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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 10, 2026

Qwertykeys Studio Neo65 Core Plus vs Neo80Compact 65% vs Full 80% Layout Choice

Choose the Neo65 for a portable, highly customizable kit, or the Neo80 for a heavier, full-layout TKL with premium metal bottom options.

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Neo65 Core Plus – 65% Custom Tastatur-Kit

5.0 (16)

$175at MonacoKeys

90-day low

Full 80% Layout Choice

Qwertykeys Neo80

Qwertykeys Neo80 Cu Keyboard

5.0 (12)

$199at Divinikey

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Qwertykeys Studio Neo65 Core Plus

Compact 65%

Build quality in the top 15% of 65% boards under $200.

If you want

  • Explicit support for QMK and VIA firmware for deep programmability.
  • Dual-mount system (gasket and gummy O-ring) and plateless build option for customizable typing feel.
  • Includes a carrying case and features a quick-disassembly Pogo-pin design.

Rules this board out

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

Get the

Qwertykeys Neo80

Full 80% Layout Choice

Build quality in the top 10% of 80% boards under $200.

If you want

  • Substantial 80% TKL layout with function row and navigation keys.
  • Choice of brass or copper bottom case, contributing to a hefty 4.5 kg assembled weight for stability.
  • Larger 4400mAh battery capacity for longer wireless use.

Rules this board out

  • No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
  • No numpad.

Bottom line

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you value a portable, highly customizable keyboard that supports advanced firmware and a compact layout, the Neo65 Core Plus is the clear pick. If you require a full TKL layout, prefer a heavier, more stationary keyboard with premium metal construction, and do not need QMK/VIA, the Neo80 is the better tool. Consider how much you use function keys versus how much you value desk space and programmability.

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 Studio Neo65 Core Plus

Qwertykeys Neo80

  • Layout size

    65%

    80%

  • Battery

    2,200 mAh

    4,400 mAh

    A larger battery means fewer cables during the day

  • Case material

    Aluminum

    Aluminum, Brass, Copper

  • QMK

    Yes

    No

    The deep option when you want to remap every key

  • VIA

    Yes

    No

    GUI remapping without compiling firmware

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Qwertykeys Studio Neo65 Core Plus
  • Qwertykeys Neo80
Performance
61
61
Build quality
84
85
Productivity
69
62
Customizability
83
55
Portability
86
72

What they share

  • Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
  • Hot-swappable
  • Mount style: Gasket Mount
  • Sound dampening
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Neo65 Core Plus wins for travel and modding due to its portability and extensive firmware and mounting options. The Neo80 is the better choice for office work and content creation where its full TKL layout and heft are advantages. For gaming, the Neo65 has a slight edge with its confirmed high polling rate and space-saving design, while programming is a tie, dependent on a coder's preference for dedicated keys versus a more compact form factor.

For gaming

Pick the Qwertykeys Studio Neo65 Core Plus

  • The Neo65's 1000 Hz polling rate is explicitly listed for its wired PCB, a spec not confirmed for the Neo80.
  • Its more compact 65% layout frees up more desk space for mouse movement.
  • The lighter weight and smaller form factor may be easier to reposition during long sessions.

From real owners

What owners say

Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.

Qwertykeys Studio Neo65 Core Plus

5.0

16 owner reviews

Praise
“High Quality Product. Fast delivery and one of the nicest customer services I experienced. If you have any questions jump on his discord and u will get any help u need!”
SimonVerified buyer· via MonacoKeys

Qwertykeys Neo80

5.0

12 owner reviews

Praise
“Spectacular mechanical keyboard, the best I've had so far, thanks to QwertyKeys and Divinikey for making it possible to own it.”
Alex C.Verified buyer· via Divinikey

Full specs

Qwertykeys Studio Neo65 Core Plus vs Neo80 specs

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

9 of 21 specs differ

Qwertykeys Studio Neo65 Core Plus

Qwertykeys Neo80

Typing & switches

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

65%
80%

Layout standard

ANSI, ISO
ANSI

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
—

Battery

2,200 mAh
4,400 mAhBetter

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum
Aluminum, Brass, Copper

Plate material

Aluminum, Plastic, POM
Aluminum, CarbonFiber, Plastic

Weight

—
4,500 g

Dimensions

18 x 313 x 111 mm
18 x 356 x 134 mm

Typing angle

7°
8°

Backlight

None
None

Firmware & software

QMK

Yes
No

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 Studio Neo65 Core Plus

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

Qwertykeys Neo80

No ISO layout at the stores we track.

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 Studio Neo65 Core Plus vs Neo80: your questions

Both keyboards offer tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired). However, the Neo80 has a larger 4400mAh battery, which should provide longer usage between charges compared to the Neo65's 2200mAh battery. For extended cord-free sessions, the Neo80 has a battery capacity advantage.

The provided specifications for the Neo80 do not list QMK or VIA support. The Neo65 Core Plus explicitly includes both QMK and VIA support in its specs and vendor description. If advanced firmware customization is essential, the Neo65 is the confirmed choice.

According to vendor descriptions, both aim for a natural, foam-free sound. The Neo65 Core Plus uses a 3D copper weight and a tuned internal structure for a clearer, brighter acoustic profile. The Neo80, with its full brass or copper bottom and partitioned acoustic chamber, is described as delivering a deeper, clean typing sound.

Yes, but only on the Neo65 Core Plus. Its PCB is listed as compatible with both ANSI and ISO layouts. The Neo80 specifications only mention ANSI layout support, so ISO keycap sets may not fit correctly on the Neo80.

The Neo80 is significantly heavier. Its assembled weight is approximately 4.5 kg (4500g), due in part to its brass or copper bottom case. The Neo65's weight is not specified, but its smaller aluminum case and smaller copper weight suggest it is much lighter.

No. Both the Qwertykeys Neo65 Core Plus and Neo80 are sold as barebone DIY kits. This means they include the case, PCB, plate, and various accessories, but you must purchase mechanical switches and keycaps separately to complete the build.

The Neo65 Core Plus supports a dual-mount system: PCB gasket mount and gummy O-ring mount. The Neo80 offers three options: Poron gasket mount, silicone gasket mount, and top mount, giving you flexibility to change the typing feel.

A 1000 Hz polling rate is explicitly listed for the wired PCB option of the Neo65 Core Plus. The polling rate for the Neo80 is not stated in the provided specifications, so a direct comparison cannot be made.

The Neo65 Core Plus offers aluminum, POM, and plastic plates. The Neo80 provides a wider selection including aluminum, carbon fiber, plastic, PEI, and a special glossy-chamfered aluminum plate, offering more variety for sound and feel customization.

The Neo65 Core Plus is more portable. It has a smaller 65% form factor (313mm x 111mm), includes a keyboard carrying case in the box, and is undoubtedly lighter than the 4.5kg Neo80. Its compact size is easier to pack and transport.

No. Both the Qwertykeys Neo65 Core Plus and Neo80 are specified as having no per-key RGB lighting. They focus on materials, acoustics, and typing feel rather than customizable lighting effects.

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