Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Head to head · Prices checked Nov 10, 2026

Qwertykeys Neo65 vs Neo Neo60 Core65% vs 60% Layout Choice

Choose the Neo65 for its dedicated arrow keys and premium material options, or the Neo60 Core for maximum compactness.

KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Qwertykeys Neo65

65%

Build quality in the top 5% of 65% boards under $150.

If you want

  • 65% layout includes dedicated arrow and navigation keys.
  • Premium material options include brass or copper bottom cases and stainless steel weights.
  • Includes VIA support for easy software-free key remapping.

Rules this board out

  • 65% layout. No function row and no numpad.

Get the

Neo Neo60 Core

60% Layout Choice

Build quality in the top 45% of 60% boards under $150.

If you want

  • More compact 60% layout saves desk space.
  • Screwless design with two assembly options (PCB gasket and O-ring mount).
  • Bottom orbit logo plate stores the 2.4 GHz USB dongle.

Rules this board out

  • Compact layout only. No function row, dedicated arrow keys, or numpad.

Bottom line

Your priority should be layout. If you regularly use arrow keys and prefer a more complete out-of-box kit, the Qwertykeys Neo65 is the clear choice, despite its longer lead time. Opt for the Neo Neo60 Core only if maximizing compactness is your absolute goal and you are comfortable using layered keys for arrows. Be prepared to source a plate separately for the Neo60 Core.

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.

Qwertykeys Neo65

Neo Neo60 Core

  • Layout size

    65%

    60%

  • Battery

    2,200 mAh

    4,400 mAh

    A larger battery means fewer cables during the day

  • Case material

    Aluminum, Brass, Copper

    Aluminum

  • Mount style

    PCB Mount

    Plate Mount

  • VIA

    Yes

    No

    GUI remapping without compiling firmware

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Qwertykeys Neo65
  • Neo Neo60 Core
Performance
57
54
Build quality
87
63
Productivity
62
56
Customizability
68
45
Portability
85
86

What they share

  • Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
  • Hot-swappable
  • Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
  • Sound dampening
  • Layout standard: ANSI, ISO
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Qwertykeys Neo65 is the more versatile choice for productivity-focused tasks like office work and programming due to its 65% layout with arrow keys and VIA support. It also leads in modding potential with more material choices. The Neo Neo60 Core wins for travel thanks to its smaller 60% footprint and clever dongle storage. For gaming and general use, the Neo65's layout and heft are advantages, while content creators face a tie on core wireless features.

For gaming

Pick the Qwertykeys Neo65

  • The 65% layout includes dedicated arrow keys, which are useful for certain game genres and menus.
  • Its dual mounting system (PCB gasket and isolated top mount) may offer more tuning options for feel.
  • It has a heavier 2500g build, which can provide more stability during intense use.

Full specs

Qwertykeys Neo65 vs Neo Neo60 Core specs

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

6 of 20 specs differ

Qwertykeys Neo65

Neo Neo60 Core

Typing & switches

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

PCB Mount
Plate Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

65%
60%

Layout standard

ANSI, ISO
ANSI, ISO

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Connectivity & battery

Connection

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

Max polling rate

1,000 Hz
1,000 Hz

Battery

2,200 mAh
4,400 mAhBetter

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum, Brass, Copper
Aluminum

Plate material

Aluminum, CarbonFiber, Plastic, Polycarbonate
Aluminum, CarbonFiber, FR4, Plastic, POM

Weight

2,500 g
—

Dimensions

19 x 292 x 109 mm
—

Typing angle

8°
8°

Backlight

None
None

Firmware & software

VIA

Yes
No

N-key rollover

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2025
2025

For EU buyers

ISO layouts by store

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

Qwertykeys Neo65

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

Neo 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.

FAQ

Qwertykeys Neo65 vs Neo Neo60 Core: your questions

The primary difference is the layout size. The Qwertykeys Neo65 is a 65% keyboard that includes dedicated arrow keys and a few extra navigation keys. The Neo Neo60 Core is a 60% keyboard that omits the arrow cluster and function row for a more compact footprint, requiring the use of a function layer for those keys.

Yes, both the Qwertykeys Neo65 and the Neo Neo60 Core are tri-mode keyboards. They can connect via wired USB-C, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz wireless. Both include a 2.4 GHz dongle in the kit.

The Qwertykeys Neo65 is generally better for programming. Its 65% layout provides dedicated arrow keys for navigating code, which is more convenient than using a function layer on a 60% board. The Neo65 also lists VIA support for creating custom shortcut layers.

Both are sold as DIY barebones kits. This means they do not come with switches or keycaps. Notably, the Neo Neo60 Core kit also does not include a plate, which must be purchased separately. The Qwertykeys Neo65 kit includes one plate of your chosen material.

The provided vendor description for the Neo Neo60 Core includes links to download a JSON file for VIA and a firmware file, strongly suggesting it is VIA compatible. However, this support is not explicitly stated in the feature list like it is for the Neo65.

The Qwertykeys Neo65 includes a single 2200mAh battery. The Neo Neo60 Core includes two 2200mAh batteries, for a total of 4400mAh. With both lacking RGB lighting, the Neo60 Core's larger combined capacity should logically offer longer wireless usage between charges.

The Qwertykeys Neo65 offers more customization options. Its kit includes a choice of four plate materials (Carbon Fiber, Aluminum, PC, PP) and allows you to choose a bottom case material of brass or copper. It also comes with a full foam kit for sound dampening.

Yes, according to the vendor descriptions, both the Qwertykeys Neo65 and the Neo Neo60 Core include a keyboard carrying case as part of the kit's free gifts.

Both feature aluminum cases. The Qwertykeys Neo65 uses a dual mounting system (PCB gasket and isolated top mount) and offers premium bottom case materials like brass and copper. The Neo Neo60 Core uses a plate mount system with a screwless design and includes a stainless steel external weight.

Yes, both keyboards offer hot-swappable PCBs. This allows you to change mechanical switches without soldering. The vendor description for the Neo65 specifies you must select a hotswap PCB option.

The Qwertykeys Neo65 is significantly heavier. Its listed weight is 2500 grams (2.5 kg), while a weight is not provided for the Neo60 Core. The Neo65's brass or copper bottom case and steel weight contribute to this heft.

Still torn?

Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.