Machenike K500F B81 vs Qwertykeys Neo65 Core PlusWireless vs RGB Choice
Choose the Qwertykeys Neo65 for wireless flexibility and premium build, or the Machenike K500FB81 for a lower-cost, RGB-equipped 75% layout.
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from$64at WhatGeek
5.0 (14)5.0 · 14 reviews
from$75at Divinikey
Which one should you get?
Get the
Machenike K500F B81
Wireless
Build quality in the bottom 40% of 75% boards under $100.
- Includes vibrant north-facing RGB or white backlighting options.
- Comes fully assembled with switches and keycaps, ready to use.
- Offers a choice between linear and tactile custom crystal switches.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
- No numpad.
Get the
Qwertykeys Neo65 Core Plus
RGB Choice
Build quality in the top 25% of 65% boards under $100.
- Tri-mode connectivity with Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired USB-C.
- Premium aluminum unibody case with a choice of brass or copper weight.
- Extensive kit includes multiple plate materials, foam, and screw-in stabilizers.
- 65% layout. No function row and no numpad.
Your priority dictates the choice. For a plug-and-play keyboard with eye-catching RGB lighting and a useful 75% layout at a lower cost, the Machenike K500FB81 is the straightforward option. If you value wireless freedom, a premium aluminum build, and deep customization from the ground up, the Qwertykeys Neo65 Core Plus kit is worth the investment and wait, despite lacking RGB.
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.
Machenike K500F B81
Qwertykeys Neo65 Core Plus
Layout size
75%
65%
Connection
Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Case material
Plastic
Aluminum
Sound dampening
No
Yes
Layout standard
ANSI
ANSI, ISO
ISO and JIS exist so regional layouts fit
- Machenike K500F B81
- Qwertykeys Neo65 Core Plus
- Performance
- 7653
- Build quality
- 5880
- Productivity
- 6780
- Customizability
- 6266
- Portability
- 6588
- Hot-swappable
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
What will you mostly use it for?
The Qwertykeys Neo65 Core Plus is the clear choice for mobile professionals and modding enthusiasts due to its wireless connectivity and kit-based, highly customizable design. The Machenike K500FB81 better serves gamers and programmers who want a ready-to-use keyboard with RGB and a more expansive 75% layout. For general office and content creation use, the winner depends on whether wireless flexibility or layout convenience is more critical.
Pick the Machenike K500F B81
- Includes north-facing RGB lighting for visual flair.
- Vendor description suggests its tactile switch is recommended for gaming.
- The 75% layout retains function keys without a full-size footprint.
Machenike K500F B81 vs Qwertykeys Neo65 Core Plus specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
8 of 23 specs differ
Machenike K500F B81
Qwertykeys Neo65 Core Plus
Switch options
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
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Machenike K500F B81
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Qwertykeys Neo65 Core Plus
Listed on the product, not split by store: ISO.
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.
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Machenike K500F B81 vs Qwertykeys Neo65 Core Plus: your questions
No, the Neo65 Core Plus is sold as a DIY kit. According to the vendor listing, it includes the case, PCB, plate, and accessories, but you must install your own switches and keycaps. The Machenike K500FB81 comes fully assembled.
The Qwertykeys Neo65 Core Plus offers tri-mode wireless connectivity, including Bluetooth and 2.4GHz, as well as a wired USB-C mode. The Machenike K500FB81 is a wired-only keyboard with a USB-C connection.
Yes, the Machenike K500FB81 features north-facing RGB lighting. The vendor page also lists a white backlight version as an option. The Qwertykeys Neo65 has no RGB lighting.
The Machenike K500FB81 uses a 75% layout with 81 keys, retaining the function row, arrow keys, and a column of navigation keys like Insert and Delete. The Qwertykeys Neo65 is a 65% layout, which typically removes the function row and some navigation keys for a more compact size.
Yes, both keyboards feature hot-swappable PCBs. This allows you to change switches without soldering. The Neo65 kit also offers a solderable PCB option.
The Qwertykeys Neo65 Core Plus has an aluminum unibody case with a brass or copper weight. The Machenike K500FB81 uses a plastic case construction.
The kit is comprehensive, including a foam kit (PE Sheet, PCB Foam, Poron Case Foam), a set of gaskets and screws, a 30 Duro O-ring, screw-in stabilizers (NeoStab), a keycap puller, a screwdriver, a plate fork, and a USB-C cable.
The Qwertykeys Neo65 is designed for sound tuning, featuring a tuned internal structure to reduce echo and including multiple foam layers. The Machenike's vendor description mentions it is quiet to type on, but the Neo65 kit provides more dedicated acoustic-dampening materials.
Yes, the product metadata for the Neo65 lists Mac/Win support. Its VIA-compatible firmware, mentioned in the vendor description, should allow for key remapping on macOS.
The Machenike comes with your choice of GR-ICE Linear switches or GR Crystal Tactile switches, as per the vendor options. The listing states these are custom crystal switches with a lifespan of up to 50 million keystrokes.
According to the vendor specifications, the Machenike K500FB81 includes a 1.6-meter USB Type-C cable.
The Qwertykeys Neo65 Core Plus has a typing angle of 7 degrees, as listed in its product specifications.
Not sold on either?
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