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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 2, 2026

LUMINKEY Luminkey98 vs Qwertykeys QK101Movable Numpad vs High-End Custom Kit

Choose the Luminkey98 for a unique, pre-built layout solution, or the QK101 for a premium, highly customizable DIY project.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

LUMINKEY Luminkey98

Movable Numpad

Build quality in the bottom 45% of 98% boards under $200.

If you want

  • Unique movable numpad design allows transformation into a southpaw layout.
  • Comes fully pre-built with Gateron Sylva switches and dye-sub PBT keycaps.
  • Offers multiple layout compatibility including ISO/ANSI and various key sizes.

Rules this board out

  • Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.

Get the

Qwertykeys QK101

High-End Custom Kit

Build quality in the top 5% of 100% boards under $200.

If you want

  • Offers a dual-mount design (gasket and top mount) for customizable typing feel.
  • Includes a customizable TFT/OLED screen with animated GIF support.
  • Higher 4000 Hz polling rate for potentially lower latency.

Bottom line

Your choice depends entirely on your willingness to build and your need for a specific layout. The Qwertykeys QK101 is the superior project for enthusiasts who want the highest specs, deepest customization, and a unique screen. The LUMINKEY Luminkey98 is the practical, innovative choice for users who want a premium, ready-to-type experience with the unique benefit of a repositionable numpad.

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.

LUMINKEY Luminkey98

Qwertykeys QK101

  • Layout size

    98%

    100%

  • Battery

    4,400 mAh

    8,000 mAh

    A larger battery means fewer cables during the day

  • Ergonomics

    Southpaw

    Standard

  • Max polling rate

    1,000 Hz

    4,000 Hz

    Higher polling helps competitive FPS and does nothing for typing

  • Case material

    Aluminum, Plastic

    Aluminum, Copper

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • LUMINKEY Luminkey98
  • Qwertykeys QK101
Performance
41
78
Build quality
61
91
Productivity
77
82
Customizability
70
85
Portability
57
63

What they share

  • Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
  • Hot-swappable
  • Layout standard: ANSI, ISO
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The QK101 is the clear choice for gamers and modders due to its high-performance specs and extensive customization platform. The Luminkey98 wins for office use and travel, thanks to its pre-built convenience and space-saving, adaptable layout. For programming, both are strong contenders, and content creators may prefer the QK101 for its visual customization screen.

For gaming

Pick the Qwertykeys QK101

  • The QK101 has a 4000 Hz polling rate, which is higher than the Luminkey98's 1000 Hz.
  • The QK101's listing includes N-Key Rollover, a feature not mentioned for the Luminkey98.
  • The QK101 offers a dual-mount design (gasket and top mount) which can influence typing feel.

Full specs

LUMINKEY Luminkey98 vs Qwertykeys QK101 specs

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

16 of 23 specs differ

LUMINKEY Luminkey98

Qwertykeys QK101

Typing & switches

Switch options

Linear
—

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Top Mount
Gasket Mount, Top Mount

Sound dampening

No
Yes

Screw-in stabilizers

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

98%
100%

Layout standard

ANSI, ISO
ANSI, ISO

Ergonomics

Southpaw
Standard

Display

None
TFT, OLED

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Max polling rate

1,000 Hz
4,000 HzBetter

Battery

4,400 mAh
8,000 mAhBetter

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum, Plastic
Aluminum, Copper

Plate material

Aluminum, Plastic, Polycarbonate
Aluminum, FR4

Keycaps

PBT
—

Weight

2,600 g
2,000 g

Dimensions

20 x 136 x 400 mm
50 x 440 x 140 mm

Typing angle

7°
5°

Backlight

None
RGB

Firmware & software

VIA

No
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
No

Extras

Released

2024
2025

For EU buyers

ISO layouts by store

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

LUMINKEY Luminkey98

Listed on the product, not split by store: ISO.

Qwertykeys QK101

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.

FAQ

LUMINKEY Luminkey98 vs Qwertykeys QK101: your questions

No, the QK101 is a barebones DIY kit. According to the product listing, it does not include switches or keycaps. You must purchase these separately and assemble the keyboard yourself.

Yes. The manufacturer states the Luminkey98 has a solid aluminum bottom case with two separate top cases, allowing you to move the numpad to either side of the alpha keys to create a southpaw or standard layout.

The QK101 has a larger combined battery capacity of 8000mAh (2x 4000mAh), while the Luminkey98 has a 4400mAh battery. The QK101's listing also notes that choosing its non-RGB PCB is recommended for best battery performance.

No, the specifications and vendor description for the Luminkey98 do not mention any RGB lighting. The QK101 offers an optional RGB PCB.

The Luminkey98 uses the proprietary LUMINKEY APP for programming. The QK101 supports the open-source VIA web configurator, which allows for real-time key remapping without installing software.

Yes, both the Luminkey98 and the QK101 feature hot-swappable PCBs, allowing you to change switches without soldering.

The Luminkey98 uses plate-mount stabilizers. The QK101 kit includes PCB mount stabilizers, and its plates are designed for use with them.

The Luminkey98 is more portable due to its more compact 98% layout and slightly lower weight (2600g vs 2000g). It is also a single, pre-assembled unit, making it easier to transport.

The Luminkey98 uses a top mount design. The QK101 offers a dual-mount design, allowing you to assemble it in either a gasket mount or top mount configuration.

The Luminkey98 has an aluminum case with plastic components. The QK101 features a CNC-machined aluminum case with optional copper accents and includes a stainless steel weight.

Yes, the QK101 DIY kit includes a protective keyboard case as part of the free gifts listed in its description.

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