINKEY LuminKey80
Qwertykeys QK101
Layout size
80%
100%
Max polling rate
1,000 Hz
4,000 Hz
Higher polling helps competitive FPS and does nothing for typing
Case material
Aluminum
Aluminum, Copper
Mount style
Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount, Top Mount
Display
None
TFT, OLED
A case display rather than a typing feature
- LUMINKEY LuminKey80
- Qwertykeys QK101
- Performance
- 6078
- Build quality
- 7791
- Productivity
- 8382
- Customizability
- 7985
- Portability
- 7663
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- VIA
- Layout standard: ANSI, ISO
What will you mostly use it for?
The QK101 wins in categories demanding high customization, a full layout, or a screen, such as modding, content creation, and programming. The LuminKey80 is the clear choice for portability due to its smaller size and pre-built nature. For office use, the choice is a tie and depends on layout preference, while for gaming, the QK101's higher polling rate gives it an edge.
Pick the Qwertykeys QK101
- The QK101 has a higher 4000 Hz polling rate for potentially lower latency.
- Its full-size layout includes a numpad for certain game genres.
- The listing mentions N-Key Rollover for simultaneous key presses.
LUMINKEY LuminKey80 vs Qwertykeys QK101 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
13 of 23 specs differ
LUMINKEY LuminKey80
Qwertykeys QK101
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
Mac & Windows
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
LUMINKEY LuminKey80
Listed on the product, not split by store: ISO.
Qwertykeys QK101
Listed on the product, not split by store: ISO.
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
LUMINKEY LuminKey80 vs Qwertykeys QK101: your questions
The LuminKey80 is better for beginners as it comes fully assembled with switches, keycaps, and stabilizers installed. The QK101 is a barebones DIY kit that requires you to source and install your own switches and keycaps, which adds complexity and cost.
No, the LuminKey80 does not have per-key RGB lighting according to its specifications. It features customizable indicator lights, but not full backlighting. The QK101 offers an optional RGB PCB.
The QK101 has a large combined 8000mAh battery, which should provide excellent wireless battery life. The manufacturer notes that choosing the non-RGB PCB is recommended for the best battery performance, as per-key RGB significantly increases power consumption.
No, the QK101 is sold as a DIY barebones kit. Assembly is required, and it does not include switches or keycaps. You must purchase these components separately to make the keyboard functional.
The LuminKey80 vendor page lists specific wireless latency figures: 9ms for 2.4GHz and 13ms for Bluetooth. The QK101 listing does not provide specific latency numbers for its wireless modes, though it features a 4000 Hz polling rate in wired mode.
Yes, both the LuminKey80 and the Qwertykeys QK101 list support for Mac and Windows operating systems.
The LuminKey80 uses a gasket mount design. The QK101 offers a dual-mount design, allowing you to assemble it using either a gasket mount or a top mount system, which changes the typing feel and sound.
The LuminKey80 comes with PBT dye-sublimated keycaps. The QK101 is a barebones kit and does not include any keycaps; you must purchase them separately.
According to the QK101 description, its screen is customizable with multiple built-in themes. You can upload custom background and foreground GIFs, and it can sync visuals with your typing speed, adding a personalized visual element.
The LuminKey80 is far more portable. It is an 80% keyboard measuring 359mm wide and 19mm thick, and it comes fully assembled. The QK101 is a full-size keyboard measuring 440mm wide, 50mm thick, and weighs 2000g, making it a stationary desktop fixture.
Yes, both keyboards support VIA/QMK software for key remapping and macro programming. The LuminKey80 listing explicitly mentions QMK and VIA support, while the QK101 is programmable with QK's custom VIA web configurator.
The QK101 kit includes essential tools for assembly: a Phillips screwdriver, a Torx screwdriver, and a switch and keycap puller. This means you have the basic tools required to complete the build from the box.
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